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The Faculty’s three research programs enable you to undertake an advanced specialisation in scholarship and research. By completing written theses or studio-based projects, your research degree prepares you for the most contemporary of debates in design scholarship.
The Faculty places great emphasis on its research activity. Our vibrant community of scholars and practitioners means that there is not only someone that has expertise in your field of interest, but they may also have a similar methodological approach to that which you wish to pursue. This ensures that you can study what you want, how you want.
All research students want answers. We help you find the answers to your research questions by putting the focus squarely on the subject of your investigation. When you study a research program with us, you will engage your critical faculties and hone your research skills to address these questions. At the end of your program, the answers you have discovered will inform the next generation of scholarship and research.
We want your research to change the world – literally. Our approach to research encourages projects that have important implications on industry and social understanding of research fields. We help you communicate the conclusions and impacts of your study, not just the results of your research.
Master of Philosophy
The Master of Philosophy (Architecture) is a two-year research program that allows you to explore a specific area of interest within any of the four disciplines. Depending on your research discipline, your program may include core, course-work based learning in addition to the production of a research thesis.
The program is generally completed in four semesters (2 years, full-time) or in eight semesters (4 years, part-time). The thesis produced in the Master of Philosophy (Architecture) is in the range of 30,000 to 60,000 words, depending on coursework requirements.
The Master of Philosophy (Architecture) may also be studied in a studio-based mode of study. Please contact the Faculty for the specific requirements of this mode of study in the Master of Philosophy program.
Successful completion of the first year of the Master of Philosophy (Architecture) can be used as an entry pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy (Studio Mode) programs. Applicants for the Master of Philosophy (Architecture) must hold a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline.
PhD (Major Thesis)
If you are interested in producing a substantial and original contribution to a research discipline, you may consider enrolling in the Doctor of Philosophy by major thesis. This program enables you to pursue the most in-depth scholarship and research across our four research disciplines.
The major thesis component requires the production of a written thesis of 60,000 to 80,000 words that contributes significantly to the existing academic literature and advances the academy’s understanding of the research topic. This program is normally completed in 8 semesters of full-time study (4 years).
To apply for the Doctor of Philosophy by major thesis, you must hold either a research Master degree or a Bachelors degree with first- or second-class honours. You may also be admitted if you pass a qualifying examination at an equivalent standard.
PhD (Studio)
The Doctor of Philosophy (Studio) is a unique program in Australian design research. This innovative course structure enables you to pursue doctoral level studies through the production of a creative work and a written thesis. The program’s methodology is based on approaches to design, distinguishing the Doctor of Philosophy (Studio) from other PhD programs offered in the social sciences.
Both the creative work and the thesis must examine the historical and theoretical underpinnings of the creative work. This must similarly demonstrate an original contribution to the academy’s knowledge. Both works must similarly address a research question that relates to academic and / or industrial practice.
This flexible research program contains a thesis of variable length, typically 30,000 to 50,000 words. The length of the thesis will be agreed through consultation with you and your supervising academic.
To apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (Studio), you must hold either a research Master degree or a Bachelors degree with first- or second-class honours. You may also be admitted if you pass a qualifying examination at an equivalent standard.
To learn more about the opportunities presented by the studio based PhD, visit the PhD Studio Information page.