Doctor of Philosophy of Spatial Studies
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning (Ph.D.)
All tracks (Regular & Direct track, Combined MSc-PhD track, Special track)
The doctoral program is designed for students interested in leading independent, original research in the field of urban and regional planning.
The doctoral program focuses on completing original research and preparing a dissertation. The acquisition of knowledge is generally through guided independent study and reading in areas related to the research topic.
Research must be original, either experimental or theoretical, basic or applied, with an emphasis on the analytic and scientific approach. Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent research abilities, as well as the ability to conduct original research that has significance to the field. Candidates must also demonstrate qualities of imagination, enterprise, analytical skill, judgment and perseverance, required of an independent researcher. Research will be considered significant if it is of the caliber required for publication in a distinguished international scientific journal, and considerably advances knowledge and insight in the field of research.
Curriculum
The doctoral program spans 42 months:
- The first year is devoted to background studies, review of the literature and preparing the dissertation proposal.
- The two and a half final years are devoted to research, writing scientific publications and the dissertation.
- + Up to 16 points of courses based on admission committee decision.
Note: The Faculty offers a generous scholarship and tuition exemption to most doctoral students, based on personal excellence.
Admission requirements
The program is open to students with a Master of Science in fields other than urban and regional planning, according to the Technion Graduate School’s guidelines.
Acceptance to the PhD program is conditional on finding a doctoral advisor and submitting a description of the proposed field of research, which will be reviewed by the track’s Admission’s Committee.
Candidates with a non-thesis master’s degree must meet admissions requirements for exploratory research (as part of non-degree studies), approved by the school, including the following conditions:
- A grade point average of 90 or above in their master’s degree, and a grade of 90 or above on their final thesis.
- At least two letters of recommendation from lecturers at the Technion or other academic institutions or professionals in the field, preferably those who hold an advanced academic degree. One of the letters of recommendation must be from the student’s master’s thesis advisor.
Applications for the PhD program are accepted year-round.