Program Overview

PhD (Built Environment) Program Overview

The PhD (Built Environment) program at RMIT University is designed to develop sophisticated research, technical, and critical analytical skills in the field of built environment. Through advanced coursework and research, students will contribute to the knowledge base of research in their chosen field by undertaking an original, substantial, and rigorous research project.

Program Details

• Duration: Full-time 3-4 years, Part-time 6-8 years
• Fees: Research Training Scheme for domestic students, AU$37,440 (2026 annual) for international students
• Next Intake: Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
• Location: Melbourne City

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the PhD (Built Environment) program will be equipped to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, non-government organizations, and corporations.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honors, or a master's degree that includes a research component
• English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5, TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79, Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58, Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176

Research Areas

Individually supervised research programs are available in:

• Project management
• Construction
• Property
• Planning
• Building science

How You Will Learn

• Research at RMIT: Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research
• Regular Contact with Your Supervisor: A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion
• Resources, Facilities, and Support: Access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal, part of an active research community with access to resources and workshops to help you succeed

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy will have developed the skills required to conduct independent research and will have contributed to the knowledge base of research in their chosen field by undertaking an original, substantial, and rigorous research project. Graduates will demonstrate:

• A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning
• Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice
• Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning
• Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies, and conclusions

Course Structure

The PhD program is structured to enable students to complete a compulsory research methods course, receive training in research integrity and ethics, select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques, and complete a thesis/project that demonstrates their original contribution to the field and their ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard.

Electives and Course Plan

Students will complete this program under academic supervision. The program includes:

• Compulsory research methods courses
• Training in research integrity and ethics
• Electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques
• A thesis/project

English Language Requirements

To study this course, students must complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176

Fees Information

• Annual Tuition Fee for 2026: AU$37,440 for international students
• Total Indicative Tuition Fee for 2026 Commencement: AU$161,280 for international students
• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF): Used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve the student experience
• Other Expenses: May include additional costs associated with the program

Scholarships

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognize academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.