Architecture
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Create inspiring architecture of social and environmental value
Behind almost every building - from modest to intimate rooms to extraordinary and monumental spaces - lies the disciplined creativity of architecture. An architect designs buildings and their settings to meet the needs of individuals and the community. Architects design buildings and cities through the consideration of sustainability, culture and economy.
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies provides you with an academic education in the practice and theory of architecture.
In combination with the Master of Architecture, it is designed to deliver an architectural education appropriate to contemporary multidisciplinary professional practice.
Key Information
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a 3 year program consisting of 23 courses (144 Units Of Credit/UOC).
The program includes:
- 6 Design Studio Courses
- 11 Core Courses
- 2 Interdisciplinary Courses (BEIL)
- 2 Open Elective Courses (choose from within UNSW Built Environment or other faculties)
- 2 General Education Courses (choose from other faculties)
Key Areas of Study
Architectural Design
Architectural Communications
Architectural History and Theory
Architectural Science and Technology
Architectural Construction and Structures
Professional Registration
To become a registered architect, you must complete this degree as well as the two year Master of Architecture.
For course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
About this course
Completing an honours program gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of architectural design methods, knowledge and history by undertaking a significant research project. The research project, a thesis, could be a written report or essay, but could also be represented in creative formats that are compatible with the research topic and methods.
During the year you will also undertake research methods courses that assist you to prepare a thesis and will be supervised by an academic and often an architect of practice.
Following completion of the Honours year, you may apply to enter the Master of Architecture or apply to undertake a research degree such as the Master of Philosophy, Masters by Research or a PhD.
Program Details
The Architecture Honours program is a one year program (48 Units of Credit/UOC), that can be completed before undertaking the Master of Architecture.
The program includes:
- 1 Research Methods Core Course
- 1 Critical Review of Literature
- 1 Thesis
- 2 Prescribed Built Environment Elective Courses
Entry requirements
To be eligible for this program you must have a completed accredited undergraduate architecture degree with a credit average or above (WAM 65+ or equivalent).
For course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is an undergraduate pathway to the professionally accredited postgraduate Master of Architecture, which has professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). To become a registered architect, you must also complete two years of professional work experience and undertake the professional practice exam.
Students of architecture are able to join the national student-membership body of the Australian Institute of Architects, SONA. SONA aims to advance the interests of architecture students, architectural education and architecture through the promotion of student work and thinking.
Behind almost every building – from modest and intimate rooms to extraordinary and monumental spaces accommodating complex needs – lies the disciplined creativity of architecture.
An architect designs buildings and their settings to meet the needs of individuals and the community. In their professional work, architects design buildings and cities through the consideration of sustainability, culture and economy.
It is an exciting and dynamic profession that works closely with other built environment professionals and is the only one responsible for considering the building in its entirety.
Career opportunities
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Consulting architect in private practice
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Specialist architect in areas such as heritage
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Building scientist
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Environmental consultant
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Architect within multidisciplinary design practices
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Roles within large commercial architectural firms
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Architectural critic, academic or researcher
Many of our sought-after graduates find work in leading practices and are valued for the range and depth of their skill and knowledge. Some successful alumni include Australian Institute of Architecture (AIA) Gold Medallist, Keith Cottier, who formerly lead an award-winning architectural practice (Allen Jack & Cottier) with offices in Sydney and Beijing and Built Environment Adjunct Professor Diane Jones, Executive Director, PTW Architects.
- The only faculty in Australia with a Pritzker Prize winner (regarded as the Nobel Prize in architecture) Professor Glenn Murcutt, UNSW alumnus, on our teaching staff.
- The only faculty in Australia endowed with three Chairs, the Seidler Chair in the Practice of Architecture, the Judith Neilson Chair in Architecture and the Anita Lawrence Chair in High Performance Architecture. The Seidler Chair aims to deliver excellence in design studio education and is held by Pritzker prize winner Glenn Murcutt AO. The Judith Neilson Chair is held by Professor David Sanderson and aims to lead research and education to support disadvantaged communities displaced by natural disasters, geo-political conflicts, socio-economic exclusion and environmental factors. Professor Mattheos Santamouris holds the Anita Lawrence Chair.
- UNSW ranks 25th in the world and 4th in Australia in Architecture/Built Environment (QS World Rankings 2019)
- World class alumni connections
- UNSW ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide (Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2017-2018)
- UNSW Graduates are the most hired by LinkedIn's top 30 most in-demand employers in 2015
- UNSW has invested over $1.2 billion in student facilities and accommodation
- Member of prestigious Group of Eight (Go8)
- Strong industry links and partnerships
- In the 2015 Excellence for Research in Australia (ERA) UNSW was rated as the equal-top university nationally in Built Environment and Design. Its rating in Urban Planning research was also the joint highest in Australia.
Entry to this degree is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank calculated from the following:
- NSW HSC and Interstate Year 12 Qualifications
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
- GCE A-Levels
- New Zealand NCEA Level 3
- Overseas secondary qualifications considered equivalent to Australian studies
- Post secondary or tertiary studies such as completed TAFE diplomas and other university study
- University preparation programs
Domestic students
For further information on domestic admission requirements, see UNSW Future Students degree finder.
International students
For further information on international admission requirements, see the International Undergraduate Direct Entry Table and the UNSW English Language requirements.
Pathways
If you did not meet the entry cut-off for this degree, please continue on to read about pathways into this degree.
If you have not met the direct entry requirements to this degree, make sure to consider the following:
Adjustment Factors
You may be eligible for Adjustment Factors through one of UNSW’s Adjustment Factor schemes.
HSC Plus
HSC Plus rewards your strong performance in relevant HSC subjects (and equivalents) with up to five points. The points are added automatically, so there's nothing you need to do. Find out more and calculate your points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders
You may be eligible for up to five points through the Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) Program, if you have demonstrated commitment and excellence in sport, music, leadership or academic achievements. To be eligible for EAPL points, you must apply!
Education Access Scheme
Life isn't always smooth sailing. Things like illness, financial hardship, language difficulties and school environment may mean you don't always get your best marks in years 11 and 12. The Educational Access Scheme is designed to assist you.
Indigenous Admission Scheme
Nura Gili provides support and information for future and current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNSW. If you are indigeous, you can apply through the UNSW Indigenous Admissions Scheme, which is administered by Nura Gili in conjunction with the Faculties and Schools across the university.
BE Portfolio Entry by Portfolio
We recognise that sometimes your ATAR or equivalent may not reflect your true potential.
We accept portfolios in conjunction with your ATAR (or equivalent) for this degree if you are expecting an ATAR within 10 points of the selection rank.
Any Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian Permanent residents or humanitarian VISA holder, including those who applied straight from high school or who have studied at other universities, TAFE, private college and university preparation programs may submit a portfolio through the BE Portfolio Entry.
For more information on BE Portfolio Entry, click here.
Internal Program Transfer
Out Internal Program Transfer (IPT) enables you to move from one program to another within UNSW, without having to apply again through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). This means, if you don’t get into the degree you want, you can start another UNSW degree, and if you meet the academic requirements, can transfer to the new degree you want the following year.
If you gain entry into the new program, you can then apply to be assessed for transfer credits for courses you’ve already completed.
Pathways through other educational institutions
Other Universities
If you did not meet the selection rank of this degree, you might want to consider studying an undergraduate degree at another university and apply to transfer the following year. We consider all university qualifications for entry to UNSW and assess credit for prior learning, even if the qualification is unrelated to what you want to study.
You must complete at least 0.75 of a full time equivalent study load in one degree. (i.e. 2 full-time semesters or 1 full-time semester and 1 part time semester).
To study at UNSW you will need to submit an application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). UAC will calculate a new rank based from your first year of tertiary study results OR your high school ATAR (or equivalent) - whichever is better.
If you gain entry into the new program, you can then apply to be assessed for transfer credits for courses you’ve already completed.
TAFE or Private College
Completing a Certificate IV or higher from institutions like TAFE and private colleges can be a pathway to UNSW. The course must be graded and accredited by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
To study at UNSW you will need to submit an application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
If you gain entry, you can then apply to be assessed for transfer credits for courses you completed at TAFE/College.
Mature Age Pathway
If you’re 20 years or over on 1 March in the year you start the program, and have not attempted university study, you can apply to the UNSW University Preparation Program (UPP). Once you complete the UPP you can use your results to apply for further studies at UNSW.
Domestic students
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, you apply online through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Find out more about applying for a bachelor degree at UNSW.
International students
If you are an international student, and you’re completing an Australian Year 12, the NZ NCEA Level 3 qualification, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia or overseas, you apply online through UAC International.
All other international students apply directly to UNSW.
Transferring within UNSW
You can apply to transfer between UNSW degrees after completing a minimum of 6 courses (36 UOC) through UNSW Internal Program Transfer.
Assessment is based on the achievement of a pre-determined average grade.
Alternatively, you can apply for transfer between UNSW degrees through UAC (domestic students) or directly with UNSW (international students) after completing a minimum of 6 courses (36 UOC). Assessment is based on your ATAR (or equivalent) and/or studies at UNSW.
If you gain entry into a program at UNSW, you can then be assessed for transfer credit for courses (subjects) studied in your previous degree.
Transferring from outside UNSW
You can apply for transfer into a UNSW degree if you meet the entry requirements for that degree. Assessment is based on your ATAR and/or results from university studies. For your university studies to count towards your new assessment you must have completed a minimum of 6 courses (36UOC) at the other University.
Note: Certificate IV and Diplomas (from TAFE or private providers) are only considered if they are AQF accredited and completed.
Apply online through UAC (domestic students) or directly with UNSW (international students).
If you gain entry into a program at UNSW, you can then be assessed for transfer credit for courses (subjects) studied in your previous degree or diploma.
At UNSW Built Environment, we recognise your creative potential. With BE Portfolio Entry, you can submit a portfolio of your best creative work to showcase your talent and boost your chance of admission.
A wide variety of scholarships and awards are available to support you when you are starting and throughout your degree. Whether it is academic, sporting, equity, indigenous, rural, degree specific, or travel and exchange you can find a scholarship that suits you.
The faculty has a number of scholarships and prizes offered to students enrolled in its programs. For information, including general scholarships available to UNSW local and international students and closing dates for applications, visit the UNSW Scholarships Website.
BIA International Professional Placement Travel grant:
Domestic students
Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens.
Tuition fees for domestic students are charged by the units of credit. You can estimate your annual fees with on our Fee Estimator site.
Most domestic undergraduate students are Commonwealth Supported, which means the government makes a contribution towards the cost of your education. You also pay a contribution amount, which will vary depending on the course undertaken. If eligible, you may be able to pay or defer fees through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.
For more information on UNSW fees and fee payment, visit: student.unsw.edu.au/fees
For more information on government assistance, visit: studyassist.gov.au
International students
The UNSW International site will provide you with information on the fees associated with applying and studying at UNSW. Depending on what course you choose, you may also have additional costs, such as textbooks, equipment and materials. You can use the Indicative Fees site to estimate the fees for each degree.
Other costs
Student Activity Fees: When you enrol each year the University asks that you make a financial contribution to help provide services, amenities and representation for all students on campus. These include sporting facilities, subsidised food outlets, campus media, entertainment, student resources and leisure programs.
Books and Equipment: Don't rush out to buy anything before your first class. Academic staff will advise you as to essential equipment and textbooks. In general studio-based programs will have higher additional costs than non-studio based programs. Costs for books, stationery and equipment vary greatly but you should allow approximately $1000 a year for these expenses. This figure excludes computing requirements.
“The degree encourages freedom and considers technical application. The highlight for me was the Glenn Murcutt Studio. It was an incredible privilege to learn under the mentorship of Professor Glenn Murcutt. Studios run by practicing architects, which are a core aspect of the course, are one of the most engaging, challenging and fascinating experiences at UNSW Built Environment.”
Alumnus, Christopher Tran
Built Environment
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
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