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Research

Creating an agile, adaptive and responsive built environment

Drawing on the potential of human-centred design, construction and technology, our researchers recognise the need to develop new ways of approaching problems in our highly interconnected and complex world.

Study a research degree with us

Architecture and built environment masters and PhD students are attracted to our school for our leading facilities, partners, world-renowned supervisors and extensive research possibilities.

Masters by research

Enjoy flexible start dates and multiple locations. Our Master of Architecture (Research) and Master of Construction Management (Research) are 2-year full-time degrees and pathways to a PhD. Involves a written thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Work in a collaborative community; study our Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture and Built Environment) over 3 years full time on a supervised research project. Involves a written thesis and oral defence.

Cotutelle PhD

Our Cotutelle PhD initiative allows candidates to co-enrol at two universities in different countries. Conduct research under a jointly supervised doctoral program with dual awards while being immersed in diverse research.

How to apply for a research degree

Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.

Find out how to apply for a research degree

Find a research supervisor

Deakin’s research degrees give you the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision. Need a supervisor? We can help you find someone suitable. Our disciplines cover a broad range of research areas, from architecture, planning and urban design to landscape architecture and construction management.

Learn more

My course is equipping me with essential habits for independent research, fostering a sense of curiosity and self-motivation. Deakin provides comprehensive resources for knowledge discovery, enabling me to explore and learn effectively.

Rudan Fan

PhD student in School of Architecture and Built Environment

Our design framework

Our researchers have identified four areas of impact and improvement for the architecture, engineering and construction sector.

  1. Products and processes: analysing and improving performance, e.g. around products such as buildings.
  2. People and end-users: improving user experiences through new interactions between people, information, buildings, spaces and technology.
  3. Society and culture: developing new policies and practices to improve how society and culture operate.
  4. Economy and ecology: developing new services and business models that work within current economic and ecological contexts.

Our research labs, groups and projects

Our researchers explore the role of architects and built environment professionals in shaping the future at a time when digital technology and innovations are disrupting the ways we think, live, work and do business. We also look at ways of adapting the sector's methods of approaching problems, to make an impactful contribution to a socially, economically and environmentally viable future.

HOME

HOME

Bringing together experts from architecture and urban planning, the humanities and social sciences, and health and social development. HOME seeks to address the causes and outcomes of social polarisation in the built environment.

Architecture Vacancy Lab

Architecture Vacancy Lab

Examines real and critical gaps in the knowledge and practice of architecture and architectural education, sites of debate, as well as the imaginative possibility, towards defining architecture’s role in the 21st century.

Data Analysis and Modelling in Construction Lab

Data Analysis and Modelling in Construction Lab

Focuses on innovative quantitative methods for measuring, assessing, analysing, optimising and modelling the processes and products of construction. It also examines how these relate to society, the economy and the environment.

Mediated Intelligence in Design (MInD) Lab

MInD Lab is a practice-based, transdisciplinary research group that explores how design and technology can innovate for an agile, adaptive, responsive and intelligent ecosystem.

Megaprojects Research Group

Advancing the delivery of major infrastructure projects to empower decision-makers with evidence-based insights for strategic infrastructure planning, management and delivery.

Growing Up In Cities

A globally expansive research project examining adolescents' perceptions of contemporary urban spaces to better understand the impact the local environment has on their lives.

Find a scholarship

Reach your full potential and achieve your career goals with the support of a research degree or PhD scholarship. Our top scholarships recognise and reward students from a range of backgrounds and interest areas.

Architecture facilities

Architecture facilities

Located at the Geelong Waterfront Campus, our world-class A+B spaces will prepare you for a career in the architectural or construction management industries.

Be part of research that’s above world standard

Our strong research reputation is underpinned by our exceptional national and international industry links and partnerships. Our researchers actively engage with businesses, government and community groups, and collaborate to discover meaningful solutions to current social, economic, technical and environmental challenges.

Partner with us

Contact us

Get in touch with Dr Dominic Doe Ahiaga-Dagbui, Associate Head of School (Research) to learn more about our research programs, media expertise and collaboration.

+61 3 522 78074

Email Dr Dominic Doe Ahiaga-Dagbui