The Doctor of Architecture (Design) is an individually focused and supervised professional research program executed in the medium of architectural design. The successful student makes a substantial and original contribution to architecture through the presentation of an exhibition of architectural design.

To be accepted an applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete a PhD.

The normal requirement is for a bachelor's degree with at least upper second class honours in an appropriate discipline.

However, applications are also considered from

(1) graduates of this University (or equivalent) who can satisfy the Board that they have had adequate research preparation since graduation;

(2) applicants who have previously undertaken work, which in the Board's opinion is of a sufficiently high standard, towards a research higher degree in this or another approved institution but have not submitted it for any degree and have had their research proposals approved by the Board; and

(3) applicants who have satisfactorily completed an acceptable preliminary program at this University or an approved institution and have had a research proposal approved by the Board.