Doctor of Philosophy - Architecture, Building and Planning (DR-PHILABP)

Overview

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. 

Course structure

Candidates enrol in a thesis subject for the duration of the course and undertake original research under academic supervision. The research project is designed to be completed in 3 years full-time equivalent with two possible six-month extensions to the maximum candidature duration of 4 years full-time equivalent. 

Course rules 

Candidates must: 
•    satisfy any relevant regulatory requirements prior to or following commencement as required; 
•    complete required mandatory training; 
•    complete specified academic progress requirements; 
•    spend a minimum of 12 months full-time equivalent study at the University unless otherwise approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research; 
•    present the results of their research at a completion seminar prior to thesis submission. 

Assessment 

Award of the degree is based on examination of the thesis and an oral deliberation (viva). 

The thesis usually comprises a dissertation of 80,000 words up to a maximum of 100,000 words, inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. Publications, or sections of a publication, arising from research undertaken during the course may be incorporated into the thesis, subject to any requirements or limitations set out in University policy.
 
The approval of the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research is required to exceed the maximum word limit or write the thesis in a language other than English, unless otherwise specified in a Joint PhD agreement. 

Creative work

The thesis may comprise creative or non-traditional research outputs and a dissertation to the equivalent of 80,000 words. The dissertation must be of at least 40,000 words; weighted at 50% of the thesis and must present the research objectives addressed and contextualise the research as new knowledge. The creative work must be documented and either the documentation or the creative work itself submitted with the dissertation. 

The creative or non-traditional research output may take the form of design, prototypes, performance, exhibition, writing, film, video, multimedia or other new media technologies and modes of presentation subject to the capacity of the faculty to resource the proposed creative work.  

The form, weighting and presentation of the creative or non-traditional research output must be agreed at confirmation.  
Refer to the Graduate Research Hub for further information. 

Coursework Component

A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attending or enrolling in additional subjects, if considered necessary by the supervisors. Enrolment in coursework subjects must not exceed one-third of the expected course duration.  

Research internship elective 

Candidates may undertake a research internship elective subject for a minimum of 60 full-time equivalent days, up to a maximum duration of 6 months. The internship must be with a research end-user, as defined by the Department of Education. 

To be eligible to enrol in the internship subject, candidates must: 

•    be enrolled (or under examination) in the course and remain enrolled for the entire period of the internship; 
•    be able to complete the internship before completion of the degree; 
•    have the approval of their supervisor; 
•    be making satisfactory progress in the course; 
•    have completed mandatory research integrity training.

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: 27 February 2025