The Department offers postgraduate research programmes at honours, master’s and doctoral degree levels.

These are the BSc (Honours) Applied Science degree, the research-based master’s degree in Architecture (MArch), Interior Architecture (MIntArch) or Landscape Architecture (MLAch), the MSc (Applied Science) Architecture (through coursework), and the PhD in Architecture, Interior Architecture or Landscape Architecture.

The honours degree is ideal for candidates who intend pursuing a master’s degree by research and coursework in applied science in the fields of architecture, interior architecture or landscape architecture, or in the built environment in general. It does not give access to the professional master’s degree programme.

The research master’s degree requires a high level of theoretical engagement, intellectual and research independence, and the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts for professional practice. The Department offers both a conventional research-based master’s pathway and a reflective practice-based pathway for senior practitioners, as well as an applied sciences coursework programme. The research master’s programme is a full research programme designed to develop research skills that will allow graduates to progress seamlessly to the demands of a PhD. The practice-based master’s programme, on the other hand, is a structured programme that entails set outcomes and contact sessions and is open to candidates with at least 10 years of practice experience. 

The PhD is open to candidates with a relevant master’s degree. Candidates must submit a thesis that provides proof of advanced original research and/or creative work, which makes a real and substantial contribution to the field of knowledge and/or practice of the disciplines of architecture, urbanism, interior architecture or landscape architecture.

As the Department of Architecture is a multidisciplinary department, it is able to conduct interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research that responds to disciplinary concerns, as well as global challenges through investigations rooted in the local context. While the Department explores seven distinct research focus areas, these overlap and intertwine with each other and with the curriculum. Proposed research studies for master’s and doctoral applicants should align with these focus areas, which include urban citizenship, regenerative and resilient cities, designed ecologies, smart cities and neighbourhoods, memory, legacy and identity, the inhabitation of place, and architectural education.

The Department is committed to research that is internationally recognised and locally relevant, bridges theory and practice, and addresses the challenges of the future in service of society and a healthy environment. 

Download postgraduate research brochure

Research Focus Areas

The Department conducts research in the following areas:

• Urban Citizenship
• Designed Ecologies
• Smart Cities and Neighbourhoods
• Memory, Legacy and Identity
• Regenerative and Resilient Cities
• Inhabitation of Place
• Architectural Design Education

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