Centre for Urban Transitions

The Centre for Urban Transitions leads research in the science of cities and urban sustainability transitions. We do this by using different lenses to investigate drivers, patterns and pathways of urban futures. These lenses produce systemic, integrative and actionable knowledge on cities and how they transform.

To understand this transformation, our research currently focuses on:

• New ways of urban living

• Housing futures

• Urban regeneration.
   

To drive this transformation, our research currently focuses on: 

• Just cities 

• Healthy cities 

• Productive cities.
   

Our strong history of urban research is bolstered by collaborations with the Smart Cities Research Institute, Social Innovation Research Institute, Data Science Research Institute, Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute and iHUB National Urban Research Platform.

Our study options

We place a strong priority on teaching and training undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as our early career researchers (ECRs). 

We provide:

• experience with world-leading research on urban transitions

• connection and exposure to international research collaborations

• opportunities to work with industry partners

• opportunities to communicate research to wide audiences

• a gateway to contribute to contemporary public policy and practice-related debates.

Our teaching includes a subject within the Bachelor of Arts and two subjects within the Master of Architecture and Urban Design.

Research degrees

We offer excellent supervision and host weekly seminars (CUTransitions Talks) and social activities. As a research centre, we consider higher degree by research (HDR) candidates as young researchers in training and our future peers and have established tailored academic professionalisation seminars for them (Career StartUp Fridays), a representation committee (CUT PhD Voice) and a blog that skills and prepares PhD candidates to become future transition researchers. 

In our centre, PhD Candidates are encouraged to participate in international networks and attend conferences as well as participate in all research activities as part of their academic journey. We welcome enquiries from potential candidates in the behavioural and social sciences and are happy to discuss options for scholarships and funding. 

Find out more about Swinburne research degrees, apply for one now or view our current HDR candidates and their thesis topics.

How you can reach us