What we do
QUT Design Lab is comprised of an internationally recognised team of research staff and students who employ bold, fresh, and rigorous design-led research to tackle major societal challenges guided by four value-led research programs: Emerging Technologies; Design Robotics and Digital Fabrication; Design for Health; Resilient Communities.
The Lab supports transdisciplinary collaborations, with a particular interest in transfering knowledge and technology into practical applications for industry and society. Our approach to research removes disciplinary silos and brings together all higher degree research students in the School of Design under the QUT Design Lab. This enables the lab to recruit research students into strategic research programs and establish groups of research students working closely with academic staff.
We provide an ideal environment for a dynamic, vibrant and intellectually stimulating research culture to flourish with research staff, post-docs, and higher degree research students working together on related topics with strong mentorship and peer support. All Lab members are encouraged and supported to publish their research in high-quality publications.
How to join us
If you are interested in studying with us, please firstly complete the Supervision Enquiry form for the Faculty of Creative, Industries, Education, and Social Justice (CIESJ).
Completing this form will determine whether a Design Lab supervisor is interested in supporting your project. Finding a supervisor to support your project is Step 2 of the formal QUT expression of interest (EOI). If your request for supervision is supported within the Design Lab, it does not mean that you have been accepted into a PhD or MPhil. You will still need to submit a formal EOI application to the university for consideration.
QUT offers a diverse range of Student Topics for Honours, Masters and PhD study. Search to find a topic that interests you or propose your own research topic to a prospective QUT supervisor. You may also ask a prospective supervisor to help you identify or refine a research topic.
Before you begin completing the CIESJ Supervision Enquiry form, make sure you are familiar with the Design Lab’s mission, priorities, and programs. We welcome applications that strongly align with our Research Programs. Please also visit QUT’s general information about entry requirements to QUT’s PhD and MPhil programs.
Once your form and supporting documents are submitted, the relevant Academic Lead, Research Training will review your request and contact your proposed supervisor/s. You will receive a response once your request has been reviewed. Please allow sufficient time for your request to be reviewed by multiple supervisors – typically two weeks.
If your request is supported, you will be advised to apply for a research degree by submitting a formal expression of interest to the university for consideration. Your proposed supervisors will support you through this EOI process, which is managed by the QUT Graduate Research Centre – contact hdr@qut.edu.au or phone +61 7 3138 7200 .
Scholarships available include:
- The HDR Annual Scholarship Round (ASR) for prospective PhD or MPhil students interested in joining our DMRC research community.
- Scholarships not offered through the Annual Scholarship Round can be viewed at this here.
Benefits that our research students can access, include:
- Regular research events, public lectures, and master classes;
- Reading, writing, ideation, and peer support workshops;
- Discretionary funds to support travel and research expenses;
- Residencies and placements with the Lab’s industry organisations and partner universities nationally and internationally, and;
- Social events.
The QUT Design Lab offers three research degrees:
We are always looking for talented individuals who would like to join our team and conduct higher degree research. You are welcome to propose your own topic and discuss it with us, or consider aligning yourself with one of our research programs. Explore your options below:
Questions
Questions relating to Design Lab Higher Degree Research opportunities, or for support in finding the right supervisor please contact A/Prof Nick Kelly, our School of Design Higher Research Degree Training Coordinator (RTC).
