Program Overview

PhD (Architecture & Design)

The PhD (Architecture & Design) is a research-based program that allows students to explore new territories of design research, contribute to the knowledge base of the discipline, and redefine aspects of design. The program develops advanced technical research skills to prepare students for careers in industry, academia, and other settings.

Program Overview

The School of Architecture and Urban Design is widely recognized for innovative leadership and contribution to excellence in design research. The program is designed to enable students to complete a substantial body of original research that makes a significant contribution to the field of architecture and design.

Career Outcomes

Upon graduation, students may pursue academic careers in universities or be employed in senior positions in galleries, museums, festivals, non-government organizations, art organizations, companies, venues, and studios. Students will also have the capacity to work as research fellows and postdoctoral research fellows on postdoctoral research projects in university and government organizations.

Admissions

• The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:
  • A bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honors.
  • The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects, or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent).
  • The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year.
• Alternatively, applicants may be considered with:
  • A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average.
  • A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average.
  • Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

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 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet-Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE(A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Fees

• The annual tuition fee for 2026 is AU$44,160.
• The total indicative tuition fee for 2026 commencement is AU$188,160.

Program Structure

• The 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
  • Complete a thesis/project that demonstrates original contribution to the field and the ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard.

Research Integrity Modules

• Students are required to complete the online modules:
  • Research integrity
  • Copyright and intellectual property
  • Research methods for engineering and related disciplines

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 of a Doctoral Degree will have:
  • A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution
  • Substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
  • Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice
  • Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge
  • Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning
  • Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies, and conclusions
  • Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards to peers and the community
  • Expert skills to design, implement, analyze, theorize, and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.