Ph.D in Architecture (including Urban and Rural Planning)

Studying Ph.D in Architecture (including Urban and Rural Planning) at Zhejiang university in China:

Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures. It encompasses various aspects such as urban planning, rural planning, landscape architecture, interior design, and structural engineering.

Urban planning focuses on the organization and design of cities and towns. It involves determining the layout of streets, parks, public spaces, and infrastructure to create functional and aesthetically pleasing urban environments. Urban planners consider factors such as population growth, transportation systems, zoning regulations, environmental sustainability, and social equity to develop comprehensive plans for the development and revitalization of urban areas.

Rural planning involves the design and development of rural areas to ensure sustainable land use practices. It aims to preserve natural resources, protect agricultural lands, promote rural economic development, and enhance the quality of life for rural communities. Rural planners work on projects such as land conservation, agricultural zoning, community facilities planning, and infrastructure development in rural areas.

 

Necessary information:

• Duration: 3.5 years
• Degree awarded by: Zhejiang university
• Admission criteria: Master’s degree
• Language of instruction: English
• Format: Full-time
• Tuition Fee: RMB 39,800 Yuan/ Academic Year
• Application fee: RMB 800 yuan (non-refundable)

Note:

• An extra RMB 8,000 yuan/academic year shall be charged for programs whose language of instruction is English.
• The Tuition fee standard mentioned above is for reference ONLY. The tuition fee standard released at registration shall prevail.

 

Curriculum:

Some potential subjects for a PhD in Architecture (including Urban and Rural Planning) could include:

1. Sustainable urban development and planning
2. Historic preservation and conservation
3. Urban design and public spaces
4. Housing and community development
5. Transportation planning and infrastructure design
6. Landscape architecture and ecological planning
7. Architectural theory and criticism
8. Social equity in urban planning and design
9. Disaster resilience and emergency management in built environments
10. Cultural heritage management and tourism planning.

 

Career opportunity:

• Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
• Housing manager/officer
• Local government officer
• Town planner
• Transport planner
• Urban designer
• Architect
• Architectural technologist
• Building control surveyor
• CAD technician
• Fire risk assessor
• Interior and spatial designer
• Town planner
• Urban designer

 

Application Requirements:

1. General Requirements

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with proper moral conduct, in good health with no infectious disease or any physical or mental diseases that may affect the normal study, and be under the age of 40 (Age limit is flexible for healthy applicants with certain work experience and high academic ability). Applicants must be valid foreign passport holders and Master’s degree holders (Applicant who provide pre-graduation certificate or student status certificate at application MUST provide Master’s degree diploma prior to registration.)

2. Requirements on nationality

2.1 Applicant who has given up their original Chinese citizenship (including residents in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and become foreign citizens shall provide the documents certifying the cancellation of Chinese nationality, according to the policy of Ministry of Education of the PRC.

2.2 If the applicant has acquired foreign citizenship automatically at the time of birth in a foreign country, whose parents were both Chinese citizens, or one of the parents was a Chinese citizen, parent’s (with Chinese citizenship) permanent resident in foreign country should be obtained prior to the birth of the applicant.

3.Language proficiency requirements: Applicants should meet with Language Proficiency Requirements of Doctoral Degree Programs at Zhejiang University for International Applicants.

• Documents for Application

1. A photocopy of passport.
2. Highest degree certificates. If applicants are university students, they shall provide an official pre-graduation certificate. The original or notarized copy of the academic qualification certificate must be submitted after admission (the degree certificate must be obtained no later than registration).
3. Academic transcripts during Master’s and Bachelor’s degree study, which must be original documents or notarized copies.
4. Language proficiency certificates.
5. Personal statement, in Chinese or English, should include study and work experience, reasons for application and study proposal. No less than 1500 words.
6. Two letters of recommendation from full professors or associate professors. (Professors’ signature, contact phone number and email address must be put on the letter.)
7. Published academic papers or other academic achievements. (If applicable)

8.2023 version of Form for Provisional Acceptance of International Student by ZJU Supervisor.

Applicants shall provide the above form for supervisors to fill. Old versions will not be accepted. Applicants of some programs must provide acceptance letter.

9. Applicants are encouraged to provide GRE、NTS-GAT test score.
10. The above application materials must be in Chinese or English, and notarized copies of translations must be provided for texts in other languages.

 

English language requirements:

• Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing English Proficiency Certificates.
• International applicants who apply for English-taught graduate programs must provide certificates to prove their English language proficiency meets the minimum requirement for admission, which are listed as below:

Exam	score
IELTS	6.5
TOFEL	90
CAE or CPE	180
GRE	320
GMAT	550
NTS GAT Subject	70%

 

Deadlines and intakes:

• Intake Every Year: September Intake

Doctoral degree programs of Zhejiang University usually start from end of August or early of September every year.