The Anita Lawrence Scholarship 2026 – Investigating Soundscape as a Critical Design Factor in Public Interiors is a fully funded Higher Degree Research (HDR) scholarship offered by UNSW Sydney through the School of Built Environment in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. The scholarship supports a PhD research project that investigates how soundscape and acoustics influence the design and user experience of public interior spaces. The scholarship provides a living stipend, an annual research allowance, and tuition fee support for international students.

About the Anita Lawrence Scholarship

UNSW Sydney offers this Anita Lawrence Scholarship to support innovative research into the role of soundscape as a fundamental design element in public interiors. The project is inspired by the legacy of Associate Professor Anita Lawrence, UNSW’s first female architecture graduate and a pioneering acoustician whose work transformed architectural acoustics in Australia.

The research project asks candidates to investigate how acoustics and soundscapes influence people’s experiences of shared indoor environments. The successful researcher will examine how designers can integrate soundscape principles into public interior design to improve comfort, well-being, communication, and overall user experience. The project encourages original research that demonstrates how acoustics should become a critical consideration in future interior design decisions.

Students will undertake their research within the School of Built Environment, working with academics specializing in architectural acoustics, interior architecture, environmental design, and building performance.

Why Choose The Anita Lawrence Scholarship?

This scholarship allows you to conduct cutting-edge research at one of Australia’s leading universities while exploring how sound influences architecture and public interior environments.

You benefit from:

  • Full financial support throughout your research degree
  • Research in an emerging field that combines acoustics, architecture, and interior design
  • Access to experienced supervisors in architectural acoustics
  • Opportunities to contribute to healthier and more inclusive public spaces
  • Professional development in research and design innovation
  • Access to UNSW’s research facilities and interdisciplinary research environment

The project prepares graduates for careers in:

  • Architectural acoustics
  • Interior architecture
  • Environmental design
  • Building performance consultancy
  • Academic research
  • Urban and public space design

Anita Lawrence Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Australia
  • Host University: UNSW Sydney
  • Faculty: Arts, Design & Architecture
  • School: School of Built Environment
  • Scholarship Name: Anita Lawrence Scholarship – Investigating Soundscape as a Critical Design Factor in Public Interiors
  • Study Level: PhD
  • Scholarship Type: Fully Funded HDR Scholarship
  • Research Area: Architectural Acoustics, Soundscape, Interior Architecture, Built Environment
  • Research Project: Investigating Soundscape as a Critical Design Factor in Public Interiors
  • Stipend: AUD 39,200 per annum (2026 rate)
  • Research Allowance: AUD 5,000 per annum
  • International Tuition Support: Tuition Fee Scholarship available for international students
  • Scholarship Duration: 3.5 years (MPhil)
  • Application Mode: Email application
  • Selection Basis: Academic excellence, research proposal, and suitability for the project

Scholarship Benefits

The Anita Lawrence Scholarship provides:

  • AUD 39,200 per year living stipend (2026 rate)
  • AUD 5,000 per year research allowance
  • Tuition Fee Scholarship for eligible international students
  • Access to world-class supervision and research facilities
  • Opportunities to conduct interdisciplinary research in acoustics and design
  • Professional development and academic networking opportunities

The scholarship enables students to focus on innovative research that improves the design and experience of public interior environments.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Anita Lawrence Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Meet the admission requirements for a PhD at UNSW Sydney
  • Meet the English language requirements for admission, where applicable
  • Demonstrate excellent academic achievement and strong research potential
  • Submit a research proposal aligned with soundscape, acoustics, and public interior design
  • Demonstrate interest in architectural acoustics, interior architecture, environmental psychology, or built environment research

Candidates with backgrounds in architecture, interior architecture, design, acoustics, environmental design, engineering, psychology, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Research proposal
  • Names of two academic referees
  • One sample of academic writing (such as a dissertation, thesis chapter, or published paper)
  • Statement of Purpose (maximum 1–2 pages) explaining:
    • Reasons for applying
    • How you meet the eligibility requirements
    • Your long-term research and career goals

Application Process & Timeline

Follow these steps:

  1. Review the project description and research objectives.
  2. Develop a research proposal related to soundscape and public interior design.
  3. Prepare your CV, academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, and academic writing sample.
  4. Identify two academic referees.
  5. Email your complete application to [email protected].
  6. Contact Hon. Associate Professor Marion Burgess if you have questions about the project.
  7. If shortlisted, complete the formal UNSW Higher Degree Research admission process.