Master of Design (Architecture & Design)

Master of Design (Architecture & Design)

RESEARCH

The School of Architecture and Urban Design is widely recognised for innovative leadership and contribution to excellence in design research.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Research Training Scheme

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$ 42,240 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

At RMIT we contend that research is conducted through designing and that the process of designing, as a means of increasing knowledge, parallels research in other areas in fascinating ways.

Research candidates are supported and engaged in communities of design practice where learning is fundamentally a social phenomenon; where knowledge is integrated in the life of these communities that share interests, discourses and ways of doing things.

The Master of Design may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode. This decision is made in consultation with your supervisor.

On completion of this program you will have:

  • a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in 1 or more disciplines
  • advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
  • cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application
  • cognitive, technical and creative skills to:
    • investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
    • generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
    • use and evaluate research and research methods.
  • communication and technical skills to present coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

As a graduate you will demonstrate the application of these knowledge and skills:

  • with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning
  • with high-level personal autonomy and accountability
  • to plan and execute a substantial piece of research.

Details

Expand all sections

Research at RMIT

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

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

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Design (Architecture & Design)
Program code: MR207
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Design
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
MR207
079688K
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
MR207
CRICOS
079688K
View plan
Master of Design
City Campus
2 years full-time
MR207
079688K
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MR207
CRICOS
079688K
View plan

Career

This program will provide you with a foundation for further studies at PhD level and for employment in senior leadership and management research-based positions in a variety of government, non-government and corporate environments.

Entry requirements and admissions

The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

None

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

See the Postgraduate Research Admission Application Form (PDF 736KB) for more details.

The School of Architecture and Urban Design does not accept applications to its research programs before a potential applicant has satisfied a Pre-application Process, which should be completed before lodging a formal application with RMIT’s School of Graduate Research, or with RMIT International. See the Architecture and Design Pre-Application document (PDF 93KB) for more details.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year Bachelor and Honours degrees or Postgraduate programs.

Further study

If you excel in your master degree by research, you can continue your research in a doctorate (PhD). This involves four years of research under the supervision of a senior researcher.

Fees

Expand all sections

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

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 tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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