Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture and Design

The School of Architecture and Urban Design is widely recognised for innovative leadership and contribution to excellence in design research. At RMIT we contend that research is conducted through designing and that the process of designing, as a means of increasing knowledge, parallels research in other areas in fascinating ways.The province of the PhD is the exploration of new territories of design research, contributions to the knowledge base of the discipline, and steps toward the redefinition of aspects of design. The program also develops advanced technical research skills to prepare you for a career in industry, academia and other settings in which systematic and critical analytical skills are required.Research is conducted through designing and the process of designing as a means of increasing knowledge.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.