A doctoral degree at the Department of Architecture offers the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental member of staff. Unless the candidate is part of a research group, the research is undertaken entirely by the candidate on their own, with regular supervisions on progress with their supervisor. The Department welcomes applications from graduates to undertake research towards a PhD in most areas, including: History, Theory and Communication, as well as; Design, Technology and Environment, but is unable to accept candidates for whom no supervisor is available. Unlike, for example, many North American Universities, the Department does not offer a taught PhD programme. Instead, it admits those applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available member of the academic staff who is willing to act as the student's supervisor. As well as the research and skills training programme offered by the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art, candidates have the opportunity to attend numerous courses, such as those related to the use of bibliographic resources and other databases, and specific computer skills. The examination constitutes the oral examination of a thesis not exceeding 80,000 words for the PhD on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty. By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake post doctoral work (research and/or teaching) or another related profession outside the academy.