Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Master of Architecture
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Master of Architecture |
| Deakin course code | D306 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Campus | Offered at Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 5 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025: Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS course code | 111440H Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Discover architectural ideas through cutting-edge content. Develop your creativity and gain a practical understanding of the built environment and its relationship with the community through meaningful and sustainable design. This five-year course provides a packaged education pathway for those interested in pursuing architectural professional registration. You will gain practical skills in a studio environment and develop your ability to communicate your design ideas under the guidance of passionate staff.
From the first year and throughout your studies, you will explore innovative design ideas in response to real-world scenarios and present your ideas for consideration by registered architects. This practical, applied and industry-connected approach to learning ensures you receive feedback and insight into your work from professional practitioners with local and global architecture experience.
Want to transform your love of architectural design into a rewarding career?
Articulation of design ideas and defending those in an open forum is a key element of the course, as is development of research and analytical skills and Indigenous knowledge in design. Technical skills development (e.g. AutoCAD) and communication of design through text, graphics and 3D modelling are strategically integrated throughout the course. This enables scaffolded skill development that culminates in demonstration of your advanced design work in the capstone unit in the final year of study.
Your learning space will be world class, with Deakin's extensive a+b studio - an inspiring open-plan space that enables you to work collaboratively and develop your projects. You will also have access to our purpose-built workshop. This is where 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers and traditional tools and machinery are at hand for you to fabricate models and experiment with technology, materials and processes.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to engage in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, workshops, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Professional recognition
Deakin is currently seeking professional accreditation with allied professional accreditation bodies. The single degree, Master of Architecture (S700), remains accredited with the allied professional accreditation bodies.
For additional information regarding professional accreditation requirements please refer to the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)
Career opportunities
Deakin architecture graduates work across the globe, from the UK, Berlin and Oslo, to China, Dubai and the US. Our Bachelor of Design (Architecture) graduates have pursued roles in the built environment field, including:
- 3D architectural modeller
- architectural consultant or designer
- design coordinator.
Participation requirements
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Alternative exits
| Bachelor of Design (Architecture) (S342) | |
| Diploma of Science and Technology (S200) | |
| Graduate Certificate of Architectural Design (S541) |
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Design (Architecture) | Course Learning Outcomes Master of Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Synthesise knowledge of architecture history, theory, technology, and practice to design, develop and manage architecture projects, demonstrating initiative and judgement for professional practice. Apply technical and theoretical knowledge of architectural design to propose diverse, authentic, alternative, and well-rounded responses that are conceptually and physically sustainable to problems in the contemporary built environment. Integrate the knowledge of language of architecture, its meanings, capacities, and implications to demonstrate ability and responsibility as reflective practitioners, in making decisions to define the human landscape. | Create an architectural design through the exercise of knowledge, imagination and judgement in the context of economic, social, cultural and environmental responsibility. Plan and execute a substantial research project to show capacity for specialised knowledge in architectural contexts and thereby demonstrate the ability to continue professional development and/or scholarship. Use initiative to integrate well developed knowledge of architectural history, theory, technology and practice to design, develop and manage architecture projects from project brief to architectural resolution and thereby demonstrate professionalism as an architectural graduate. |
| Communication | Communicate clearly, professionally, and responsibly in a variety of contexts using oral, visual, digital, graphic, and interpersonal communication modes to inform, motivate and persuade specialist and non-specialist audiences about architectural ideas and designs. Imagine, conceive, and represent ideas using the language of architecture, its codes, and conventions to reflect on possibilities, the implications of hypothetical designs and its applications. | Communicate clearly, professionally and responsibly in a variety of interpersonal contexts using oral, written and visual communication modes to inform, motivate and persuade specialist and non specialist audiences about architectural ideas, decisions and predicted built outcomes. Imagine, conceive and represent ideas using the language of architecture, its codes and conventions to reflect on possibilities, and progress and resolve solutions within a design process. Demonstrate the capacity to listen, learn and engage with a variety of participants and contributing influences in architectural projects to mediate and collaboratively resolve issues and negotiate design complexity. |
| Digital literacy | Apply knowledge of relevant technological tools, methodologies, and techniques to locate, collect, analyse, interpret, and synthesise complex information. Use architecture theory and practice to analyse, evaluate, produce, and disseminate design responses using techniques and technology ethically and responsibly in a digital world. | Apply well-developed research, ideation and technical information literacy skills to independently locate, interpret and evaluate information content in a digital world. Disseminate creative and logical proposals using appropriate digital technologies relevant to architecture practice. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical thinking to analyse and provide a rational, reflective, and socially responsible response to architectural problems at different scales and complexities in a variety of contexts. Examine causes and consequences of different morphologies to appreciate their capacities and opportunities to reproduce, manipulate, and identify conventional and alternative solutions to architectural problems. | Selectively use linear, critical, logical and/or lateral mechanisms to analyse different forms of information; manipulate and transform information to propose possible solutions and thereby demonstrate the capacity for reflection in action for professional practice in architecture. Use reflection and judgement supported by a body of knowledge in order to efficiently formulate a strategy or argument appropriate to a theoretical, contextual, creative and/or technical architectural situation. Apply independent thought and capacity for analysis and synthesis of a particular area of discipline knowledge through coherent and focussed research practice. |
| Problem solving | Investigate and identify ill-defined real world environmental, cultural, physical, and social architectural problems, explain its significance, causes and consequences, and use a methodical approach to formulate a solution. Make appropriate choices to solve problems in complex and contradictory situations based on knowledge of social, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of architectural design to evolve human landscape. | Effectively research and identify theoretical, cultural, social, technical and environmental architectural problems to establish a sound basis for project inception in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Use a well-developed body of knowledge to justify, argue and persuade the significance, causes and consequences of architectural problems, and use a methodical approach to formulate potential solutions. |
| Self-management | Work independently and collaboratively to produce architectural designs and responses in an ethical, responsible, and professional manner. Use initiative and judgement to reflect on knowledge and skills, to demonstrate autonomy and capacity to identify opportunities for improving practice. | Accumulate and document specialist knowledge of architecture theories, processes and practice using the frameworks of methodical research, creative activity and capacity for reflection on action to demonstrate responsibility for professional learning. |
| Teamwork | Work as a team to analyse and evaluate complex problems, and share critical, analytical, and creative approaches to select best responses to architectural problems. | Apply interpersonal skills to interact contribute and collaborate in team learning activities and to enhance project potential through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution. |
| Global citizenship | Integrate subjective and objective stakeholder perspectives in the process of formulating architectural and design responses considering economic, cultural, social, and ethical values inherent in human landscape. Engage with global trends in contemporary architectural design and urbanism to recognise cultural diversity, the need for equity in outcomes and implement high ethical and professional standards. | Formulate architectural responses through concern for economic, cultural, social and ethical values inherent in human landscape while consciously integrating quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Engage with global traditions and current trends in architectural practice in order to appreciate diversity, seek equity in outcomes and adopt ethical and professional standards. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Master of Architecture students must pass 40 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- SRA010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 22 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of open elective units
- 16 credit points from the Master of Architecture (minimum WAM required*)
- 13 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of course elective units
- Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) (S342) and Master of Architecture (S700) must be satisfied.
Eligibility*
To progress into the Master of Architecture level of studies from undergraduate architecture, students must have completed all 24 credit points of the undergraduate course and also achieve a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65. Students achieving a WAM between 55 and 64 have the opportunity to submit a portfolio of relevant work and personal statement for consideration to potentially progress into the master level of studies. A WAM of less than 55 results in an alternative exit from D306 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Master of Architecture with the award: S342 Bachelor of Design (Architecture).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
Course structure
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) core
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA143 | Art and Society |
| SRC163 | Architecture Communication 01: Drawing |
| SRD163 | Architecture Design Studio 01: Thoughtscapes |
| SRT153 | Building Materials Science |
| SRA010 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
Year 1 - Trimester 2
| SRC164 | Architecture Communication 02: Modelling |
| SRD164 | Architecture Design Studio 02: Matterscapes (2 credit points) |
| SRT151 | Construction and Structures 1 |
Year 2 - Trimester 1
| SRA215 | Utopian Ideals in the Modern World |
| SRD263 | Architecture Design Studio 03: Earthscapes |
| SRT251 | Construction and Structures 2 |
Plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
| SRA224 | Austral-Asian Architecture |
| SRD264 | Architecture Design Studio 04: Publicscapes (2 credit points) |
| SRT257 | Building Environmental Studies |
Year 3 - Trimester 1
| SRC362 | Architecture Communication 03: Documentation |
| SRD363 | Architecture Design Studio 05: Hybridscapes |
| SRT358 | Building Environmental Services |
| SRA323 | Contemporary Architecture |
Year 3 - Trimester 2
| SRD364 | Architecture Design Studio 06: Superstudio (2 credit points) |
| SRT351 | Construction and Structures 3 |
Plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Master of Architecture core
Students must have passed 24 credit points of the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) course before progressing to the Master of Architecture postgraduate level units. Students must also meet the WAM requirement for progression to the Master of Architecture as outlined in the course rules.
Year 4 - Trimester 1
| SRD753 | Architecture Design: Graduate Studio |
| SRC724 | Architecture Communication: Advanced |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRT751 | Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology |
Year 4 - Trimester 2
| SRD754 | Architecture Design: Comprehensive Studio (2 credit points) |
| SRA743 | Critical Futures |
Plus 1 level 7 SR coded or course elective (1 credit point)
Year 5 - Trimester 1
| SRD765 | Architectural Design and Resolution (2 credit points) |
| SRD755 | Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation |
Plus 1 level 7 SR coded or course elective (1 credit point)
Year 5 - Trimester 2
| SRD766 | Architecture Masterclass Design Research Studio (2 credit points) |
| SRM750 | Built Environment Professional Practice |
Plus 1 level 7 SR coded or course elective (1 credit point)
Master of Architecture Course elective units
Three (3) level 7 electives (3 credit points)
Students may select elective units from the list below or from any level 7 SR coded unit pending approval by the S700 Master of Architecture Course Director.
| SRD760 | Geo-Planning and Design |
| SRM776 | Introduction to Construction Management |
| SRM751 | Principles of Building Information Modelling |
| SRM777 | Construction Management Practice ^ |
| SRQ762 | Cost Planning |
| SRQ774 | Construction Measurement and Estimating |
| SRQ780 | Strategic Construction Procurement |
| SRR711 | Thesis (2 credit points)* |
| SRR767 | Built Environment Study Tour |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
| SRT757 | Building Systems and Environment |
| SRV799 | Integrated Project Management |
*Students intending to apply for entry into Higher Degree by Research may be required to completed SRD755 Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation and SRR711 Thesis (2cp).
^ Completion of STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) as a pre-requisite.
Work experience
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a discipline-specific industry placement as part of your course. Explore the SEBE WIL program.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Research and research-related study
Students intending to apply for entry into Higher Degree by Research may be required to complete SRD755 Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation and SRR711 Thesis.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.