Doctoral Program in History and Theory of Architecture
About Us

The Doctoral Program in History and Theory of Architecture at the Department of Architecture (D-ARCH, ETH Zurich) was established in October 2012. Affiliated with the gta Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture, it is oriented toward the training of scholars in the corresponding fields. The program guarantees the quality of doctoral study by offering excellent supervision within a fixed schedule. The program’s focus is on the history and theory of architecture and urbanism in the broader context of cultural history, including the history and theory of art and of science and technology. Within this framework, support is offered for a wide range of research projects through the varied expertise of the gta Institute and D-ARCH faculty, and through active relationships with other departments throughout ETH Zurich and beyond.

All members of the doctoral program’s committee co-supervise the students’ individual research in graduate colloquia, workshops, critiques and methodology seminars. In addition, international experts are invited as lecturers and critics. Joint events organised together with other research institutions intensify the scholarly exchange and reinforce the academic network of the doctoral candidates.

The program targets young researchers with expertise in the history and theory of architecture, as well as architects with experience in research. The program’s focus is on the students’ independent doctoral research, the topics of which are determined by the candidates themselves. The structure of the program stipulates that a revised research plan be presented and a principal supervisor be chosen before the end of the first year. A written dissertation is expected to be submitted at the end of the fellowship.



The Application Process


The Doctoral Program in History and Theory of Architecture offers supervision and funding for doctoral students through a fellowship programme. Calls for applications are published each year during the Autumn Semester, for positions starting 1 October the following year.

For currently open positions, please check the Link.

In case of further questions, please consult the FAQs or send us an e-mail.