PhD Studentship – Architectural Practice: Designing with heritage materials for sustainable futures

Job title:

PhD Studentship – Architectural Practice: Designing with heritage materials for sustainable futures

Company

Glasgow School of Art

Job description

PhD Studentship – Architectural Practice: Designing with heritage materials for sustainable futuresGlasgow School of Art – Rural Lab and Mackintosh School of Architecture with Historic Environment ScotlandQualification Type: PhD by PracticeLocation: Glasgow, G3 6RQ or Forres, IV362SHFunding For: UK Students, EU Students, International StudentsFees: Tuition Fees covered in fullStipend: £20,780 (FT) per yearHours: Full Time (three years six months), Part Time will also be consideredStart date: 1 October 2025The Glasgow School of Art invites applications for a fully funded Collaborative Doctoral Award PhD by Practice Research in Architectural Practice, titled Designing with heritage materials for sustainable futures: a practice based architectural inquiry. The studentship is funded by the AHRC via the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH).The Glasgow School of Art GSA is internationally recognised as one of Europe’s top university-level independent art schools in the visual creative disciplines. GSA has a distinctive specialist, practice-led research culture which is widely recognised internationally. The generation of new knowledge and understanding through creative practice, scholarship and criticism in Fine Art, Design, Craft, Architecture and related fields is central to our practice research. GSA researchers include internationally renowned artists, designers, architects, historians and critics. GSA’s rural campus, GSA Highlands & Islands is situated on the Altyre Estate in Moray in the north-east of Scotland. The campus is a centre for postgraduate study, research and innovation, and the estate’s heritage-listed buildings have been converted into state-of-the-art research, studio workshop and exhibition spaces.You can find out more information about our Glasgow campus and our GSA Highlands and Islands campus .This project, delivered in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is a practice-based architectural inquiry into designing with heritage materials for sustainable, circular futures. The project will explore creative potential for vernacular materials in innovative, contemporary architecture for rural and island environments. The project will embed architectural practice, fieldwork, archival research, circular and regenerative design theory, hands-on making and live testing materials. Drawing on specialist material knowledge from the heritage sector, this project strives to make a unique contribution to regenerative, net zero architecture of the future. By looking back to look forward, the project explores future uses for a range of hyperlocal, traditional building materials. We welcome applications from candidates with a strong background in architectural practice, with a clear interest in the creative and innovative application of vernacular materials for low impact architectural solutions.What We Offer

• Tuition fees covered in full
• Full stipend to cover your living expenses (UKRI rate)
• Access to a vibrant research environment with regular workshops, training, and opportunities for collaboration
• World class workshops and excellence in creative practice research
• Access to research support funding for training, conferences, and fieldwork
• The opportunity to apply to the Graduate Teaching Assistant scheme

SupervisionSupervision will be provided by academic members of The Glasgow School of Art’s Rural Lab research unit and Mackintosh School of Architecture supported by colleagues at Historic Environment Scotland (HES). Applicants are encouraged to highlight previous experience that demonstrates specific areas relevant to the opportunity in their cover letter.Research Training EnvironmentPhD students benefit from regular supervision alongside a structured programme of researcher development. This includes training in research methods, academic writing, ethics, impact, and career development. Students are also encouraged to share and discuss their research through the GSA’s programme of seminars, symposia, and discipline-specific events. In addition to the GSA’s own provision, students have access to a wide range of external opportunities through the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH), of which the GSA is a member, and the UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE). . PhD students also gain access to the University’s extensive library collections and online resources.Eligibility and RequirementsEssential:

• An undergraduate degree in Architecture or related subject with First or Upper Second Class Honours and, where required, an English language IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.5 in each component (or equivalent)

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• A strong motivation to pursue independent research and contribute to team-based activities, such as teaching.

Desirable:

• A Master’s degree, in Architecture or related subject.

International applicants are welcome to apply, however, they would be responsible for covering the costs of visas, health surcharge and relocation costs.If you have moved to or from the UK or Republic of Ireland in the past three years or have applied under the EU Settlement Scheme, please check your eligibility status before applying.Application ProcessFor full details of this research project opportunity and instructions on how to apply please download the full project information document from:Upon completion of the application form ( ) please email it and the other required supporting documents to: by 4th July 2025.

Expected salary

Location

Forres, Moray – Glasgow

Job date

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:29:58 GMT

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