Design Thesis (ABPL90169)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1 (Early-Start)
Semester 2 (Early-Start)
Subject Coordinator
Rory Hyde
rory.hyde@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 (Early-Start) Semester 2 (Early-Start) |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is the culmination of each student's studies in Master of Architecture. It will consist of a number of studio groups offering a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate an original approach to design synthesis, in architecture which is based on research and critical thinking. These studios will allow opportunities for self-directed research inquiries/projects.
Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of design resolution, conceptual engagement and aesthetic expression. Students will also be required to demonstrate a range of professional competencies defined in the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA).
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a capacity to make a contribution to the existing body of knowledge in architectural theory and practice;
- Demonstrate critical awareness of how their chosen specialisation contributes to this body of knowledge;
- Demonstrate an understanding of design as a form of research enquiry.
Generic skills
- Written, verbal and graphic presentation of ideas
- Correct use of design terminology
- Ability to analyse social and cultural contexts
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Creative response to complex problems
- Ability to select the appropriate design approach
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| No longer available | |||
| ABPL90439 | Design Studio E |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90438 | Design Studio D |
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| No longer available |
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended that Master of Architecture students complete ABPL90140 Architectural Practice prior to enrolling in this subject.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Preliminary Thesis Proposal: Oral presentation (7 minutes) of research questions, accompanied by critical evaluation of relevant precedents from practice and research, and a draft 'thesis statement'
| Week 4 | 10% |
Interim design: Design crit comprising oral presentation (7 minutes) of refined research question accompanied by representations of design-in-progress, that might include including site investigations, sketches, drawings, maquettes, concept test models and/or digital multi-media experiments, as appropriate to the research.
| Week 8 | 20% |
Resolved Design: Fully resolved architectural design thesis that explores the research question presented in two forms: A5 digital book that records the research investigation through text and visual representations that may include drawings, digital multi-media and physical models as appropriate to the design; and Design crit (10 minutes)
| During the teaching period | 70% |
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 (Early-Start)
Principal coordinator Rory Hyde Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x 3 hours of studios per week and 8 x 1 hour lectures to take place over the teaching period Total time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 28 February 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 7 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 (Early-Start) contact information
- Semester 2 (Early-Start)
Principal coordinator Rory Hyde Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x 3 hours of studios per week and 8 x 1 hour lectures to take place over the teaching period Total time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 25 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 1 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 (Early-Start) contact information
Subject Coordinator
Rory Hyde
rory.hyde@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
340 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 1 April 2025