Application checklist

Please ensure that you meet all the admissions requirements for the program you are applying for. These include minimum standards of academic achievement, qualifications and completed degrees, English Language requirements, etc. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

Entry requirements and eligibility

Along with the online application, applicants for both the MPhil and PhD should provide:

1. Research proposal and applicant information

Research proposal
Curriculum Vitae
References

2. Evidence

3. Supporting information

Publications / Creative and Design works

Research proposal

Applicants for graduate research programs in the MSD must include a research proposal. The proposal should be two to three pages (1,500-2,000 words) in length and address the following:

The research question expressed briefly and in simple English (it can include technical terms)
An explanation of the problem(s) to be explored, or hypotheses to be tested (aims and background)
The significance of the research
The sources of information to be used, including a preliminary bibliography
A suggested work plan, including stages of research and timeline
An indication of potential problems
Personal experience in the proposed area of study and the reasons for wishing to undertake such study

Curriculum Vitae

Applicants are required to provide a curriculum vitae (résumé) in the approved format. Your professional experience must demonstrate current knowledge/experience in the discipline in which you plan to undertake your research.

References

All references must be submitted using the online tool

Applicants must provide contact details for their referees in the online application form.
On submission of your application, the referees will be emailed a link to access the Graduate Research Referee tool and they must provide their references using this online tool.
You will be notified when they submit the reference.

It is important that you contact your referees well before submitting an application. This ensures they expect the request for a reference and understand that the University of Melbourne referee request email contains both instructions on how to access the tool and submit their references through the attached link.

Evidence of research experience

Applicants are required to have conducted a research project equivalent to 25% of a year’s full-time study at fourth year honours or Master level. Applicants transcripts must clearly show when the 25% research project was completed. If this is not clear from the transcript a letter from the University/supervisor should be attached as evidence.

Academic results and proof of graduation

Include original or copies of your results with your application, together with a grading scale used by the University (faculty/department) where you completed your 4-year Bachelor (Hons) degree and/or Master degree. If there is no proof of graduation on your transcript you must include an original or copy of the graduation certificate with your application.

Publications / journals

Applicants may submit supporting evidence of relevant academic publications in journals, or other publications if applicable, and/or creative works (e.g. folios, design projects etc.).

Application dates and selection

The Melbourne School of Design graduate research selection committee appraises all applications for the MPhil and PhD programs. Selection is on the merit and quality of all aspects of the application. If your application is approved, the committee may also make suggestions for a supervisor if you haven’t already established a relationship with one. The MSD does not require you to have nominated a potential supervisor in your application.

Applications for graduate research programs in the MSD are assessed in the following application rounds:

Application deadline	Meeting date
23 January	24 January
26 January	9 February
23 February	9 March
29 March (Thurs)	13 April
27 April	11 May
25 May	8 June
22 June	6 July
20 July	3 August
24 August	7 September
21 September	5 October
19 October	2 November
2 November	16 November
TBC	December (TBC)

How to apply

Apply now via Melbourne Future Students.

International applicants may also apply through an authorised agent in your country

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Master of Philosophy - Architecture, Building and Planning

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