Master of Design (Architecture & Design)

Masters (Coursework)

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.

Key details

Degree Type

Masters (Coursework)

Duration

2 years full-time

Study Mode

In person

About this course

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.

Entry requirements

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Minimum requirements for admission
Prerequisites
Selection tasks

Minimum requirements for admission

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.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

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.

Expand all sections

Collapse all sections

Minimum requirements for admission
Prerequisites
Selection tasks
English language requirements

Minimum requirements for admission

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.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

Research proposal and supervisor

Proposal

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable)

Supervisor

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

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

English language requirements

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Study locations

Melbourne City

Career pathways

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.

RMIT University

Master of Design (Architecture &amp; Design)