Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning)

Part 1: Preliminary

1  Course codes

Part 2: Admission requirements

2 Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1) To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Head of School and Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education), an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for:

(a) a bachelor's degree with first class or second class honours from the University of Sydney in a relevant discipline; or

(b) a master’s degree with a minimum weighted average mark of 75 (or equivalent to distinction or above) in a relevant discipline.

(2) The Associate Dean (Research Education) may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause 2.2(1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the School Research Education Committee, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).

3 Application for admission to candidature

(1)  An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the University school:

(a) satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;

(b) written evidence confirming that an academic within the University school, with an academic background appropriate to the candidate's proposed research:

(i) supports the applicant's research proposal; and

(ii) is willing to supervise the research.

(c) a written preliminary research proposal developed in conjunction with the proposed supervisor and in the form specified by the University school.

(d) a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research Rule) 2026, if the candidature is successful, their thesis and record of design-based work will be lodged with the University Library and made available for immediate public use;

(e) evidence of minimum English language requirements, where not demonstrated by academic qualifications; and

(f) the references of two academic or practitioner referees.

(2)  In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that they will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4 Credit transfer

The University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research Rule) 2026 specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times, except that for coursework no more than 6 credit points may be credited.

Part 3: Candidature

5 Appointment of supervisor

The Associate Dean (Research Education) will approve a supervisory team for each candidate in accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy.

6 Control of candidature

The University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research Rule) 2026 specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7 Location of candidature and attendance

The Higher Degree by Research Policy specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8  Degree requirements

(1)  To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(a) complete any specified probationary requirements;

(b) complete any prescribed units of study; and

(c) conduct research on the approved topic.

(2)  In addition, candidates must submit for examination a thesis embodying the results of their research.

9  The thesis

(1) A candidate proceeding by research and thesis shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the Higher Degree by Research Policy and Higher Degree by Research Thesis and Examinations Procedures.

(2) For the thesis with creative work, the thesis type and submission requirements will be agreed between the student and lead supervisor, and approved by probation evaluation panel chair at the student's Confirmation of Candidature hearing.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

10  Probation

(1) A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by Research Candidature and Progress Procedures.

(2) In the probationary period each candidate must:

(a) complete the prescribed 6 credit point core unit of study;

(b) complete any structured program specified by the Head of School and Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education) and required by the University;

(c) develop and present a refined research proposal at a public seminar, to the satisfaction of the candidate's progress evaluation panel; and

(d) demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree to the candidate's progress evaluation panel.

11 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research Rule) 2026 specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

12 Mode of attendance

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time in agreement with the University school;

13 Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

14 Suspension of candidature

Subject to the other conditions of the Higher Degree by Research Policy1, a candidate may suspend candidature for a maximum of four research periods or one calendar year.

15 Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

16 Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by Research Candidature and Progress Procedures.

Part 6: Examination

17 Examination of the thesis

(1) Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by research Thesis and Examinations Procedures.

18 Award of the degree

The degree is awarded only if the thesis passes the examination.

Part 7: Other

19 Transitional provisions

(1) These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2023 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2023 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.

(2) Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January 2023 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed within the time limits specified in those resolutions. The Head of School and Dean or Associate Dean of Research Education may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.