Architectural Studies

Degree Background

Architects are distinguished by their ability to creatively and thoughtfully synthesise a range of knowledge and application fields and processes in design. In recognising that this capability develops in complexity over five years of university education, Australian universities in 2008 decided to move to an undergraduate and postgraduate degree combination in architecture rather than a five year undergraduate degree.

The change is linked to principles of the Bologna Agreement - an agreement across universities in the European Union (EU) that was set up to allow European students flexibility and mobility in their tertiary education.

At UNSW, the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BArchStud) degree is the undergraduate degree pathway to the accredited postgraduate Master of Architecture degree which has professional recognition from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), NSW Architects Registration Board and Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), and a range of international accreditation agencies.

The two degree structure offers eligible students the opportunity to work or travel without restriction before commencing the Master of Architecture.  In this postgraduate coursework degree students have the opportunity to gain effective knowledge in elective courses drawn from other BE postgraduate programs in planning, construction management, urban design and development and sustainability.

It is just one of the reasons why UNSW BE continues to be regarded as amongst the most prestigious architecture program degrees in Australia.

Progression through the program is by year stages, each comprising two semester-long design studios and their corresponding supporting core courses complemented by elective courses students may also undertake courses in the UNSW summer session program. The Program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in architectural design and related theoretical and technical knowledge and its application. It prepares students to contribute to architectural practice; built environment design-based fields and industries. It prepares eligible students to undertake the two year accredited Master of Architecture Program, required by graduates intending to undertake the professional examinations required to become registered Architects.

Key Areas of Study:

• Architectural Design
• Architectural Communications
• Architectural History and Theory
• Architectural Technology
• Elective Course Studies

Architectural Studies with Honours

Commendable students are encouraged to undertake the year long Honours program before undertaking the Master of Architecture. In this program students undertake research into an architectural interest of their choice motivated by their previous three years of study. During the year students undertake courses that assist them to prepare a thesis supervised by an academic and often an architect practice mentor.

Students may graduate with Honours and are eligible for consideration for the University medal, the prestigious UNSW award for academic merit in an undergraduate degree.

Following completion of the Honours year, students may apply to enter the Master of Architecture or apply to undertake a research degree such as the Master of Philosophy.

Program Advanced Standing (Credit Transfer)

Students accepted for entry into the BArchStud who have completed previous tertiary studies may apply for advanced standing for these studies. Advanced standing is considered on merit. For information on the structure of the degree and courses taught, please refer to the UNSW Online Handbook.