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Teaching
| One to one supervision | Students can usually expect to have around four one-hour supervisions per term with their principal or other supervisors. They will also be appointed an advisor with whom they can arrange to meet on an informal basis if need be. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | Cambridge has a wealth of resources from which students can develop and consolidate the skills they need to produce a successful thesis and the methods and technology to achieve this effectively. The Faculty provides an integrated MPhil and PhD training course, which PhD students are required to attend, where relevant, weekly research seminars and talks, peer monitoring within reading and discussion groups, and practical skills training (photography, building survey). There are also seminar series run by specific research groups in the department, which you are encouraged to attend. Other training on Postgraduate Researcher Development |
| Lectures | Attending lectures is optional, but students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of activities in the Department of Architecture and other faculties relevant to their research. Students will also have access to courses offered by the Language Centre, the Social Sciences Research Methods Programme, and the Personal and Professional Development. |
| Small group teaching | Students are encouraged to attend research skills seminars and workshops for two hours weekly. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Entirely Research |
Feedback
Students will be provided with feedback via supervision and the Supervisor's termly reports.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The thesis should not exceed 80,000 words. Two examiners examine the thesis; the assessment includes an oral examination, which is usually held at the Faculty or can be held remotely. The word count excludes appendices, footnotes, reference list or bibliography. Only in the most exceptional circumstances will permission be given to exceed the stated limits. In such cases, you must make an application to the Degree Committee as early as possible -and no later than three months before it is proposed to submit the thesis, having regard to the dates of the Degree Committee meetings. Your application should (a) explain in detail the reasons why you are seeking the extension and (b) be accompanied by a full supporting statement from your supervisor showing that the extension is absolutely necessary in the interests of the total presentation of the subject.
Additional Materials
Additional materials are defined as materials created by the candidate which are integral to the thesis and essential for examination, but cannot be easily included in the main body of the thesis. Examples may include films, documentaries, 3D models, simulations, video or audio recordings, hi-resolution images, or computer programmes.
If you need to include additional materials, you need permission to do so BEFORE submitting your thesis for examination.
Other
Candidates will be reviewed on a regular basis as part of the PhD.
Students will submit a First-Year Report in the third term (or part-time equivalent). Two examiners will assess their reports, and candidates will also undertake an oral examination. Candidates must pass to be registered and progress into the second year.
During your seventh term (or part-time equivalent), students will be required to present their work at the annual PhD Conference. The progress will be assessed and documented in a short report.
In the ninth term (or part-time equivalent), students will have an interview with their Supervisor(s) and one other University Teaching Officer from within the Department or any other appropriate assessor approved by the Supervisor to monitor their progress and ensure that they are on track to submit your thesis within three years.
Candidates will submit a logbook of their research activity at the end of each year.