Doctoral Programme in Built Environment, 240 cr

The objective of the Doctoral Programme in the Built Environment is to train professional researchers and versatile problem-solvers in the fields of civil and infrastructure engineering and architecture and urban planning and design. The doctoral studies offered under the programme aim to provide students with deeper scientific knowledge and skills for research and applied practical work than master's degree studies. A key part of the doctoral studies is research training, meaning studies that aim to provide students with the ability to conduct research and apply research findings in practice. High-quality research is an essential precondition for doctorate and research studies.

A student who completes the programme:

- has a deep understanding of their own field of research and its social significance.

- has acquired the readiness to independently and critically apply scientific research methods and the ability to produce new scientific knowledge.

- has familiarised themselves with the development, fundamental questions and research methods of their own field of research.

- has achieved a level of understanding in regard to general scientific theory and other fields related to their own field of research that enables them to follow the development of these fields.

- has achieved adequate communications and language skills and other preparedness to work in broad and demanding expert and development positions and engage in international cooperation.

Furthermore, the student:

- has a deep understanding of scientific research in the subject matter area of their doctoral dissertation.

- is able to make justifiable choices in regard to the content of their doctoral dissertation.

- is able to critically analyse prior scientific research.

- is able to write in accordance with good scientific practices.

Every doctoral student's personal research and study plans are developed in co-operation with the supervisor. The target completion time of the programme for full-time students is four years.

The Doctoral Programme in the Built Environment offers doctoral studies in the following research fields:

Architecture and Urban Planning and Design

Research areas: management of built heritage, architectural design, and urban planning and design.

Civil and Infrastructure Engineering

Research areas: structural engineering, construction management and economics, infrastructure engineering, and transport systems.

In order to complete a doctoral degree, a student admitted for doctoral studies must:

1) complete the required doctoral studies (min. 40 cr);

2) demonstrate independent and critical thinking in their field of research; and

3) write a doctoral dissertation and defend it in public.