collageDoctor of Construction Management overview
Doctor of Construction Management degrees are not commonly offered by institutions. RMIT is one of the few Australian tertiary education providers to offer a PhD program in construction management, through their Doctor of Built Environment degree. Both a coursework and research-based degree, it combines modules of design, architecture, and philosophy. It can take between three and four years to complete full-time, or seven to eight years part-time.
As a doctoral research degree candidate, you will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. Your research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.
A higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). Your thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research.
Throughout your studies, our faculties will provide you with access to equipment and resources to support your research, and financial assistance to attend appropriate local and international conferences.
Overview
Through advanced coursework and research in the Doctor of Philosophy in the Built Environment, you will develop sophisticated research, technical and critical analytical skills.
Individually supervised research programs are available in project management, construction, property, planning and building science.
What you will gain through this program.
Upon graduation of this program you will have developed:
- high-level skills in research processing including the ability to independently design a research project, to conduct experiments and to analyse data from a research project
- advanced skills in the analysis and synthesis of knowledge related to specific disciplines
- high-level communication skills.
You will be equipped to pursue an academic career in a university or to be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, non-government organisations and corporations.
Why study a PhD (Built Environment) at RMIT?
Our graduates have highly developed technical skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice within government, non-government and corporate environments.
They demonstrate high-level personal autonomy and accountability, as well as creativity and initiative in new situations and for further learning, by planning and executing a substantial piece of research.
Details
How you will learn
Time spent on research
Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.
Regular contact with your supervisor
A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.
Resources, facilities and support
You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal. You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.
More information about training and development for research candidates.
School of Graduate Research
The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.
Choose a program structure
Program code: DR212
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy | City Campus | 3-4 years full-time6-8 years part-time | DR212 | 079829B | View plan |
Career
You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, non-government organisations and corporations.
Admissions
The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:
- a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
- a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
- evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.
If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy and processes.
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
None
Selection tasks
These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.
A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.
For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.
Pathways
Pathway options
Fees
Fee summary
Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.
Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.
This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).
Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.
Other fees
The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.
Income tax deductions
Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.
Scholarships
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT research scholarships.
Employment options
Most employers will not require their construction managers to have a doctorate degree, but it would be a very distinguishing CV feature. It also presents an opportunity to explore and contribute to academic research on an interesting and essential industry of the modern world.
Scholarships and funding
Financial assistance and research funding are usually available for doctoral degrees.
You can also use our scholarship search tool and find out about universities that offer scholarships in construction management.
Prerequisites and selection process
You will need to have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, or a relevant field such as architecture or design.
In order to be accepted into the PhD program you will need to create a proposal for your thesis, as well as identify and approach an appropriate supervisory team as part of the application process.
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