The MSD offers a stimulating and progressive research environment, attracting the best and brightest future researchers in our disciplines from around the world. MSD graduate researchers have access to funding, resources and excellent facilities in a supportive, collegial environment. The academic disciplines within the faculty are uniquely represented across the built environment fields of: architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, property and construction. This provides candidates with an opportunity for embedding their research in a multidisciplinary built environment context.

World-class research

The MSD has an international reputation for excellence in research, particularly within the built and urban environments. Our researchers are experienced scholars, leading debate and engaging with industry, policy-makers and the community towards real-world outcomes. Our graduate researchers are co-located with academics in our building and have access to specialist support.

In addition to research projects conducted across the built environment fields, we incorporate a range of research units focused on digital design and fabrication, digital architecture, informal urbanism, retrofit, sustainable and healthy environments, transport health and urban systems, and urban ecology. We are also host to the Australian Centre for Architectural History, Urban and Cultural Heritage, the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network, the Melbourne Centre for Cities, and the Learning Environments Applied Research Network.

Multidisciplinary programs

In addition to enrolling in your course, consider participating in one of the University’s multidisciplinary programs. Each program offers a series of activities to enhance your learning experience. When you join a program, you’ll connect with graduate researchers from other disciplines, and you’ll engage with relevant external organisations. By participating, you’ll broaden your networks and improve your career prospects.