Outline

Overview

Architecture Dissertation allows students to execute a substantial individual research project alongside a small group of peers who are pursuing topics and approaches conversant with their own. Guided by an academic with broad expertise in each group's area of research, students advance their project and present it for discussion and critique at key stages of development. They communicate their findings in a clearly articulated and appropriately illustrated dissertation that is the culmination of the undergraduate Honours component of their degree. The dissertation may take the form of a traditional architectural humanities thesis; a scientific report; or a studio design supported by a textual exposition theorising and contextualising the project.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	ARCH4009
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sandra Loschke, sandra.loschke@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Dissertation or thesis	03 Architecture Dissertation student-directed research dissertation	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 20 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Dec 2025	max. 8000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance Weeks 3-13 Participation attendance (tutorials)	0%	Multiple weeks	11x 3 hours	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Dissertation or thesis	01 Draft Architecture Dissertation The Draft Architecture Dissertation is not graded independently. Instead it functions as the evidence base upon which the Interactive Oral is conducted in Assessment 2.	0%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Sep 2026	max. 8000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	02 Research Capability This is an Interactive Oral that draws on evidence from the Draft Dissertation to assess student research capability.	40%	Week 10 Due date: 14 Oct 2026 at 15:00 Closing date: 14 Oct 2026	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 00: Participation attendance of tutorials during weeks 3-13 is required, and this is a hurdle task. Failing to attend less than 90% of tutorials, means that you will not meet the ‘Attendance and class requirements’:

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption

Assessment 01 Draft Architecture Dissertation (to be submitted for assessment 2). This is a hurdle task and requires you to submit the Draft Architecture Dissertation, demonstrating adequate research capacity to pass this unit of study.

Assessment 02 Research Capacity (Interactive Oral): 40% . This is a hurdle task and requires a minimum mark of 50% or more, demonstrating adequate research capacity to pass this unit of study.

Assessment 03 Architecture Dissertation: 60%. This is a hurdle task and requires a minimum mark of 50% or more, demonstrating adequate research capacity to pass this unit of study.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties have been added for each Mode of delivery

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Students will have weekly tutorials with a group and individual component. Weekly tutorials will involve the following activities: presentation, discussion and feedback relating to students' self-directed research dissertations, research and writing development activities. All activities will be detailed in a weekly timetable on CANVAS.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	No Description	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean Education or relevant Unit Coordinator. The Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean Education or relevant Unit Coordinator may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Your tutor will make recommendations that are suitable for your individual dissertation project. General readings are available on the ARCH4010 CANVAS site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. apply well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and analyse complex problems in the built environment, using innovative solutions.
LO2. apply relevant advanced knowledge of important themes and theoretical positions in contemporary architectural discourse and architectural practice, and be able to evaluate and challenge them using sophisticated skills and fluency in written, verbal and graphic expression.
LO3. gather and employ evidence to construct a rigorous academic argument and demonstrate mastery of disciplinary concepts, principles, and terms through original research.
LO4. analyse and appraise the research work of peers, based on disciplinary conventions and accommodating for differing cultural values and practices.
LO5. conceive and execute an architectural research project with academic rigour, and transmit the findings in a clearly articulated and appropriately illustrated honours dissertation.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

It is great to hear that the open tutorials were valuable and helped broaden your academic perspectives. To continue supporting your honours journey, I will create more opportunities for you to connect more broadly, so you can deepen your learning and feel well‑supported in developing you dissertation.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Please follow Work, health and safety requirements advised by university.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH4010: Architecture Dissertation

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links