Top 200 globally for architecture and built environment
#1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
Pathway to a PhD
Why choose Deakin
Deepen your expertise in a chosen area within the field of construction management through independent, sustained and academically supervised research.
The Master of Construction Management (Research) gives you the opportunity to conduct research in the construction management and building disciplines. You will write a thesis explaining the research carried out in your field of study.
To qualify for a Master by Research, you must demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of your research topic.. This is completed in the form of a thesis of up to 50,000 words in length. Although the focus of the degree is on research, you will also be required to complete a minimum of one unit of coursework.
When applying, contact the School of Architecture and Built Environment for guidance on developing research proposals.
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Expert research supervisors
Join the #4 university in Australia for research quality and undertake independent research in the future of construction management, project delivery and the built environment with supervisors at the top of their field.
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Specialist design centres
Collaborate with researchers from the Deakin Home Research Centre and Deakin Mediated Intelligence in Design Lab, exploring housing, digital design and the future of architecture and the built environment.
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Hands-on research spaces
Access Deakin's Architecture and Building (A+B) spaces – a purpose-built studio, workshop and gallery supporting experimentation, collaboration and the communication of research.
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Progress to doctoral research
Use your master's as a pathway to a PhD, building the research experience and academic foundation to undertake higher degree research.
Connected to industry
Engaging with industry during your PhD or masters by research ensures your research is relevant, future‑focused and positioned to create impact. Develop the skills your future employers need with industry-embedded projects, co‑supervision arrangements, access to partner facilities and opportunities to translate research into practice.
FAQs
Deakin is ranked #1 in Victoria for student support, with resources designed to take you from orientation through to thesis submission. You'll have a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and manage your progress, backed by dedicated supervision. The Researcher Development Academy runs workshops covering research practice, writing, milestones and research communication. You can also build experience beyond your thesis through study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships, industry mentorship and programs like the National Industry PhD Program. Deakin's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and Reel Research program gives you the chance to develop your research communication skills throughout your degree.
As a Deakin graduate researcher, you'll have access to world-class facilities across our campuses. Deakin is ranked #1 among Victorian universities for facilities, with advanced labs, specialised equipment and collaborative spaces available to researchers. Highlights include the Genesis Simulator, the only university-based system of its kind worldwide, Australia's first high-G CYCLONE Centrifuge, the AquaFI Lab and the Deakin Volume Screen. Our research precincts, including the Geelong Future Economy Precinct with its Hydrogen Hub and ManuFutures facility and the ITSH Precinct, put you alongside industry partners and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Applying for a research degree at Deakin involves a few key steps. First, review the entry requirements section on the course page. Next, find a supervisor in your field and review key dates and scholarship deadlines. You'll then need to prepare your supporting documents, including a research proposal. When you're ready, create a ResearchPoint profile and apply online through the Deakin Application Portal.
Finding the right supervisor is one of the most important steps in starting a research degree. Deakin's Find a Research Supervisor tool lets you search by research area, faculty or keyword to identify academics whose expertise aligns with your proposed project. Browse their profiles to learn about current projects and research interests, then reach out to introduce yourself and discuss your ideas. You'll need to confirm a supervisor's availability and willingness to support you before submitting your application.
If you're an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder, you won't pay tuition fees for a research degree at Deakin. Domestic candidates are automatically covered by the RTP Fee Offset scholarship, which covers your tuition in full. You may also be eligible for an RTP or DUPR scholarship, which can include a tax-exempt stipend, relocation allowances and other support.
A research proposal is a required part of your application for a research degree at Deakin. It helps us assess whether we have the supervisory expertise to support your project. Your proposal should cover your research direction, aims and objectives, your approach and scope, and how your work will contribute to knowledge in the field. The expected length varies from 300 to 2,000 words depending on the faculty. Find out how to prepare a compelling research proposal.
Yes, part-time study is available for many research degrees at Deakin, making it possible to balance your candidacy with work or other commitments. For example, a masters by research that takes two years full-time can be completed part-time over four years. Check the duration details on the course page to confirm.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Course structure
How your research degree is structured
Your Masters by Research is built around your own independent research project and the contribution you want to make. Over two years full-time (part-time available), you'll work closely with an expert supervisory team to investigate a problem, question or opportunity, hone your specialisation and contribute new insights to your field. Your research program will be shaped by your project, discipline and research goals.
Your research
Undertake an independent research project in your field, culminating in a masters thesis of up to 50,000 words. Thesis formats can vary depending on your discipline and research.
Your supervision
Work closely with an expert supervisory team who will guide your research and support your progress throughout your degree.
Your development
Build capabilities beyond your thesis through Deakin's Researcher Development Academy, with tailored opportunities to strengthen your research practice, grow your networks and develop your engagement and career skills.
Your industry opportunities
Depending on your project, you may have opportunities to connect your research with industry, build professional networks and gain experience translating research into practice.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
You can apply for a research degree without a scholarship at any time, with commencement not limited to Deakin’s trimester dates.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner. |
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods |
| Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. |
| Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. |
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods. |
| Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner. |
Approved by Faculty Board 7 June 2018
- Award granted
- Master of Construction Management (Research)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S805
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
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.