Masters Research Offerings
We are pleased to share with you our MArch Research offerings.
Each offering has been listed below. Please click on the topic to find out more or alternatively download the full PDF brochure.
Semester 1 2026
ARCH7074 | ARCH7084 | ADPS7060
Semester 2 2025
ARCH7075 | ARCH7094 | ADPS7061
Course Descriptions
ADPS7060 | ADPS7061 Architectural Research: Thesis
Course Coordinator
ADPS7060/7061 – Year-long, 4 unit thesis
ADPS7060 and 7061 is a guided independent research project conducted through a series of advisory meetings and self-directed study. It is a year-long, 4-unit course. Thesis offers students the opportunity to undertake a focussed research project in a specific area of research interest. The course expects students to 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 advisor, a written dissertation, fieldwork reports, artefacts from material experiments, and research reports.
Students will meet with their advisor for one hour per week, or a blocked equivalent. The thesis student cohort, coordinator and advisors will meet together during the semester to provide all with an overview and comparison of the research being undertaken and the expectations for thesis.
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Thesis is available to students who:
- have completed 16-units of the MArch program,
- have, or expect to have a GPA of 5.5 or above,
- and have the support of a potential advisor on a topic outlined on the application.
Students who do not meet the criteria above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Students who are considering enrolling in a Higher Degree by Research degree (Master or Doctor of Philosophy) are strongly encouraged to undertake the Thesis option.
Application process
- Identify a potential advisor who is a member ofthe full-time academic staff within the School. Please be aware that staff members are generally taking on Thesis students on top of their allocated teaching load, so you need to be working on a project of interest to them and where they have expertise. You can find descriptions of staff research interests at UQ Researchers. We are unable to take on topics where no suitable staff are available to advise.
- Discuss your ideas for thesis with the proposed advisor. You are welcome (and encouraged) to propose topics of your own interest.
- If you are applying for ADPS7063 please show the research findings you have made in a previous course can be the basis of a thesis completed with 2-units of work.
- Complete the applicationform available here: https://survey.app.uq.edu.au/ThesisApplication
- The Course Coordinator will decide on applications in consultation with the proposed advisor, and on the basis of academic record. Following this, the School of Architecture, Design and Planning will advise you of the next steps.
ARCH7074 Research Lab: Environmental Performance
Course Coordinator
TBA
Environmental Performance Research Lab
The Environmental Performance Research Lab is focused on making quantitative assessments of environmental performance of the built environment. This subject will introduce the methods and tools used to calculate the embodied carbon of buildings and building elements and to model operational energy use and indoor environment quality. Additionally, this course will cover some of the metrics and goals associated with NCC compliance and high performance buildings needed to meet Australia’s Net Zero by 2050 goals.
Over the course of the semester, students will assess the embodied carbon or operational energy use of a typical low- or medium-rise multi-residential building constructed to current standards and with typical construction materials. With these calculations as a baseline, students will research and critically assess alternative building materials and design strategies with the aim of reducing embodied and operational greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, students will propose alterations to the design and construction of their case study buildings in order to improve environmental performance and to meet Net Zero goals.
ARCH7075: Research Lab: Computation & Digitisation
Course Coordinator
Research Lab
ARCH7075 offers an exploration of the theoretical and methodological aspects of a particular sub-discipline within architectural research. Students will learn specific content through a series of seminars or lectures, and then develop a research project based on the theories and methods specific to this sub-discipline area.
ARCH7084 Research Lab: History and Heritage
Course Coordinator
Dr Kelly Greenop + John Macarthur
Research Lab
This Research Lab focuses on the uses and understanding of built environments constructed in the past – how we can learn from them and manage their ongoing lives. The Lab introduces theoretical and methodological issues of historiography such as forms of analysis, argument and evidence; and research practices such archival research and oral history; the collecting and maintaining of archives of architecture; and Digital Humanities techniques such as 3D scanning, data analysis and visualisation.
The course includes a critical understanding of the principles and statutory regulation of cultural heritage. Students will employ the learning through researching, documenting, and analysing a building, persons, institutions, or ideas.
ARCH7094 Research Lab: Culture and Place
Course Coordinator
Research Lab
Master of Architecture courses from 20 architectural schools across Australia are invited be part of the Venice Architecture Biennale: HOME by creating objects of 'Living Belonging'. Led by the Venice Biennale Australian Pavilion Creative Directors, students will create an object that expresses what home means to them. Selected objects will be exhibited in the Venice Architecture Biennale: HOME.
Hosted by the University of Sydney, this is a cross-university, four-week intensive course. Students will join with other students from across Australia for a series of lectures, yarns and reviews to support your work.
When: TBA
Where: Online and on campus at UQ - this is a 'Living Belonging' making experience only and does not include travel as part of the course
Requirements: Current enrolment in MArch and completion of at least one design studio course.