UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

UPD5500 Independent research project

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

UPD5500 Independent research project is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1, Semester 2
Caulfield
Assessment
No exam
1 task

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before UPD5500

Corequisites

Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.

After UPD5500

No unit lists UPD5500 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.

Enrolment rules

You must be enrolled in the Master of Urban Planning and Design (F6004) or Master of Architecture (F6001). You must seek approval from the Chief Examiner to enrol in the unit.

Overview

This unit enables you to conduct scholarly research on topics related to Urban Planning and Design independently and in an ethical manner. You are required to produce a thesis paper at the end of the semester. The paper can take any of the following forms: (a) an independent scholarly research project guided by a thesis supervisor and unit coordinator; (b) a directed thesis contributing to a larger research effort in the discipline; (c) a professional thesis developed in the context of a student. In all cases, the thesis must be a piece of original, creative work conceived and developed by you.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterCaulfieldFlexible
Second semesterCaulfieldFlexible

Assessment

  • Project
    100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Significantly contribute to debates within the field of urban planning and design, showcasing a deep understanding of relevant research methods and concepts;

  2. 2

    Conduct original, independent research using advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate complex urban planning and design topics;

  3. 3

    Integrate research skills, methodologies and findings into cohesive and coherent research projects that address significant urban planning and design issues by synthesising material and data utilising a range of techniques;

  4. 4

    Demonstrate a profound awareness of the ethical implications of research in urban planning and design, recognising the global and societal impact of research methods and practices;

  5. 5

    Use advanced interpersonal and communication skills to convey complex research findings through the use of texts, images, visualisations, design projects, verbal and visual presentations to diverse audiences;

  6. 6

    Adapt to evolving research challenges, seek new knowledge, and engage in continuous self-directed learning.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials36 hours
  • Teaching approachIndustry-based learning
  • Teaching approachResearch activities

12 hours per week including weekly meeting with thesis supervisor (1 hour) and 11 hours of independent study.

Learning resources

Required resources

UPD computer lab

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Associate Professor Catherine Murphy
Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Catherine Murphy

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for UPD5500?

None, but you must take OHS1000 before or alongside it.

When is UPD5500 offered?

In 2026, UPD5500 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield.

Does UPD5500 have an exam?

No. UPD5500 has 1 assessment task and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
Organisational unit
Department of Architecture
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available