The School of Architecture and Urban Design is widely recognised for innovative leadership and contribution to excellence in design research.

At RMIT we contend that research is conducted through designing and that the process of designing, as a means of increasing knowledge, parallels research in other areas in fascinating ways.

Research candidates are supported and engaged in communities of design practice where learning is fundamentally a social phenomenon; where knowledge is integrated in the life of these communities that share interests, discourses and ways of doing things.

The Master of Design may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode. This decision is made in consultation with your supervisor.

On completion of this program, you will have:

• a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in 1 or more disciplines
• advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
• cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application
• cognitive, technical and creative skills to:
  • investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
  • generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
  • use and evaluate research and research methods.
• communication and technical skills to present coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

As a graduate you will demonstrate the application of these knowledge and skills:

• with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning
• with high-level personal autonomy and accountability
• to plan and execute a substantial piece of research.

This program will provide you with a foundation for further studies at PhD level and for employment in senior leadership and management research-based positions in a variety of government, non-government and corporate environments.