Doctoring the Doctorate

Dates TBC

The AA is holding a post-doctoral workshop on issues and problems of supervising PhDs. Applications are welcome from those who already possess a PhD or are very near to completion. The course will be organised by Mark Cousins, director of History and Theory Studies at the AA School of Architecture. It is for young academics in the fields of architectural theory, architectural history and relevant disciplines. It considers the skills necessary to a supervisor. 

The course will consist of two core elements. The first relates to helping the doctoral student to define and frame the PhD topic; to construct a detailed thesis proposal, to organise appropriate filing systems for research and to deal with the planning of the thesis in terms of chapters and paragraphs. The second core workshop will provide an opportunity to read and comment on pieces of writing, which will be supplied by existing AA PhD students. A third element will be independent presentations on specific issues – bibliography and especially new possibilities through electronic media; articles and conference papers written during the PhD; forms of publication subsequent to the PhD. The course is intended to provide an open framework and it draws upon long experience of supervision. The beginning of the course coincides with the opening of the AA Projects Review. 

The course is relevant to the supervision of those PhDs which take the traditional form of critical, historical and formal analysis of architectural and spatial issues. It does not deal with practice-based PhDs or with PhDs which are closer to the natural sciences.

Applications

The deadline for applications is TBC 2013. All participants travelling from abroad are responsible for securing any visa required. After payment of fees, the AA can provide a letter confirming participation in the workshop. A portfolio or CV is not required, only the online application form and payment.

Fees

The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £400 per participant, which includes a £50 Visiting Membership. If you are already a member, the total fee will be reduced automatically by £50 by the online payment system. Fees are non refundable. Applicants who themselves received a PhD from the AA will be given a discount. Fees do not include flights. Accommodation during the workshop is not provided, but advice on accommodation options can be given.

Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools. Please ensure this equipment is covered by your own insurance as the AA takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen at the workshop.

Elgibility 
Applications are welcome from those who already possess a PhD or are very near to completion.