Program Overview
About the course
The Doctor of Architecture (Design) is an individually focused and supervised professional research program executed in the medium of architectural design. The successful student makes a substantial and original contribution to architecture through the presentation of an exhibition of architectural design.
Careers and further study
Take your studies to a new level with a postgraduate degree and discover what career opportunities lie ahead.
Career Pathways
This degree will equip you with the skills and experience to take your career in architecture to the next level.
Further Study
Higher doctorate
Fees and scholarships
Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course.
Domestic Student Fees
There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.
International Student Fees
Annual course fee
2025
$40,200.00
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.
Admission requirements
If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below.
Admission Requirements
Qualifications equivalent to a Bachelor of Architecture with at least upper second class honours and sufficient architectural design experience. For more detailed admission requirements see Rule 10.2 in this handbook.
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the University’s English language requirements to be eligible for a place.
Course details
Students in this course undertake a program of individually supervised research leading to the presentation of an exhibition of architectural design that is equivalent in scope to the fully developed design of a building of major cultural significance.
Quick details
Status
- Available
Locations
Attendance
- Full-time
- Part-time
Delivery
- On-campus
Starting dates
- By agreement with their supervisors, students may commence at any time throughout the year except December.
Weekly contact time
- Full-time students are expected to spend at least 30 hours per week on their research throughout the year. Part-time students are expected to spend at least 15 hours a week on their research throughout the year.
Level of study
- Postgraduate
Course Code
- 25920
CRICOS code
- M
Full time/part time duration
- 3 years
Degrees course is available in
- Doctor of Architecture Design
Research at UWA
Why undertake graduate research?
Our students thrive from the challenge of independent research and the freedom to explore and focus on areas of interest. Many high-achieving students elect to undertake a research degree because they have the drive to progress as far as they can in their chosen field. There are also major benefits for career development.
Graduates of research degrees at UWA experience a high rate of success in employment because the generic or transferable skills required for success in their research degree are the same skills that are in high demand by employers. Gaining a research degree indicates to a prospective employer that you have excellent project and personal management skills, shows you can think independently and critically, solve problems and communicate effectively. Transferable skills developed through a research degree are durable and valuable, just as much as the content knowledge gained.
Excellent facilities
At the School of Design, you’ll have access to well-equipped facilities including:
- Studio spaces
- Design Hub, a working space with senior student mentors available for assistance
- Digital fabrication equipment such as plastic extrusion 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC milling machines
- Multiple computer labs with 24-hour access
- Printmaking studio with etching presses and spray booths
- Multimedia production facilities
- Cullity Gallery, where you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work.
Life at the School of Design
UWA’s School of Design is a collaboration of creative thinkers and makers that includes landscape architects, urban designers, experimental artists, historians and architects.
The University of Western Australia
Overview:
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.
Services Offered:
UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic support:
Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.Career services:
Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Student wellbeing:
Mental health support, counselling, and health services.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Sports and fitness:
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.Clubs and societies:
A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Study abroad and exchange:
Opportunities to study at universities around the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Social events:
Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.Sporting events:
Supporting the university's sports teams.Volunteer opportunities:
Contributing to the local community.Cultural events:
Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class education:
UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.Excellent employability:
Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant campus life:
A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Beautiful campus:
A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.Strong research focus:
UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.Academic Programs:
UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Science and Engineering:
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.Business and Economics:
Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.Health Sciences:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.Law:
Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.Other:
UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.