PhD Courses in Denmark

This course is available at 13 universities worldwide and has attracted over 350 doctoral candidates. It is designed to support individuals engaging in design research or aspiring to academic careers, focusing on three key goals:

1. Designing and organising a Ph.D. thesis and
   academic publications.
2. Establishing strong research methodologies
   and techniques, particularly in Architecture
   and Design, while ensuring applicability across
   various scientific domains.
3. Manage the thesis process, coordinate relationships with stakeholders, and communicate research effectively to create impact in academia and society.

The course's first focus is designing and structuring a Ph.D. thesis. A central tool supporting this process is a graphical framework, which helps participants organise their research logically from the introduction to the conclusion. This visual structuring approach strengthens the internal coherence between research questions, methodology, results, and discussion. The course addresses both monographic and paper-based Ph.D. formats, offering specific techniques to either develop a unified dissertation or structure a series of interconnected articles according to academic standards. Participants learn how to shape a thesis or a portfolio of papers that is methodologically consistent, thematically integrated, and academically rigorous, establishing a clear intellectual trajectory across their research work.

The second pillar of the course is developing robust research methodologies and techniques. Building on the structured thesis framework, participants explore a diverse range of methods suited to contemporary architecture and design research. These include research by design, qualitative and ethnographic approaches, grounded theory, mixed methods, case studies, simulation modeling, digital twins, parametric analysis, historical analysis, speculative design, experimental prototyping, environmental performance simulation, and participatory action research. Participants are guided in selecting, adapting, and combining methods to align with their research questions and design goals. Emphasis is placed on methodological innovation and scientific rigor, enabling participants to craft research strategies that are both discipline-specific and adaptable across broader academic contexts.

The third major component addresses thesis management, stakeholder coordination, and dissemination
for impact. Participants receive practical guidance on
initiating research processes, managing revisions, balancing deadlines, and collaborating effectively with
supervisors, academic peers, and external stakeholders
(including industrial Ph.D. frameworks). Special attention is given to preparing for the final defence and strategically managing the different phases of doctoral
work. In parallel, the course explores dissemination
techniques to maximize research visibility and relevance. Participants learn to optimise their work according to academic impact metrics (citations, journal publications, grants) and to extend their influence
beyond academia, making their findings relevant to
society, industry, and policy-making arenas.

By structuring the course around these three interconnected pillars, participants are equipped with a cohesive and transformative framework to generate highquality research and successfully navigate their academic and professional careers.

Dates
13-17 April, 2026.

ECTS
4

Application deadline: 
11-03-2026