Master of Design by Research

2 years full-time or 4 years part-time

Specialised streams

Within each program there is a selection of streams, including:

• the Urban Architecture Laboratory (UAL)
• Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory (SIAL)
• Furniture Design
• Invitational Stream
• individual practice-based research.

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will undertake the approved research program under the supervision of an appointed research supervisor. Successful completion involves submitting a thesis or project.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

If you satisfy the following requirements you will be eligible for selection; however, there is no guarantee that you will be selected as demand for the program varies each intake.

Program entry requirements

You need an appropriate first degree (e.g. design or fine arts) from RMIT or equivalent; or demonstrable evidence of sufficient experience and knowledge within the program's field of study.

All Master applicants must have at least one of the following:

• a first degree from RMIT with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year
• a recognised award deemed to be equivalent in character and standard to a first degree from RMIT with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year
• evidence of appropriate experience that satisfies the college/school that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

Research proposal

A candidate will be accepted when the school can facilitate the proposed research or area of inquiry. You should provide a 1 - 5 page research proposal with your application that includes the following:

• proposed title of study indicating your central theme in one succinct phase
• what you want to research and with what end
• the central research questions
• the material and area you want to study
• how you'll conduct your research
• proposed research approach/method/structure
• an existing body of work that's relevant to your research, including a preliminary list of readings, references and precedents.

Portfolio

If you intend developing your research through project work you should provide a hard-copy or electronic/digital copy of your portfolio. Urban Architecture Laboratory (UAL) applicants must supply a hard-copy portfolio.

The portfolio should:

• be A4 and bound
• show at least 4 recent projects, including your degree thesis
• include a descriptive range of 2D and 3D drawings, images, etc.
• include a short text explanation for each project.

Relevant research/study material can be included to support design projects. Electronic submissions should not exceed 10 MB.

1. Find a supervisor.

2. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

3. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

4. Check the application method and application closing dates.

5. Complete and submit your application.

6. Your application will then go through the research selection process.

Tuition fees vary according to each program and are adjusted annually.

Fee assistance

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your full tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT research scholarships.

Other fees

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Architecture & Design

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