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 Master by Research is on enhancing a student’s skills in research, critical and creative thinking, and problem solving.
The Masters by Research, if undertaken full-time, is 1.5 years (maximum 2 years).
You will be required to undertake an original investigation, however in comparison to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), 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.
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.
You can find out more about our Faculty research areas by exploring our research pages or visiting individual staff profiles.
This program involves up to two years full-time study.
Students undertake supervised research leading to the production of the thesis.
The length of a Masters by Research thesis should normally not exceed 75,000 words of text and should be submitted for examination within 2 years of full-time study.
Part time study is available.
In order to assist commencing students in developing an appropriate research methodology, candidates are required to undertake a course in their first session - BENV7020 Research Seminar.
For information on the structure of the program, please refer to the UNSW Online Handbook.
Appropriate undergraduate degree with honours that includes a substantial research component, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered equivalent.
Make sure that you meet the entry requirements for the degree for which you are applying, including any English requirements.
If the prospective supervisor you have contacted expresses initial interest in supervising your research proposal, then you can progress to Step 3.
Arrange a face-to-face interview to discuss your research proposal in detail and determine who your joint or secondary supervisor/s might be. If you are a local student, you should arrange a meeting. If you are an international student, arrange a discussion via Skype.
Please note that this is a crucial step in the process. It is a requirement for university admission and counts towards your ranking for a scholarship.
Remember too that an interview provides an opportunity to ensure that you and your supervisor are the right “fit” for each other. After all, the relationship you establish with your supervisor will be critical to the progress of your research project.
Your application will be considered by the Faculty’s HDC. The Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month - with the exception of January when no meeting is held.
If the HDC supports your application, you will be advised to formally apply for enrolment through UNSW Apply Online.
Please take into account the 4-Step process described above when planning your application. The deadline for EOI submission is 5pm on the Thursday before the HDC meeting to be considered at that month’s meeting.
You need to allow enough time for this process to be completed BEFORE undertaking your formal application for enrolment through UNSW Apply Online. Your formal application will not be processed by the Graduate Research School without providing a successful expression of interest outcome from the Faculty.
If you intend to apply for a scholarship, there are set deadlines. See deadlines for UNSW Apply Online applications and scholarships here.
Please note that the university closes down over Christmas/New Year and many academic and administrative staff take their recreation leave during the month of January.
Postgraduate Research Scholarships (RTP, UPA, TFS): allow at least eight weeks from the time of submitting your application to the Faculty HDC to the closing date for the university’s scholarship rounds. For more information please see the Graduate Research School website. See deadlines for UNSW Apply Online applications and scholarships here.
See the BE website for information regarding Faculty scholarships.