The PhD in Sustainable Built Environments at The British University in Dubai addresses the urgent need for expertise in environmentally responsive design. This programme provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills in:

• Sustainable Design Strategies: Learn advanced methods for creating eco-friendly buildings and spaces.
• Advanced Energy Modelling: Master the techniques for optimizing energy use in buildings.
• Urban Infrastructure and Transport: Understand sustainable urban planning and transportation systems.
• Interior Environment: Explore environmentally conscious interior design.
• Environmental Policy and Economics: Gain insights into the economic and policy aspects of sustainability.

In line with international academic standards, the new structure of the PhD programme is based on the British model, where students are mainly trained in the first year on research skills before they begin work on their thesis from the second year onwards. This model ensures a strong foundation in research methodology, enabling students to undertake impactful doctoral research with confidence and clarity.

Graduates of our PhD programme in Sustainable Built Environments are equipped to make impactful contributions in various industries. Potential career paths include:

• Academia: Become a leading researcher or professor in sustainable design.
• Research Centres: Work at the forefront of sustainability research.
• Regulatory and Policy-Making Organisations: Influence and create policies for sustainable development.
• Private Sector Management and Strategy: Lead sustainability initiatives in corporations and consultancies.

This programme is perfect for professionals in architecture, building services, urban design, and interior design who seek to deepen their expertise and drive sustainable innovation.

• A recognised Master’s degree in a subject related to the programme with a cumulative grade point average of greater than 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale or its equivalent.
• A recognised Bachelor’s degree in a subject related to the programme.
• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field related to the Sustainable Built Environment. Those without sufficient background in the built environment will need to complete additional master’s-level courses to build their foundation. These courses must be passed but will not incur extra tuition fees.
• A minimum EmSAT score of 1400, TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT, 79 iBT), IELTS academic score of 6.0, or their equivalents on another standardised nationally, or internationally, recognised test that is approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR).
• The chosen area of SBE study must be one, which can be supervised by staff within the University.
• An initial proposal for research, including motivation to study for a PhD, which will be discussed through an interview. Proposal Guidelines , Sample Proposal
• Submission of a certificate of equivalency issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR) for all previous degree certificates awarded by institutions outside the UAE.
• A copy of the passport along with a copy of the Emirates ID (If available).
• Al Ethbara Number (for UAE nationals only).

Selection criteria:

• Work experience: Relevant work experience will be considered. Considerable experience (3 years or more) in SBE or related area is desirable.
• Satisfactory admissions interview will be mandatory.
• Satisfactory supporting references will be required.

English Exam Registration

• Students are encouraged to register for their IELTS or TOEFL at The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
• Paper-based ITP TOEFL are accepted by the administering institution only. Only those administered by AMIDEAST Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah will be accepted if it is sent by Amideast to BUiD directly.
• While registering with ETS for iBT or with Amideast for ITP TOEFL, please quote BUiD’s TOEFL code 0168.
• Internet (iBT) – test scores should be sent to BUiD directly by ETS.

Knowledge

• Demonstrate a high level of understanding of applicable research techniques for investigation and advanced academic inquiry in relevant Sustainability themes
• Demonstrate a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge that is at the forefront of an academic discipline or research area in relevant Sustainability themes.

Skills 

Demonstrate the general ability to conceptualize, model, solve, and critically analyze Sustainability problems with the aim of the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline

Aspects of competence     

Autonomy and responsibility  

Ability to work, independently or as part of a research team, on research topics that are at the forefront of the discipline of Architecture and Sustainability

Role in context      

Ability to create and interpret new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarly activities

Self-development 

Ability to disseminate research results in high quality peer reviewed conferences or journals.

Stage 1

• Qualitative Research Methods and Paradigms
• Quantitative Methods

Stage 2

• Research Design and Planning 
• Proposal Defence 

Stage 3

• Thesis