PhD in Architecture: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Duration: 3 Years
Avg Fees: ₹55K - 1 LPA
Kripal Thapa
Kripal Thapa

Updated on - Jan 4, 2023

PhD in Architecture is a three year doctorate program that deals with the research degree and collection, interpretation, and presentation of bibliographic resources and other databases, and specific computer skills. This PhD in Architecture course graduate can get many job roles such as Architectural Engineer, Architecture Designer, Architecture Draftsman Architectural Historian, Art Director, Building Contractor & Researcher, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, etc.

Table of Contents

PhD in Architecture Course Details

Degree Doctorate
Full Form Doctorate of Philosophy in Architecture
Duration 3 Years
Age No age limit
Subjects Required Masters in Architecture and previous research work on the field of Architecture
Minimum Percentage 50%
Average Fees ₹55K - 1 LPA
Average Salary INR 3 to 12 LPA
Employment Roles Architectural Engineer, Architecture Designer, Architecture Draftsman Architectural Historian, Art Director, Building Contractor & Researcher, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, etc.

About PhD in Architecture

PhD in Architecture is a three years doctorate degree which is created in such a way that the learners get to know a deep understanding of their chosen topics. Over the past few years, the scope of pursuing PhD courses in India has increased manifolds. 

Many universities are in front of admission in this course. This program is a research degree offering the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental member of staff. Unless the student becomes a member of a research group, the research is undertaken entirely by the candidate on their own, with regular supervision of progress with their supervisor. 

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Architecture

As all the students know how useful a PhD in Architecture course is, that’s why it’s quite difficult to get admitted into their respective interested universities. Those students who want to take enrollment in this doctorate program have to qualify for the eligibility criteria i.e one should have a minimum mark of 55% in both B.Arch and M.Arch examinations. 

There are few PhD Agricultural entrance exams that have cutoffs to qualify. There is no age limit for the students for taking admission to this course.

Who Should Pursue a PhD in Architecture Course?

A PhD in Architecture is a three years doctorate program that makes a student’s career in the public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors. When it comes to your career graph. A PhD in Architecture degree gives a variety of job opportunities to the graduates.

One of the most sought-after jobs for a PhD in Architecture degree holder is of a lecturer or a professor in a university or a researcher in most fields. 

Along with this, a PhD in Architecture degree holder can get a job in Landscape architecture, Park planning/capital planning, Specifications/contract administration, Site inspection, Field survey crew, Administration etc. 

Candidates will have in-depth knowledge and develop mastery over the subjects they have chosen for specialization, which will be extremely useful for them in their careers. Those learners who are interested in these specializations should pursue this course.

When to do a PhD in Architecture Course?

Aspirants are eligible to pursue a PhD in Architecture course only if they have completed their master's degree in a similar course/ field/ stream in which they want to pursue a PhD in Architecture. Some colleges also specify that candidates need to have completed an MPhil to pursue a PhD in Architecture course offered by them.

How To Get Admission for PhD in Architecture?

Admission to the PhD in Architecture course is not impossible if the students ensure that they research the details well. The universities follow the process of entrance-based admissions. The admission process with respect to admission through exams varies from college to college. 

Online and offline both facilities are available to the students for enrollment. The students are guided to check the college website to get detailed information.

How to Apply?

There are two ways to apply for admission in the PhD in Architecture course. Either online by visiting the college website and following the steps given there or offline by visiting the university's office. There are certain colleges that take interviews for checking the knowledge and communication skills of the candidates.

Selection Process

The selection process of the candidates for getting admission in the respective PhD in Architecture course ends an interview. The students who have cracked the entrance exams with good marks can give interviews for the further joining process. The last step of the admission procedure decides whether the student is eligible to take admission or not.

Types of PhD in Architecture Courses

A PhD in Architecture is a research-based doctorate program and that's the reason this course can be done in any of three modes i.e full-time, part-time, and distance learning mode. Aspirants can pursue the PhD in Architecture course at many top universities. 

Full-Time PhD in Architecture

A full-time PhD in Architecture program duration is three years that is provided by many top respected colleges or universities. This full-time course is all about classroom-based studying, research projects, and assignments. There are no limitations on the age for taking admissions.

Part-Time PhD in Architecture

A part-time PhD Agricultural program is for 5 years. This course is basically created for students who are working somewhere or are professionals. A part-time mode is all about having limited classes. 

Part-time PhD is mainly focused on research for the development of the company rather than individual research work.

Distance PhD in Architecture

A distance PhD in Architecture in India program is quite easy for getting knowledge at any time from anywhere. Many people believe in pursuing this course because of no issue of being physically present at the universities. 

The objective behind the creation of this distance learning program is to provide the degree along with the knowledge while working.

Various institutes and testing agencies conduct PhD in Architecture entrance exams for admissions in PhD in Architecture and Technology. The following are some of these entrance examinations:

A Quick Glance at the PhD in Architecture Entrance Exams

Students can access the PhD in Architecture course details by going to the college's official website to which they are interested in applying. The specialization plays a vital role in the college's approach to the entrance exam. Below listed are some of the general guidelines of the PhD in Architecture entrance examinations: 

  • The exam pattern includes common topics from 10+2, graduation and postgraduation level i.e. technology, life sciences, mathematics, sciences, and general aptitude.
  • The papers are objective and MCQ-based.
  • The syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change according to a university/conducting body.

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in India

India is home to some of the PhD in Architecture colleges in the world. Aspirants have many options to choose from in terms of the best PhD in Architecture course as per their preferences. Depending on the type of PhD in Architecture programs offered, candidates will have to make the appropriate choice.

Below is the list of the top best PhD in Architecture colleges in the country:

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in India
SL. NO. NAME OF THE COLLEGES
1 BHU, Varanasi
2 University Of Hyderabad
3 AMU, Aligarh
4 Amity University, Patna
5 Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Jaipur
6 Pondicherry University
7 Mumbai University
8 Utkal University, Odisha
9 Annamalai University, Cuddalore

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in New Delhi

Delhi, the educational hub of India, stands in the fourth position in producing PhD in Architecture candidates. Here are the top 5 PhD in Architecture Colleges in New Delhi:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in New Delhi
SL. NO. Institution
1 University Of Delhi
2 Hindu College
3 Ramjas College
4 Lady Shri Ram College
5 PGDAV

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Mumbai

Below is the list of colleges which are the top PhD in Architecture colleges in Mumbai:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Mumbai
SL.NO. Institutions
1 Ramnarain Ruia College
2 Kishinchand Chellaram College
3 NMIMS Mumbai
4 Elphinstone College
5 Amity University

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Pune

Below are the list of colleges which are the top colleges of PhD in Architecture in Pune:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Pune
SL.NO. Institution
1 Vishwakarma University
2 Fergusson College
3 Dr DY Patil Arts Science and Commerce College
4 Annasaheb Magar College
5 NIMS University

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Chennai

Top 5 PhD in Architecture Colleges in Chennai are given below:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Chennai
SL.NO. Institution
1 Annamalai University
2 Loyola College
3 Madras Christian College
4 IIT Madras
5 Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Bangalore

Banglore city has some of the best colleges for PhD in Architecture courses in India. Here is the list of top colleges for PhD in Architecture in Bangalore:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Bangalore
SL. NO. Institution
1 Mount Carmel College
2 Christ university
3 Bangalore university
4 The Oxford College of Science
5 Reva University

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Kolkata

Check the Table below for the top colleges in Kolkata:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Kolkata
SL.NO. Institution
1 St. Xavier's College
2 NSHM
3 Presidency University
4 Maulana Azad College
5 LBS

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Hyderabad

The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for PhD in Architecture courses in India. Check the table below for the top PhD in Architecture colleges in Hyderabad:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Hyderabad
SL.NO. Institutions
1 NMIMS University
2 Nizam College
3 Indian Institute of Management and Commerce
4 Osmania University
5 University of Hyderabad

Top PhD in Architecture Government Colleges

There are several top Government Colleges offering quality PhD in Architecture programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD in Architecture government colleges in India:

PhD in Architecture Government Colleges
Sl.No Institution
1 IGNOU, New Delhi
2 Delhi University, New Delhi
3 University of Hyderabad
4 AMU, Aligarh
5 Gujarat University, Ahmedabad

Top PhD in Architecture Private Colleges

India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD in Architecture private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD in Architecture private colleges in India:

PhD in Architecture Private Colleges
SL.NO. Institutions
1 MIT WPU, Pune
2 Manipal University, Jaipur
3 Amity University, Noida
4 Singhania University, Jhunjunu
5 OPJS University, Rajgarh

Study PhD in Architecture in Abroad

Students can opt to study a PhD in Architecture course abroad if they can afford it. The PhD in Architecture course abroad is up to 5-8 years, depending on the type of course, college and country. 

The benefits of studying a PhD in Architecture course abroad are access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculties, apart from worldwide exposure in terms of subject matter and other cultures. 

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges Abroad

The table below contains the list of some of the best colleges abroad for PhD in Architecture:

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges Abroad
Institution Fees 
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology USD 17,787
University Of Cambridge, UK USD 34,747
Stanford University, USA USD 64,347
University Of California, USA AUD 16,779
Yale University, USA USD 45,700
University of Chicago, USA USD 66,096

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in USA

The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD in Architecture programmes in the world. The US is the best country for PhD in Architecture studies and settling abroad.

It's a PhD in Architecture-level that the USA really shines through. The table below contains the list of top colleges of PhD in Architecture in the USA:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in USA
SL.NO. Institution
1 Stanford University
2 University Of California
3 Yale University
4 University of Chicago
5 Cornell University

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in the UK

A PhD in Architecture is a research degree and is the highest award available at universities in the UK. The study is based on a substantial research project on an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which then must be defended in an oral examination in front of a panel of experts.

The table below contains the list of top colleges of PhD in Architecture in the Uk:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in the UK
SL.NO. Institutions
1 University of Oxford
2 University Of Cambridge
3 Imperial College London
4 King’s College London
5 University College London

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Canada

An increasingly attractive and multicultural study destination, Canada is a great option to consider for your PhD in Architecture studies, offering a wealth of research opportunities to help you expand your expertise. Here are the top universities for PhD in Architecture in Canada:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Canada
SL.NO. Institution
1 University of Toronto
2 University of Manitoba
3 McGill University
4 McMaster University
5 University of Montreal

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Australia

A PhD in Architecture in Australia means that you will develop your knowledge and skills, which ultimately increases your chances for employment within Australia and in any country. According to the UN's Education Index, Australia's education system ranks first. The table below shows the top universities for PhD in Architecture in Australia:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Australia
SL.NO. Institution
1 University of Queensland
2 Monash University
3 University of Melbourne
4 University of Sydney
5 UNSW

Top PhD in Architecture Colleges in Germany

It is much easier to get a PhD in Architecture in at a European university, which takes about 3-4 years in a good university in Europe. The PhD in Architecture from Germany in engineering enjoys an outstanding reputation. Germany's research institutions, universities and companies welcome international researchers and offer excellent opportunities for doctoral students.

The table below shows the top universities in Germany colleges of PhD in Architecture:

PhD in Architecture Colleges in Germany
SL.NO. Institution
1 Technical University of Munich
2 Heidelberg University
3 Free University of Berlin
4 LMU Munich

Fee Structure for PhD in Architecture

The fee structure for PhD in Architecture varies for different Universities. Also, the fee structure varies following the course and University. Students can download the admission brochure as well as the course curriculum to get the details of PhD in Architecture admission and fee structure. 

The average PhD in Architecture fee in India is INR 55,000 - 2 LPA. Now, read below to know about the fee structure of different universities.

Fee Structure for PhD in Architecture
Name of the college Fees (INR)
BHU, Varanasi 25,104 PA
University Of Hyderabad 15,200 PA
AMU, Aligarh 27,855 PA
Amity University, Patna 3.2 LPA
Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Jaipur 3.7 LPA

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Architecture

PhD in Architecture is a doctorate course in Agriculture. The course may have a duration of 2 years and it is a full-time course. It is a research-based course. In the PhD in Architecture duration, the candidates get to learn the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data. 

This course mainly covers areas like Math and Statistics, etc. The students come to know about the fundamentals of agriculture and crop production. Though the actual course offerings might differ from one university to another, here is a list of major subjects which are commonly studied under a PhD in Architecture:

  • Research Methodology in Architecture.
  • Environment and Architecture
  • Sustainable Architecture
  • Waste Management Methodologies
  • Basics of Project Management
  • Building Code of Architecture
  • Project Thesis
  • Research/Dissertation
  • Seminar

Read More: PhD in Architecture Subjects and syllabus

Why Choose PhD in Architecture Course

When students decide to pursue the PhD in Architecture qualification, they should research PhD in Architecture course details to ensure that they know the course they are enrolled in. Some of the common queries that students encounter are, "What is PhD in Architecture" and "Why PhD in Architecture?". To understand the answer to these questions, we can make it simpler by breaking it down into the following three short questions:

What is PhD in Architecture All About?

A PhD in Architecture or Doctor of Philosophy is a doctoral research degree and is normally the highest level of academic qualification one can achieve. A PhD in Architecture degree holder can get a job an Architectural Engineer, Architecture Designer, Architecture Draftsman Architectural Historian, Art Director, Building Contractor & Researcher, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, and many more. The course has a specialization that deals with architectural research. The Students need to check the PhD in Architecture course outline perfectly.

Why PhD in Architecture Graduates Do?

Students can select the subjects of their choice depending on their interest in job prospects available in the specific field. Since graduates with a PhD in Architecture degree possess skills in various subjects, there are career opportunities available in multiple fields for them. 

In addition, there are many responsibilities that graduates of this role have to undertake, which makes the role very dynamic and diverse.

Design Architect: One of the popular roles undertaken by graduates of the PhD in Architecture course is Design Architect. They perform jobs like talking to the customers, making and altering drafts structures and observing ventures' progress.

Reasons Why PhD in Architecture Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

PhD in Architecture courses are a very reflective and exciting stream of education. Students can gauge the intrinsic worth of a PhD in Architecture course because it offers more avenues of employment opportunities than any other stream. Thus, the PhD in Architecture job scope is forever widening and appealing.

Diversity in Job roles: There is a diverse range of job roles available for the graduates of this course. Since the specializations available to the students are very flexible, it enables the students to pursue a wide range of roles in their careers.

Read More: PhD in Architecture Jobs and Scope

PhD in Architecture Course Comparison

PhD in Architecture stands for Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics and is typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards research-based degrees and professional architecture. Here is a course comparison of PhD in Architecture with another course:

PhD in Architecture vs PhD Agronomy

Course PhD in Architecture PhD Agronomy
Full Form Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy 
Stream Statistics and Mathematics Agronomy
Duration 2 Years 3-6 Years
Eligibility M.Arch course with a minimum of 55% marks Masters in Agronomy or relevant course with a minimum of 50% marks
Entrance Exams GATE AP EAPCET, GATE, IPU CET. JIPMER GCET. AIIMS  CSIR UGC NET, UGC NET, AAU VET, OUAT
Top Colleges Amity University, Annamalai University, Christ University, Aligarh University Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, College of Postgraduate Studies, Shillong, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur.
Fees INR 50,000- 2 LPA INR 1- 6 LPA

Preparation Tips for PhD in Architecture Course

There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a PhD in Architecture degree. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles. 

Improve Vocabulary: Improving vocabulary is very necessary as the PhD in Architecture course deals with many writing and reading activities. So having excellent communication and writing skills are a plus for the student studying the PhD in Architecture course.

Read and Practice More: Being up to date with the syllabus every day is very important. Practising and reading more will help the student be thorough with the syllabus and do well in the exams.

Have Intrinsic Knowledge and Interest in Subjects: Having intrinsic knowledge about the subject and having the same interest will keep the student motivated to learn more than what's in the syllabus.

Revise Methodically: Revising from time to time can be a key to scoring well in the final exam. Keep revising regularly and understand the subject properly. Revision is the key to scoring good marks.

Salary of a PhD in Architecture Graduates

The salary depends on the kind of job you get/you choose to do, what your PhD in Architecture research area is and where you are employed.No prior experience is required to be a PhD in Architecture Student. The average Salary of a PhD in Architecture graduate starts from INR 0.3 - INR 12 LPA (Source: Payscale), depending on the stream you belong from.

Read More: PhD in Architecture Salary

Career Options After PhD in Architecture

A PhD in Architecture degree is pursued by a majority of students because it offers better career options, for example, in the field of academics and research. PhD in Architecture in itself is a broad term, it has many specializations that have different career options and jobs. PhD in Architecture Jobs include:

  • Architectural Engineer
  • Architecture Designer
  • Architecture Draftsman Architectural Historian
  • Art Director
  • Building Contractor & Researcher
  • Interior Designer
  • Landscape Architect

Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Architecture Graduates

For studying a course like PhD in Architecture, there are so many skills that a student needs to have. The skills help the students to get well-maintained dignity, respect, and so much attention. So, that’s why the students need to put their efforts to come out of their comfort zones and earn respect as much as possible. Some of these skills include:

  • Design Skills
  • Abstraction
  • Construction Administration
  • Construction Documents
  • Critical Thinking
  • Restoration
  • Renovation
  • Residential Construction
  • Building Contracts
  • Database Management

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