A Masters by Research provides you with the opportunity to develop expert knowledge in an area of built environment research. You will be required to undertake an original investigation, however in comparison to a doctorate, this investigation is generally more limited in scope and degree of originality.

In addition to the development of expert knowledge, the focus of a Masters by Research is on enhancing a student’s skills in research, critical and creative thinking, and problem solving.

As a general guide, the minimum requirement for admission to Masters by Research is an appropriate undergraduate degree with honours that includes a substantial research component or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent by the faculty’s Higher Degree Committee.

English language requirements also apply: English Language Requirements

For full admission, application and enrolment requirements: How to Apply and Enrol Research Degree

The faculty encourages both discipline-specific and interdisciplinary research within the domain of the built environment. Collaborative supervision across disciplines and faculties within the University may be arranged where appropriate.

This program involves a minimum of 1.5 years full-time study, maximum 2 years. Students undertake supervised research leading to the production of the thesis.

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

In order to assist commencing students in developing an appropriate research methodology, all Masters candidates are required to undertake a course in their first session - BENV7020 Research Seminar.

Please refer to: Conditions for Award of Degrees

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

If you are considering applying for enrolment in a Masters by Research, it is a requirement that you contact prospective supervisors to determine in advance if they are in a position to supervise your research topic. It is recommended that you make initial contact via email. If you are local, you should then arrange a face-to-face meeting; if overseas, ideally arrange a SKYPE interview.

The Faculty of Built Environment also requires that every Higher Degree Research applicant submit an Expression of Interest prior to applying to the university via the central online portal. For more information, please see: Built Environment Future Students