PhD Program in Architecture

Grade requirements: 

• Completion of a CACB-accredited Master of architecture degree (or foreign equivalent) from an accredited institution
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+)

What you'll need to apply:

1. Connect with a supervisor 
   Note: Please send a CV and brief description of your proposed research in the first communication.
2. Submit your application via the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC);
3. Prepare your documents to upload via Toronto Met’s Yeates School of Graduate Studies. 
   
   

Documents include:

• Resumé
• Transcripts
• English language proficiency requirement
• Three letters of recommendation:
  One of which must be from a prospective supervisor in the Department of Architectural Science who has agreed to work with you if accepted. The two other letters should be from appropriate referees who can speak directly to your past achievements, design research potential, and capability to lead ambitious self-directed work. In most cases, the referees will be from a former professor, research supervisor, a professional employer, or creative collaborator. 
• Statement of interest: addressing the proposed research topic and methodologies, motivations and objectives, with bibliographic references (1500-2000 words).
• Writing sample: Such as a journal publication, book chapter, paper, etc.
• Portfolio of design work: is a collection of your work that demonstrates your high level of competence in all aspects of architectural design. It should include work from school and in professional practice.  Instructions:
  
  
  • Submit your portfolio as one single PDF document (max 50 MB)
  • The cover page must include: the words “PhD in Architecture Portfolio”, your name, your mailing address, and phone number.
  • Page two: of the portfolio must be the completed PDF statement of authorship. 
  • Pages three & four: must be a one-page summary CV and a one page summary of the Statement of thesis intent. These are in addition to the separate submissions for each of these documents, which are also required to be uploaded as separate files. 
  • Length: the portfolio may include up to 30 additional individual pages or 15 two-page spreads. It may include images of creative work in aunty media. If your work is heavily video-based please contact the associate chair prior to submission.
  • Labels: all work must be clearly labelled and identified by the name/title of the project, the medium and date of work, and any other relevant information regarding the work submitted. If the work was produced in a professional context, identify your specific role. School group work must list the names of each member.
  • No hard copies - only PDF submissions will be reviewed

Notes: 

• Make sure your documents are clearly labeled before they are uploaded. 
• Once you have gathered all the required documents and activated your online identity, you can log on to the Applicant Upload portal. 
• After you have successfully uploaded all your required documents, your application will enter the review process. Monitor your application status in MyServiceHub and through the Applicant Upload portal.

1

Development of a design research plan of study

ARxxx - Research Seminar (selected from available graduate courses or approved directed study course)

Ongoing Design Research

AR8110 - Thesis and Design Research, or equivalent directed study course

Ongoing Design Research

+ confirmation of advisory committee

2

Milestone 1 – Design Research Creative Project

Ongoing Design Research

Milestone 2 – Design Research Proposal / Candidacy Exam

3

Ongoing Design Research

Ongoing Design Research

Milestone 3 – Design Research Dissertation (final submission and defense)

Completion time:
Three (3) years, full time (max. six calendar years)

Degree requirements: you are required to successfully complete

• One research seminar (ARxxxx, 1 cr), selected from available graduate architecture courses or approved directed study course
  
• One Thesis and Design Research course (AR8110, 1cr), or directed study course with advisor
  
• Three pass/fail milestones including:
  1) Creative project
  2) Design research proposal & candidacy examination
  3) Dissertation.