Overview
The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning places a high emphasis on its research activity. We have a vibrantly diverse community of scholars and practitioners, many who have taken national and international leadership roles in their fields.
The Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning) allows a candidate to undertake research and advanced specialisation in any of the areas of scholarship and research undertaken by the School. From 2021, Higher Degree by Research students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study (found in Table R) relevant for research students. The pool comprises a range of development opportunities that include specialist analytical methods, professional development units, and discipline-specific subjects relevant for research students.
The final thesis for the Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning) is expected to be in the range of 30,000 60,000 words.
Subject areas
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
Applications will be accepted at any time. Please apply at least 8 weeks in advance of the relevant course commencement date. If your application cannot be assessed in time for commencement, it will be considered for the next possible start date.
Starting date
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Refer to key research dates on the How to Apply website.
Applications will be accepted at any time. Please apply at least 8 weeks in advance of the relevant course commencement date. If your application cannot be assessed in time for commencement, it will be considered for the next possible start date.
Starting date
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Refer to key research dates on the How to Apply website.
Research areas
You can undertake a research degree – the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – in any of our research areas:
- architectural design
- architecture history and theory
- architectural science
- design
- urbanism.
What you'll study
This research degree includes some coursework curriculum to support research success.
Required units of study for HDR students
Architecture, design and planning
Unit of study code |
Unit of study name |
Course |
Course stage |
Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ARCF9001 |
Modes of Inquiry: Research and Scholarship |
All |
Year 1 |
N/A |
There is no separate tuition fee cost for the coursework units of study you will undertake, it is part of the tuition fee for the course. See the 'Your Fee' section for fee information. Additional non-tuition course costs vary depending on the units of study.
Applying for admission
1. Find a supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect. or Find a Researcher.
2. Contact a research supervisor via email and provide: your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript your CV/resume the area of interest for your PhD why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor
3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal of at least 500 words that outlines the subject area, objectives and significance of your research. See our proposal outline.
4. International applicants need to obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. Referee reports should be supplied on our template.
5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply: evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
7. Applications are made via the University's online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply Now' button on the right hand side of this page.
Credit for previous study
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Completion requirement
Thesis submission requirements and examination procedure as set out in the Academic Board resolutions for this course and the Higher Degree (HDR) Rule 2011.
Admission requirement
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning), you must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in a subject area related to your proposed research area: bachelor's degree with first class or second class honours or, master's degree These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and departments, and access to supervision remains highly competitive. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.
Domestic students
International students
