The School of the Built Environment has strong relationships with industry, professional institutions and governments around the world (and especially UK and Malaysia). This allows us to develop and transfer knowledge beyond the boundaries of the academic environment to provide you with the unique opportunity to conduct research in this part of the world.
The University is ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021). In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of the University of Reading's research in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is rated of international standing, and 100% of our research impact in the same Unit of Assessment has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’.
The School draws together expertise across a range of disciplines including organisation and management, design, sustainability, procurement and economics. We particularly welcome interest from postgraduate students wishing to pursue research in topics related to our three main research pillars:
- Business Innovation in Construction
Specific areas of expertise include construction procurement, contract law, value management, and project management. Interests include the construction sector's relationship with broader society, including corporate social responsibility. - Digital Practices
This group tackles opportunities and challenges of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) in delivering and managing the built environment. Our research also explores the realm of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and other emerging digital technologies and how these can be used to create a more immersive environment in the construction industry. - Transition Pathways to Low Carbon Development
Specific areas of interest include how the construction sector will deliver against diverse sustainability requirements from policymakers, professional institutions, clients and occupiers. Interdisciplinary research is needed into the ways in which change leaders are working to translate these demands into company-level strategies, cultures, organisational and supply chain structures and practices.
Find a PhD supervisor
For more details of the research interests of our academic staff:
- Dr Bruno Lot Tanko
- Dr Mustafa Klufallah
- Dr Noor Azeyah Khiyon
- Dr Sivaraman Kuppusamy
- Dr Maizon Hashim
Our UK academic staff will act as co-supervisors to provide support for the students.
What to do next?
You must express your interest in studying for a PhD with us by sending your CV and an initial research proposal on the topic that you are thinking of exploring in your PhD to
We shall propose academic staff with interests and expertise in your subject area, and for you to work with them to develop your proposal into an original research project that will move your field forwards. Once a supervisor and suitable research topic have been identified, we will encourage you to submit an application for admission to the PhD programme.
Our school will select and propose qualified academic staff members who possess expertise in your subject area. You will have the opportunity to work with them to refine your proposal and develop it into a novel research project that will make significant contributions to your field. Once you have identified a suitable research topic and supervisor, we will guide and support you in the process of submitting an application for admission to our esteemed PhD programme.
