Guidance for PhD Applicants

This information sheet intends to help you to prepare for an application for PhD studies in the area of building performance analysis at the University of Strathclyde, under supervision of Professor Pieter de Wilde

We recommend that you go through the following stages:

1. Read this page in order to get a good overview of the application process.
2. Check whether you meet the universities requirements for admissions to postgraduate studies.
3. Develop a clear idea of the topic/subject you want to research during your PhD studies
4. Establish informal contact in order to discuss your initial ideas, and to get feedback on your proposals.
5. Put in a formal application through the university system.

Requirements/Qualifications:

In order to be admitted to PhD-studies at the University of Strathclyde, you will need a first-class or upper second-class honours degree from a UK university, or an overseas equivalent. This needs to align with the subject you want to study. For building performance analysis this includes degrees in building science, building services engineering, architectural engineering, building technology and similar. We are also interested in candidates with a background in mechanical engineering, physics, or mathematics. If you have a different background, feel free to contact us to discuss. Further details about applying for a PhD at Strathclyde can be found on the PhD/MPhil/MRes pages of the Department of Architecture.

Research Proposal:

The research proposal is a key element in our review of applications. It needs to demonstrate a goal that clearly fits within the area of building performance analysis and the expertise of the team. Typically we encourage projects that fit in:

• Building performance simulation
• Building monitoring and measurement
• Innovative building technology
• Construction management

A proposal (approximately 600 words) should include (1) working title (2) introduction to the topic of interest, including references to earlier work in the area and showing how the work connects to the state-of-the-art (3) motivation for the work, showing why this work is of relevance to the discipline of building performance analysis (4) a first attempt at defining a research methodology, that shows what work will be undertaking during the project (5) an indicative planning, demonstrating feasibility of the project in the time allocated and (6) references to key publications on the subject of choice that demonstrate a good grasp of the topic and initial reading.

If you do not have a firm research proposal it is still important to provide as much information as possible including possible topic areas and intended sources of funding.