Program

Built Environment Practice PhD - 1122

Program Summary

Faculty: Built Environment

Contact: Built Environment

Campus: Sydney

Career: Research

Typical Duration: 4 Years  

Typical UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC Per Semester: 6

Max UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC For Award: 144

View program information for previous years

Program Description

A Practice-based PhD is available across all disciplines represented in the Faculty of Built Environment: Architecture, City Planning, Computational Design, Construction Management and Property, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

In the same way as a traditional PhD, the primary aim of the Practice-based PhD is to contribute new knowledge to the field through systematic investigation. It is expected that the candidate will generate a new body of ideas-based/creative work (the Project) and a written work (the Dissertation) that together will make an original contribution to knowledge within the field.

The Project may take one of a number of different forms, for example: architectural design, urban design and planning, construction methods and technologies, industrial design, interior design and landscape design. It could also cross a number of disciplines. The chosen medium can also vary, for example it might take the form of objects, drawings, plans, prototypes, models, creative text, digital fabrication, film, virtual reality or a combination of these. The requirement, however, is that the Project can be fully documented in electronic form for the purposes of examination.

The Dissertation is a substantial research-based academic essay, of between 40,000 to 50,000 words, that bears a direct relationship to the Project. Together the Dissertation and the Project comprise the PhD thesis.

As a general guide, the minimum requirement for admission to a PhD degree is an appropriate undergraduate degree with first or upper second class honours or a completed Masters by Research degree in a field represented within UNSW Built Environment faculty or another relevant discipline.

Candidates may be admitted to the PhD program after one year’s full-time enrolment in a Masters by Research program, with the approval of the Faculty Research Committee. In exceptional cases an applicant who submits evidence of such other academic and professional qualifications as may be approved by the Committee may be permitted to enrol for the degree.

English language requirements also apply: English Language Requirements

For full admission, application and enrolment requirements: How to Apply and Enrol Research Degree

Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes

The faculty encourages both discipline-specific and interdisciplinary research within the domain of the built environment. Collaborative supervision across disciplines and faculties within the University may be arranged where appropriate.

Program Structure

This program involves a minimum of three years full-time study, maximum four years. Students undertake supervised research leading to the production of the thesis (Project plus Dissertation).

The doctoral thesis should be submitted for examination within four years of full-time study.

In order to assist commencing students in developing an appropriate research methodology, all PhD candidates are required to undertake a course in their first session - BENV7020 Research Seminar. Candidates undertaking a Practice-based PhD will also be required to undertake a specialised Thesis Writing Workshop run by UNSW Learning Centre.

Academic Rules


Fees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Further Information

If you are considering applying for enrolment in a PhD, it is a requirement that you contact prospective supervisors to determine in advance if they are in a position to supervise your research topic. It is recommended that you make initial contact via email. If you are local, you should then arrange a face-to-face meeting; if overseas, ideally arrange a SKYPE interview.

The Faculty of Built Environment also requires that every Higher Degree Research applicant submit an Expression of Interest, prior to applying to the university via the central online portal. For more information, please see: Built Environment Future Students
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