Postgraduate
Programmes
Facts & Figures
As of June 2026
Research Programmes
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Science in Built Environment
NEC: 073 Architecture, Surveying, and Town Planning
These research programmes are thoughtfully designed to offer graduates a structured and rigorous education in the Built Environment at both Master’s and PhD levels. They provide a dynamic platform that champions innovative, forward-thinking approaches to sustainable design, while encouraging the integration of practical solutions within the field. Through a strong emphasis on research methodologies, students gain in-depth exposure to the theories underpinning the Built Environment, alongside the professional practices expected by the industry. This ensures that graduates are not only academically equipped but also well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to contemporary challenges in the field.
Field of Specialisations
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is a research degree by thesis under the supervision of an experienced member of academic staff or a supervisory panel.A panel is made up of graduate staff and experts from either within or outside the University. The minimum duration of studies is 3 - 6 years full-time and 4 - 8 years part-time. The academic progress of a research student is evaluated twice a year through the progress reports. Final assessment is through thesis and a viva-voce examination. A student who has satisfied the Examination Committee for Postgraduate Studies in all aspects of their work is eligible for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Urban Design
Urban Culture
Urban Management
Urban Conservation
Architecture History and Theory
Islamic Architecture
Vernacular Architecture
Human Factors in Architecture
Architecture Design
Architectural Media
Digital Architecture
Digital Conservation
Park and Recreational Design
Cultural Landscape
Rural Planning and Development
Qualified Main Supervisors
Our highly qualified principal supervisors bring extensive scholarly expertise and advanced research competencies, enabling them to guide doctoral candidates in producing original, theoretically grounded, and methodologically rigorous research within the field of the built environment. Beyond the main supervision, a team of experienced co-supervisors further strengthens the doctoral journey by offering complementary expertise, interdisciplinary insights, and critical perspectives that enhance the intellectual depth and overall contribution of each thesis.
Comprehensive profiles of our academic staff are available on this website, allowing prospective PhD candidates to identify supervisors whose research interests align closely with their proposed areas of study. We encourage candidates to engage with potential supervisors and co-supervisors at an early stage to discuss research directions and explore innovative, high-impact doctoral research opportunities.
Green Building, Green Construction and Sustainability, Construction Project Management, Risk Management, Cost Management, Building Information Modeling Management, Facilities Management, Occupational Safety and Health Management, Quantity Surveying, Contract Administration, Construction Economics, Construction Measurement and Estimating.
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Real Estate Economics and Property Markets, Urban Sustainability and Livability, Sustainable Construction, Environmental and Facilities Management.
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"The postgraduate research programmes at FBE UNIMAS offer a distinctive and enriching perspective on what graduate-level research can achieve. Drawing on a broad spectrum of expertise, they span the scientific and technological dimensions of the built environment, while also embracing the social sciences and humanities, including areas such as heritage studies. This interdisciplinary strength places FBE among a select group of institutions capable of nurturing graduates with not only specialised knowledge, but also a diverse outlook that extends well beyond regional boundaries. Supported by highly qualified main supervisors and co-supervisors with extensive industry experience, students benefit from a robust academic environment that is both intellectually stimulating and professionally relevant, making it an exceptional choice for advanced study."
Dr Azmah binti Arzmi
Postgraduate (Research) Programme Coordinator
Coursework Programmes
Master of Science in
Construction Design Management
This programme, accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) since 2024, has been carefully designed to equip students with advanced knowledge in design and construction management. It offers a comprehensive learning experience that blends cutting-edge technological and innovative developments with essential technical skills in built environment practice. Students are guided to develop strong communication skills, enabling effective engagement with construction stakeholders as well as the wider community. At the same time, the programme fosters leadership, professionalism and ethical awareness—qualities that are indispensable in contemporary practice. Recognising the rapidly evolving nature of the industry, the programme also places great emphasis on lifelong learning and active participation in research, ensuring graduates remain adaptable and forward-thinking in the face of ongoing technological change.
Duration of StudyFull time: 1 years 6 months
Part Time: 2 years 6 months
Programme Summary
Maximise advanced technical knowledge and critical problem solving skills.
Integrate functional work skills towards industry leadership.
Establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs in the industry.
Uphold professionalism and ethics for benefit of society and nation at large.
"The programme is an opportunity to elevate your expertise in managing the complexities of construction design within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Going beyond conventional approaches, this programme expands the body of knowledge with a forward-looking perspective, integrating the latest developments, technologies and best practices into a contemporary Master’s-level education. What sets this programme apart is its commitment to relevance and innovation. It not only addresses foundational and generic aspects of construction design management, but also equips students with cutting-edge insights aligned with current industry demands. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, students gain the ability to navigate design coordination, project integration and collaborative problem-solving across diverse professional contexts."
Dr Noorhayatie binti Yusof
Master of Science in Construction Design Management Programme Coordinator
Master of Architecture
The Master of Architecture programme is a professional programme equivalent to LAM Part II. It builds upon LAM Part I, It builds upon LAM Part I—offered through the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture at the Faculty of Built Environment, UNIMAS—while also welcoming suitably qualified candidates from other recognised Part I institutions. This creates a clear, inclusive and progressive academic pathway for aspiring architects. Delivered through a carefully structured curriculum, the programme places strong emphasis on research-led architectural design studio projects. This approach fosters a rigorous intellectual and theoretical foundation, enabling students to produce meaningful architectural work that contributes to the advancement of national architecture. Sustainability is a central theme throughout the programme, thoughtfully integrated with technical, scientific and technological components. This holistic approach ensures that students develop a well-rounded understanding of contemporary architectural practice, equipping them with the skills and insight needed to address the challenges of a rapidly evolving built environment.
Duration of StudyFull time: 2 years
Programme Summary
3rd Year Studio work by Kelvin Lee Kian Shie, Cohort 3.
To prepare graduates to have the attitude and knowledge to practice and inspire high ethical values and technical standards in the architectural profession.
To impart to graduates knowledge of the theories and practices in the field of architecture.
To review, comprehend and develop architectural technology in multi-disciplinary teams for continuous development of further studies and lifelong learning.
To enable graduates to work and communicate effectively in interdisciplinary groups and contribute to the advancement of the profession continuously.
Courses
DESIGN
+ Architecture Design Studio 7
+ Architecture Design Studio 8
+ Design Thesis 1 (Design Studio 9)
+ Design Thesis 2 (Design Studio 10)
+ Urban Design
CULTURAL CONTEXT
+ Global Architecture
+ Architectural Conservation
+ Architecture Critics
TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
+ Building Technology IV
COMMUNICATION
+ Research Methodology
+ Dissertation 1
+ Dissertation 2
MANAGEMENT PRACTICE & LAW
+ Architecture Business
"The Master of Architecture programme at UNIMAS provides a clear and purposeful pathway towards becoming a professional architect. While the programme is progressing towards full accreditation by 2026, it is already well-established, delivering a robust and high-quality education that is committed to nurturing excellence among its students. As the only Master of Architecture programme in Kuching and Samarahan, it benefits from a distinctive setting that offers a compelling blend of urban and peri-urban contexts for study. This unique environment enriches learning through diverse and relevant case studies, while the programme’s strong integration with industry experts and community engagement further enhances its pedagogical approach. By balancing academic rigour with practical relevance, the programme maintains the intellectual depth expected at postgraduate level while ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of professional practice. This synergy between theory and practice stands as a key strength in shaping capable, industry-ready architects."
Ar. Awang Hasim bin Awang Sulong
Master of Architecture Programme Coordinator
