Architectural Design Research Methods

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ARCH 5005
Course ID icon
Course ID
202182
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to equip learners with knowledge and skills for conducting research relevant to architecture. Building upon theoretical concepts and creative practices introduced earlier, this course will present research as a means for creating new disciplinary knowledge that has broader value. It will introduce a variety of methodologies and theoretical frameworks for designing architectural research, including both the formal and scientific models as well as the practice-based models. Learners will, conduct a relevant literature review, formulate a research question, and identify and justify an appropriate research design considering a wide range of methodological approaches. This course aligns with the program intent to develop advanced knowledge of context and research methodology in architecture and exercise cultural agency through design. 

  • Literature Review
  • Research Design 

Course learning outcomes

  • Conduct literature review and evaluate existing knowledge to identify gaps to inform new research directions.
  • Formulate a research question relevant to architecture through which it is designed, considering scope and limitations.
  • Identify and justify an appropriate research design considering a wide range of methodological approaches.
  • Understand and evaluate the significance of research in social, economic, cultural, and ethical contexts.
  • Communicate research content using appropriate academic language and graphic representation.
  • Explore culturally responsive and meaningful engagement processes that respect the importance of Country and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across architectural services.

Assessment

Annotated Bibliography, Literature Review, Critical Analysis

Degree list
The following degrees include this course