Doctor of Philosophy - Architecture, Building and Planning (DR-PHILABP) // Entry and participation requirements

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 meet the University’s English language requirements. 

The University welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Indigenous Australians who are not otherwise selected will be admitted if the Selection Committee determines that they are likely to succeed in the course. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to contact Murrup Barak for support in preparing their application.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

Inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course and the proposed research project. They include the ability to: 

• source, comprehend and analyse complex information;

• comprehend and apply principles of research integrity; 

• possess behavioural and social attributes necessary to participate in the research; 

• generate research data and outputs; 

• communicate research knowledge and the application of research principles and practices; 

• participate actively and safely in the research project. 

The Doctor of Philosophy - Architecture, Building and Planning welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. The University will take all reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities.  

Candidates who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this with Student Equity and Disability Support. 

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Learning Outcomes and Assessment sections of this entry. 

Last updated: 27 February 2025