Masters Research Coursework Thesis

Students can apply for the Masters Research Thesis course, as part of the coursework program. Coursework thesis is a guided, independent research project conducted through a series of advisory meetings and self-directed study and offers students the opportunity to undertake a focussed research project in a specific area of research interest.

It is expected that students will achieve an advanced level of academic argument and the mastery of instruments for constructing and expressing that argument. The research project culminates in a body of work that communicates the process, outcomes and value of the research. This may include (as agreed with the thesis supervisor): a written dissertation, fieldwork reports, artefacts from material experiments, and/or research reports.

Students will have an individual supervisor who they will meet with regularly. The thesis student cohort, coordinator and supervisors will meet during the semester to provide an overview and comparison of the research being undertaken and the expectations for the thesis.

The application process takes time, so please ensure you plan and apply for your project as soon as possible.

Students who are considering enrolling in a Higher Degree by Research degree (Master or Doctor of Philosophy) in the future are strongly encouraged to undertake the coursework research thesis option.

The School will hold an information session covering many common question for students starting their Thesis Project course.

The upcoming information sessions will be updated each semester.

Semester 1, 2027

Topic:	Thesis Information Session Sem 1, 2027
Time:	Session 1: TBA Session 2: TBA
Location:	Session 1: TBA Session 2: TBA

If you have any queries about this process, email us via adp@uq.edu.au including your name and student number in your message.

Course Coordinator - Silvia Micheli.

Master’s Research Thesis (coursework)

Eligibility

Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture (MArch) students can apply to enrol in a 4-unit (year long) coursework research thesis.

ADPS7060 (4 units) - Semester 1 commencement
ADPS7061 (4 units) - Semester 2 commencement

The Research Thesis is available to MArch students who:

have completed 8 units from the MArch course list
have, or expect to have a GPA of 5.0 or above
have the support of a potential supervisor on a topic outlined on the application
have gained permission of the Course Coordinator.

Master of Urban Development and Design / Master of Urban Planning

Master of Urban Development and Design (MUrbDevDes) and MUPlan students can apply to enrol in a 4-unit (year-long) coursework research thesis.

ADPS7060 (4 units) - Semester 1 commencement
ADPS7061 (4 units) - Semester 2 commencement

Masters Research Thesis is available to MUrbDevDes students who:

have completed 8 units of MUrbDevDes core courses
have, or expect to have a GPA of 5.0 or above
have the support of a potential supervisor on a topic outlined on the application
have gained permission of the Course Coordinator.

Application Process

1. Choose a Project area and Supervisor

Students are required to choose a topic and supervisor for the research project. You will need to identify a supervisor whose research aligns to the project you are intending to undertake. Students are recommended to get in touch directly with your potential supervisor to discuss possible research topics as early as possible. Alternatively, students can create your own project in collaboration with a supervisor based on our research.

Once you have identified a suitable supervisor, email them directly to introduce yourself and provide a brief description of your project idea.

Currently available projects can be found here - Thesis Topics and Supervisors.

Staff Contact information can be found here - Our People

Please note: Some staff may have limited capacity to supervise projects, so keep an alternative supervisor in mind to avoid disappointment.

2. Apply online

Once you have an agreement from a supervisor and a defined research topic in your chosen research area, submit your application form online here - Thesis Application form. Please submit your application by the beginnng of Orientation Week for the semester you intend to enrol. Late applications may be considered, provided a supervisor and research topic are agreed to by the Course Coordinator.
The Course Coordinator will decide on applications in consultation with your proposed supervisor.

3. Enrol in your chosen course

Once the School of ADP has processed your application, you will receive an email confirming your permission to enrol and the course code details, and you can then enrol via mySInet.
Check the Electronic Course Profile (ECP) for details of your assessment requirements and deadlines.

If you have any queries or experience difficulties with the application process, email us via adp@uq.edu.au