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Doctor of Philosophy - Architecture, Building and Planning (DR-PHILABP)
Doctorate by ResearchYear: 2023 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Coordinator
Michele Acuto
Contact
Future students:
- Visit: https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/graduate-research-programs
- Enquires : https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/entry-requirements-and-eligibility
Coordinator
Michele Acuto
Associate Dean – Research
Melbourne School of Design
Overview
Award title | Doctor of Philosophy |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2023 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 056961K |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Research |
AQF level | 10 |
Duration | 4 years full-time, or equivalent part-time |
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.
The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis also makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and / or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.
In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. Footnotes are included as part of the word limit. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the Research Higher Degrees Committee.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree demands high level research, conceptual and writing skills. Doctoral candidates define research topics that position them in and across the intellectual endeavours of their discipline. Candidates play an important role in the research activities and culture of the Faculty, as they do in the University as a whole.
The thesis may be submitted as Creative Work and Dissertation. Any thesis submitted as Creative Work and Dissertation will be examined as an integrated whole.
Areas of Research in the Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning can be seen at: http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
PhD applicants will be assessed using the criteria described below. The measures include an assessment of a candidate’s knowledge of the discipline and evidence of their ability to complete a rigorous research project.
Applicants are required to meet the minimum standards described below. Meeting these criteria, however, does not guarantee selection.
Minimum qualifications and level of academic achievement
To be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- a four-year honours degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component, equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study. Applicants should have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects (H2A University of Melbourne equivalent); or
- a Masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component, equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study. Applicants should have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% (H2A University of Melbourne equivalent); or
- a qualification and professional experience considered by the Higher Degrees Research Committee (HDRC) to be equivalent;
In addition, applications will be assessed on:
Relevance of the Degree
The completed degree must be in an area that is relevant to the intended PhD. Professional experience in the area of the intended PhD may be deemed equivalent.
Currency of applicant’s knowledge of the discipline
The applicant’s degree/s and/or professional experience must demonstrate that their knowledge of the discipline in which they plan to undertake their research higher degree is current.
Quality of research proposal and level of suitability
The quality of the applicant’s research proposal will form part of the assessment. Based on interview or other verbal communication, an assessment may also be made of the applicant’s level of understanding, motivation and time commitment for the proposed program of study. For example, a full-time student will be expected to devote at least 40 hours a week and a part-time student about half of this.
Demonstrated ability in the creative discipline (for those applying to do a creative work and dissertation)
For example, through the submission of a folio of prior creative works.
Referee reports
Referee reports will also be considered in the assessment.
Applicants must also meet the University’s English Language requirements
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
All PhD candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 12months full-time (24 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Higher Degrees Research Committee (HDRC). The HDRC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.
Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.
The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:
- to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
- to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for an PhD awarded by the University
- to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout the candidature
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support Service.
Intended learning outcomes
Doctoral degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research work. Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy – Architecture Building and Planning should have:
Knowledge
- a substantial 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
Skills
- 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 and to communicate results to peers and the community
- expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice
Application
- with intellectual independence and skills
- with initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning
- with full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs
- to plan and execute original research
- with the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge, including in the context of professional practice
Graduate attributes
Doctoral degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research work.
The University expects its Research Masters degree graduates to have the following qualities and skills:
• an advanced ability to initiate research and to formulate viable research questions;
• a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report sustained and original research;
• the capacity to contextualise research within an international corpus of specialist knowledge;
• an advanced ability to evaluate and synthesize research-based and scholarly literature;
• an advanced understanding of key disciplinary and multi-disciplinary norms and perspectives relevant to the field;
• highly developed problem-solving abilities and flexibility of approach;
• the ability to analyse critically within and across a changing disciplinary environment;
• the capacity to disseminate the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication to a variety of audiences;
• a capacity to cooperate with and respect the contributions of fellow researchers and scholars;
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship;
• an advanced facility in the management of information, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study;
• an understanding of the relevance and value of their research to national and international communities of scholars and collaborators;
• an awareness where appropriate of issues related to intellectual property management and the commercialisation of innovation; and
• an ability to formulate applications to relevant agencies, such as funding bodies and ethics committees.
The University provides a variety of opportunities in addition to the supervised research program, to facilitate a students' acquisition of these attributes.
Course structure
Candidates for the PhD will be examined on the basis of their thesis of 80,000 – 100,000 words. The PhD thesis may take the form of a corpus of creative work, plus a dissertation of no less than 40,000 words which aims to address, elucidate and contextualise the work.
A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor/s and an Advisory Committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate. A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).
Application Procedure
Detailed information for prospective PhD students regarding the application process, including the application form is available at https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/graduate-research.
Prospective candidates should investigate the Faculty website for information on current research and contact details: http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au /research.
PhD applicants should discuss their research interests with a potential supervisor at the department in which they would like to enrol prior to submitting an application.
Which scholarship can I apply for?
Students can find information about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne at the Melbourne Scholarships Office
Facilities and Supports:
The University makes available a broad range of Research Training and Professional Development for graduate researchers.
Last updated: 30 January 2024