Overview
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a research-mode degree. This programme aims at stimulating and developing students’ research competence, creative thinking and problem-solving skills pertaining to the study of the built and urban environments. The programme offers opportunity for self-directed learning with the benefits of individual academic supervision. Learners will have engaged in rigorous research work and produced a well-resolved or argued dissertation. Learners need to demonstrate in-depth, critical understanding of their research topic, while coming up with new insights to existing scholarship.
About the Programme
Programme Highlights
The Alternative Pathway to Achieving Doctorate Degree (PhD in Architecture)
Upon successful upgrade of research proposal, in company with the University Senate’s approval, learners may apply to convert the MPhil research into the Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture (PhD in Architecture), usually by the third or fourth semester.
Teaching and Learning Features
This programme focuses on research (dissertation and viva-voce) as a major requirement for attaining the degree. Throughout the candidature, a qualified principal supervisor and experienced supervisory committee will guide the learners in developing the research project. Students will also have access to specialist support which includes community engagement programmes, public lectures, research seminars, exhibitions, conference presentations, thesis competitions, and more.
Area(s) of Specialisation
- Architecture History and Theory
- Community Architecture and Cultural Studies
- Urbanism Research (Planning and Design)
- Sustainable Building Technologies/Materials
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Innovation in Construction and Project Management
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA of 2.75 or equivalent, as accepted by the Senate;
OR
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with minimum CGPA of 2.50 and if not meeting CGPA of 2.75, can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment;
OR
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and if not meeting CGPA of 2.50, can be accepted subject to a minimum of five (5) years working experience in a relevant field.
English Language Requirements
For Local and International Students
English language competency requirements are as follows: IELTS: 6.0; MUET- BAND 4; TOEFL iBT:60; Pearson Test of English: 59; Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests: 169.
Applicants who have an academic qualification from a higher learning institution which uses the English Language as a medium of instruction may be granted an exemption from the University English Language requirements.
International applicants who do not meet the English Language requirements will need to improve their proficiency by enrolling into the English for Tertiary Education programme (R/KJP/00920-00929) which helps them prepare for attaining a required band score. Placement into the various levels of the English for Tertiary Education programme depends on the English Language qualification students have at the point of admission and/or the outcome of the English Placement Test.
The applicants who have met the respective academic programme’s English Language Requirement may be advised by Faculty to improve their proficiency by undertaking additional English proficiency courses.
Courses Offered
- Research Methodology
- Research Seminar
Career Opportunities
Apart from being a stepping stone towards the PhD degree, students may work as a:
- Public Administrator or Policy Researcher
- Urban or Rural Development Strategist
- Property Marketing Strategist
- Environmental Analyst
- Community Development Planner
