MPhil PhD Architecture, Computing and Engineering

Program Overview

Studying for an MPhil with UEL's School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE) will push you to the limit - and you'll be supported all the way by our world-class academic staff.

ACE has strong research expertise in urban sustainability, cyber-security and big data studies. We're also world leaders in ecological and environmental protection studies.

We have a strong culture of research collaboration between our architecture, computing, engineering and geo-information centres, as well as with other UEL Schools and international partners.

ACE is developing better security for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, as part of a €3 million EU project. The work will protect multi-screen mobile TV, software licensing, as well as stored data.

ACE is a centre of excellence for sustainable green roof design. Its research is developing better water management, a reduced urban heat island effect, energy conservation, and increased biodiversity.

The School is part of an EU project to boost Europe's data centre sector by reducing energy consumption, using algorithms and holistic systems to improve environmental designs.

Program Outline

A PhD is an original and distinct contribution to the knowledge of the field of study. It is often essential for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry or commerce. PhD research can be carried out in all subject areas.

The most popular course is the PhD via MPhil.

All postgraduate research students are supervised by at least two research-active staff. Your supervisors will support your programme of research through regular meetings and reviews.

The PhD via MPhil course normally takes a minimum of 36 months (full-time) 60 months (part-time) to complete. Students enrolled in full-time mode of study will transfer from the MPhil to a PhD usually at the two year stage or equivalent for part-time study.

At the end of your PhD, you will be required to submit an 80,000-word thesis, summarising your research. You will then have to undergo an oral examination (a viva) on your thesis.

Research proposals

Research proposals give us a better understanding of the area you want to study for an MPhil, PhD via MPhil or PhD Direct course.

You don’t have to follow a predetermined structure when writing your proposal, but it's a good idea to include a title that describes the aims and scope of your research, and information on how your ideas fit in with the research interests of UEL.

Other important elements include: relevant academic literature, how your research will advance knowledge in this area, and a possible methodology. You should also include a timescale for your research.

To find out more about how to write your research proposal, see our

research proposal guidance

At the end of your PhD, you will be required to submit an 80,000-word thesis, summarising your research. You will then have to undergo an oral examination (a viva) on your thesis.