A Masters by Research program requires students to undertake an original investigation. In comparison to a doctorate however, this investigation is generally more limited in scope and degree of originality. The work is closely supervised in the early problem formulation stages and whenever a new technique is being used. The program requires the submission of a thesis embodying the results of an original investigation or design.

As a general guide, the minimum requirement for a Postgraduate Research Degree (PhD, Master by Research or MPhil) within UNSW Built Environment is an appropriate undergraduate degree, usually at honours level, in a field represented within UNSW Built Environment, or another relevant discipline.

Candidates may be admitted to the PhD program after one year’s full-time enrolment in a Masters by Research program, with the approval of the Faculty Research Committee. In exceptional cases an applicant who submits evidence of such other academic and professional qualifications as may be approved by the Committee may be permitted to enrol for the degree.


English language requirements also apply. Please see: Graduate Research School

UNSW Built Environment encourages both discipline-specific and interdisciplinary research within the domain of the built environment. Cross-disciplinary research is encouraged and collaborative supervision across disciplines and with other disciplines within the University may be arranged when appropriate.

This program involves a minimum of two years of full-time study. Students undertake supervised research leading to the production of the thesis.

The length of a Masters by Research thesis should normally should not exceed 75,000 words of text and should be submitted for examination within 2 years of full-time study.

Please refer to Conditions for the Award of Degrees (Faculty of Built Environment)

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.