Research Degrees
At ABP, we offer research degrees (Masters and PhD) in all areas of the built environment. Research degrees are about developing and exploring your own interests and contributing to the stock of knowledge.
- PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or Doctorate) is the highest degree offered by the University and indicates advanced knowledge and expertise in your field and high level research, conceptual and writing skills. It is a sustained piece of research and writing that examines a specific problem and, upon completion, makes a significant new contribution to your discipline. This takes the form of an 80,000-word thesis. All PhDs in the Faculty are research-based-there are no coursework PhDs offered. Increasingly, candidates are undertaking PhD projects which have direct industry links or which include a corpus of creative work. - Master by Research
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an internationally recognised masters (by research) degree. Students develop advanced skills in conducting independent and sustained research. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship.
All applications for a research degree must include a research proposal, i.e. a statement of what you want to research, the academic traditions you will draw upon, the theories you wish to explore, and the goal of your project. To assist you in developing your research proposal, you should also consider contacting a potential supervisor and discuss your particular interests further.
Research Environment
We offer a range of work and study spaces for postgraduate researchers. All full-time research students are provided with a dedicated study space and computer. Part-time research students have 24-hour access to our research studies facility. All students also have access to several state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with new computers, specialized software and colour and large format printers. The Faculty's library is recognised as housing the best collection of texts on the built environment in Australia.
There is also a postgraduate lounge where you can meet and hold seminars and discussions, exchange information, or just have lunch. Postgraduate research students run the Postgraduate Research Seminar Series and Research Practice Symposium Series throughout the year and there is a very active postgraduate student group, the Space Cadets, which organises social activities.
In the first year of your candidature you attend a weekly research workshop, an informal research skills seminar where you are encouraged to present your work, discuss ideas, and provide peer feedback on your colleagues' work. Later in your candidature you can attend thesis writers' circles where you can develop your academic writing skills further.
PhD students have access to generous funding support for their fieldwork and to attend conferences, as well as to substantial scholarships, prizes and awards. You will be supported in your research by a dedicated team of researchers, from your principal supervisor to members of your supervisory panel, all of whom are eager to see you succeed in your research career.
What Next?
If you are interested in applying for a research degree, you should investigate our research strengths and the list of current thesis topics, to understand what kind of research is being undertaken in the Faculty and to see if there is a staff member who might be able to supervise your work.
Student Profiles
A selection of postgraduate research students recount their experience with us.
How to Apply
Please refer to the 'How to Apply' section for research degree requirements when submitting an application.