PhD programmes in Town & Regional Planning

The Standard route PhD (full time)

The usual route to a PhD in the Department takes 3-4 years. This comprises:

Year 1: Taught research training (RT) modules and development of a detailed research proposal

Students take a number of taught modules in a programme tailored to their research skills and previous experience. These modules are provided by the Department and by the Faculty of Social Sciences as part of the ESRC-funded White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Centre programme, and cover principles and methods in social science research, research ethics, and subject-specific specialised modules as required.

Over the first nine months students also work under their supervisors’ guidance to prepare a detailed doctoral research proposal. This is assessed by the Department’s Research Committee and presented to the staff and research students at the annual Research School Conference in June. Following a successful submission and presentation, and completion of any required taught modules, students progress to their doctoral research.

Year 2: Doctoral research and advanced research training

The second year is usually the principle field research period, and for many students also includes the beginning of analysis and writing up their thesis. We also encourage students to take advantage of the advanced research training modules provided by the universities in the White Rose DTC, and within the Department.

Year 3: Writing up and advanced research training

Students aim to complete their thesis and submit it within the third year. Research training in this final year would focus on advanced analysis methods and skills for employment (e.g. writing for publication.)

Year 4: some students continue writing up in Year 4. Although we continue to supervise fourth year students, we cannot guarantee to continue full support in respect of space and computing facilities within the Department.

PhD with Integrated Studies

This is a four-year route with an integrated MA in Planning Research, taken during the first year. This comprises the White Rose DTC core training modules (principles and methods in social science and research ethics), sixty credits taken from specialist options within TRP, and a research-based dissertation. For more information please contact the Director of the Research School, Dr Steve Connelly (email: s.connelly@sheffield.ac.uk, tel: 0114 2226916)

Part-time study

We also offer part-time PhD study, which takes between 4-7 years. For more information please contact the Director of the Research School, Dr Steve Connelly (email: s.connelly@sheffield.ac.uk, tel: 0114 2226916)