PhD Built Environment/Architecture 

Dual Degree

This is a three-year advanced pioneering professional doctorate degree in Architecture, Urban Design and Built Environment and a dual program delivered by the University of Santo Tomas and the University of Reading. The aim is to train first class researchers and support them in the production of an original piece of work. The programme offers training in architecture, design, science and engineering, social science and management; candidates will be expected to develop multi-disciplinary approaches to current issues and challenges relating to the design and enhancement of the built environment, including the quality of life, sustainability of communities, wealth generation and long-term resilience. Graduates will be expected to contribute to the design of buildings and the broader environment in which they are situated.

The programme is delivered via distance education without any taught courses and is purely based on research. There are regular exchanges between UST and UoR academics and managers to discuss and support development of individual programmes and research. Resources include close supervision with at least two supervisors, structured workshops on the Reading campus and participation in conferences. The PhD programme starts with an intensive study period at the University of Reading, followed by a structure of PhD supervision visits and exchanges across the two campuses.

Key Learning Outcomes

  1. Enables one to become more research-oriented to forge a unique combination of architectural and urban design professional knowledge with analytical and theoretical propositions; 
  2. Develop deeper understanding in the field of Built Environment, with emphasis on Urban Living Organisations, People and Technology, Energy and Environmental Engineering. 

How to Apply

1. Accomplished admission requirements must be personally submitted to the UST Graduate School Office during the application period during the months of January-March for the 1st Term in August. Documents, such as transcript of records (TOR) and application forms submitted via electronic mails are not allowed. Foreign applicants may send the admission requirements via international courier services.

2. In general, an applicant with a general weighted average not lower than 1.35 (92%) or A- in the master’s program may be admitted to the program.

3. Applicants eligible to apply in the program:

3.1 Should be licensed architects who have a master’s degree in the field;

3.2 Should possess advanced research competencies;

3.3 Should pass the IELTS exam with a score of band 7.0;

3.4 Should have a clear understanding of the program by research.

4. In the event that a foreign student discontinues his/her studies for whatever reason(s) during the first semester entry, the rule on dropping of courses is observed to determine adjustment of fees.  Moreover, if a foreign student decides to discontinue the programme for whatever reason(s) and fails to settle his/her accounts, no official record of his/her academic performance shall be released.

5. A student who wishes to pursue the degree not aligned with his/her master’s degree should finish at least fifteen (15) units of courses under the Professional Development Programme offered by the UST Graduate School Center for Continuing Professional Education and Development (CCPED) subject to the approval of the Programme Lead. For those whose master’s degree is aligned, a review of the courses taken will likewise be subjected to approval by the Programme Lead.

6. Courses taken from another university without the approval of the UST Registrar’s Office and the recommendation of the Dean shall not be formally credited.

7. A separate application should be done by the applicant at the University of Reading by visiting its website.

8. Applicants should pass the screening by both UST and UoR before admission into the programme.

Location and Contact Information

University of Santo Tomas

The Graduate School

Ground Floor

Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC)

University of Santo Tomas

España, Manila 

The Philippines 1015

www.graduateschool.ust.edu.ph

Direct Landline: (02) 731-5396

Local Number: (02) 406-1611 local 8247

All forms may be downloaded from the website and submitted to the Office of the UST Graduate School.

University of Reading

Once accepted by UST, a student must then apply for the UoR programme online, highlighting that they wish to be part of the dual PhD. Click here for more information.

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