Doctorate (PhD)
The Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning places a high emphasis on its research activities. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may be undertaken across the school's active research areas: Architecture, Architectural and Design Science, the Design Lab, and Urban and Regional Planning.
The University of Sydney and the school itself enjoy strong research links with key institutions throughout Asia, Europe, Scandinavia and North America. The PhD in Architecture, Design and Planning comprises research and writing toward a thesis of 50,000 to 80,000 words. From 2021, Higher Degree by Research students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study (found in Table R) relevant for research students. The pool comprises a range of development opportunities that include specialist analytical methods, professional development units and discipline-specific subjects relevant for research students.
To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning), you must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in a subject area related to your proposed research area: bachelor's degree with first class or second class honours or, master's degree by research or, master's degree by coursework with an independent research component such as a thesis, dissertation or research project with a minimum overall credit average. Applicants who do not meet these admission requirements may be issued an offer of a place to the Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning).
Outstanding candidates who successfully complete up to one year full-time or equivalent part-time of the University of Sydney Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning) may apply for transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning) and be granted credit for work already completed: with approval from the supervisor and school meeting all higher degree by research progression requirements providing evidence that their research is of a sufficient scope and depth to sustain a doctoral thesis.
See Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning) progression and completion requirements.
Credit for previous studyFor more information about the University's credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.