Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit can be taken full-time or part-time. The content of this unit depends on which of the two modes of research a student wishes to conduct across the course of a full year: (1) 100 per cent written dissertation of length 12,000–18,000 words; or (2) 100 per cent design project and a design essay equivalent to 12,000–18,000 words. The academic objectives across both are similar: (1) to afford students an opportunity to develop specialised expertise in an area of theory and/or practice in urban design, as developed with the unit coordinator; (2) to develop a research methodology appropriate to a particular design problem or research investigation; (3) to demonstrate competence in communication of analytical conclusions and design ideas, in a scholarly and professional manner using written, graphic and oral expression; (4) to develop the discipline of working within a self-imposed schedule (under close supervision), meeting specified interim presentation dates and final deadlines; (5) to explore a hypothesis, question or design project which contains pressing urban issues of relevance to a sufficient level of resolution to warrant masters qualification; and (6) to explore urban design theory and then apply and test that theory through design application and bring to bear the knowledge accumulated through the first year of coursework on a particular urban design issue or site.

Credit
24 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1OnlineOnline timetabled
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2OnlineOnline timetabled
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) define a clear research question; (2) conduct a review of the relevant scientific literature; (3) demonstrate expertise in a particular locale and its related urban design issues; (4) produce sophisticated and resolved

urban designs that relate to the research questions; and (5) write scholarly written text which answers the research

question.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: 100 per cent written dissertation of length 12,000–18,000 words or (2) 100 per cent design project (and a design essay) equivalent to 12,000–18,000 words. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Julian Bolleter
Unit rules
Prerequisites
A weighted average mark in the first year (48 points) Master of Urban Design of at least 60% or equivalent as recognised by the School on the recommendation of the Urban Design Program (UDP) Academic Committee
Contact hours
up to 3 hours per week consultation
Note
This unit is taught by the Australian Urban Design Research Centre.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.