Doctor of Architecture (Design)

About the course

UWA’s Doctor of Architecture (Design) is a doctoral research degree focused on producing an original contribution to architectural design. You’ll undertake sustained, independent design-led inquiry guided by academic supervision, developing advanced critical thinking and research methods alongside creative practice. The program culminates in a substantial body of work that demonstrates rigorous investigation and design innovation at doctoral level in architecture.

Career outcome

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles that combine architectural design expertise with research capability. Career paths may include design leadership in architectural practice, specialist consultancy, research and innovation roles in the built environment sector, and teaching or academic careers in architecture schools. The doctorate can also support progression to higher doctorate pathways and positions requiring design-led research expertise in architecture. Preparing graduates for engineering innovation, industrial research, and doctoral study.

Living Costs in Perth**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 23	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,255 - 1,660	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 866 - 1,146
Transportation (Daily) A$ 6 - 8	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 243 - 321

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)