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Hi everyone, I have a question about whether it’s necessary to contact professors before starting a graduate program in architecture
I’ve noticed that many applicants, particularly those pursuing research-based master’s degrees or PhDs, often reach out to professors beforehand to discuss potential research topics or supervision. However, my case is slightly different.
I’ve been admitted to the Master of Architecture program at RMIT University, which is design-based rather than research-focused. At RMIT, studio selection operates through a balloting system, and the themes for each studio change every semester. From what I understand, students are encouraged to choose creatively while aligning their studio projects with their long-term goals, especially for their major project.
Here’s my situation: I’m applying for a scholarship, and the provider expects evidence that I’ve contacted professors and discussed my major project. While this makes sense for research-based programs, I’m unsure if it applies to design-based programs like mine.
Has anyone here had a similar experience? Is it typical or beneficial to contact professors in a design-focused Master of Architecture program? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds to me like you've answered your own question, if the provider expects evidence that you've contacted professors to discuss your project than you need to.
Just reach out to a few of them, explain the situation, and ask if you can drop in. They usually have office hours when they typically meet with students anyway; I doubt if you can't find someone willing to help you. If that is a problem for some other reason, perhaps you can get in touch with the provider and explain the situation to them and ask if the requirement can be waived or made up for in some other way, especially if it is a private scholarship.
Beyond this, without any background on how acadamia works in Australia, to anyone from N. America reading this I would say it isn't really necessary, unless you just want to talk to someone as part of your research on what school you want to go to.
Meeting with your potential teachers to establish which ones you might work best with would be very beneficial to you. Sometimes people are really different in person from what's in their online bios. Faculty who are accomplished writers or designers don't always have good teaching/explaining skills. Your provider will appreciate that you both did what they asked and made an effort towards maximizing the quality of your time in the program.
Maybe times have changed. Did my Graduate degree some 35 years ago. I selected 2 places based on the research I was looking to do - and on that note you pose a curious problem for me. You essentially say research and design are different. I disagree. Every architectural project as a foundation in research.
Anyway, I elected (wasn't required) to drive 800 miles in the dead of winter to spent the day with the head of the graduate department.
Maybe I just don't understand this types of question. Are you looking for a degree or an education?
Seriously mate…contact the school. Don’t be lazy.
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