Students typically follow a short directed reading component, deliver a presentation related to the research, and embark on the preparation of a dissertation, based on work of an advanced or original nature undertaken by them.

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of one of the following qualifications: (a) the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Built Environment Studies with at least Second Class Honours or (b) a qualification deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board, to be comparable to the qualification listed in paragraph (a). Applicants may be asked to demonstrate competence in those skills required by the nature of the proposed research via an extended interview and the submission of appropriate documentation, provided that where deficiencies are identified applicants shall be required to take specific study-units intended to compensate for the deficit. Applicants whose first degree was obtained more than 10 years previous to their application for the Course may also be admitted, provided that they provide sufficient proof of their competence to follow the Course with profit. The Board may, at its discretion, require such applicants to follow a preparatory programme as specified below. Preparatory Programme Applicants may be required to complete a preparatory programme, comprising not less than 30 and not more than 60 credits as directed by the Board, depending on the number of credits already obtained in their course of study, with an overall average mark of 55% or better, prior to their registration as regular students on the Course. Preparatory programmes of study shall also be governed by the Principal Regulations.