Master of Architecture/Master of Construction Management
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Architecture / Master of Construction Management |
| Course Credit Points | 24 |
| Deakin course code | D764 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2026 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 113509J Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Mandatory student checks
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Develop an in-demand skill set and stand out to future employers with Deakin's Master of Architecture/Master of Construction Management. In just three years, you can accelerate your career prospects and gain two qualifications. Acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills in architecture, design, construction and project management, all while expanding your options for a diverse career in the built environment industry.
With an emphasis on practical learning, you will get plenty of hands-on experience in our A+B Studio at the Geelong Waterfront Campus. This dynamic space allows you to develop innovative construction projects and collaborate on cross-disciplinary activities. It is an inspiring environment to refine your creative processes and practical skills by exploring design, drawing, digital fabrication, measuring, estimating, project management and construction knowledge.
Want to study at a university ranked in the top 150 worldwide for architecture and built environment subjects?*
In the architecture component of this double degree, you'll expand your knowledge in architecture, design and sustainable strategies. You'll develop sought-after skills by exploring critical architectural studies, environmental resiliency, sustainable design, technological advancement, and social and theoretical issues – preparing you for contemporary professional practice.
Further enhance your architectural knowledge by learning valuable construction management skills. The construction management component will give you the skills to manage small-to-large projects as well as in-demand knowledge of construction technology and processes, resource management, law procurement, information technology, environmental management, quantity surveying and construction economics.
You'll graduate with a complementary skill set and gain a competitive edge to kick-start your dream career in the built environment.
* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate 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
The architecture stream of this combined course is an AACA (Architects Accreditation Council of Australia) accredited academic qualification and sets you on the way to becoming a registered architect via any state registration board, such as the ARBV Architects Registration Board of Victoria.
The construction management stream of this combined course is professionally accredited by industry. Graduates qualify for membership of:
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Career opportunities
Deakin's Master of Architecture/Master of Construction Management gives you unique cross-disciplinary skills to advance your built environment career.
As a graduate, you'll be prepared for roles in design, project management and construction management with a variety of employers - including construction companies, business organisations, and government and consulting agencies.
Graduates who wish to pursue a career as a practising architect will be required to complete an additional two years of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect. Then, you will be on your way to registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV).
Once registered, you can pursue a career as a practising architect and work in a private architectural practice, government organisations, property development or other building and design fields.
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.
Equipment requirements
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require students to engage with a number of production methods, such as drawing, large format printing, model making, and digital fabrication (laser cutting + 3D printing). Students will be required to purchase minor equipment such as drawing media, paperstock, sketchbooks, and model making tools, however many of these will be usable within different units. As such, there might be a higher upfront cost as students enter in the course. Each unit will outline the specific requirements at the commencement of the unit. Where possible, students are encouraged to reuse, recycle or think creatively about model materials. The indicative cost of this equipment and material (over time) can vary depending on quality or execution, but can be suggested in the range of $750-$1500 over the course duration.
Students are also recommended to have access to a personal computer (laptop or desktop) in order to engage digital communications methods (drawing, CAD and presentations). Advice on this is presented to students in first year, so it is not imperative to have this before commencing the course as Deakin has dedicated Computer Labs to get started with. Where possible, all required software (Autodesk, Adobe) is provided to students under free academic licencing and does not require additional cost.
Alternative exits
Graduate Certificate of Construction Management (S591)
Graduate Diploma of Construction Management (S691)
Master of Architecture (S700)*
Master of Construction Management (S791)
* Students who select to exit with the Master of Architecture (S700) will be assessed on an individual basis to confirm if they have met the course learning outcomes of the single degree. Students who do not meet the course learning outcomes will be required to undertake the appropriate core unit(s) to meet the single degree course learning outcomes.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Master of Architecture (S700) | Course Learning Outcomes Master of Construction Management (S791) |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. | Apply an integrated specialised and evidence-based scholarly knowledge of ever-changing construction industry practices in order to improve construction economics and construction life cycle management. Develop and demonstrate a complex body of knowledge of construction management and practices, cost planning and control, legal and risk management in order to manage construction companies and projects. |
| Communication | 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. | Communicate clearly, professionally and responsibly with specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of contexts using oral, written, graphical and interpersonal skills to inform, negotiate, lead and motivate a project team. Engage with a variety of participants and contributing influences including legal, economic and environmental impacts in construction projects to mediate, negotiate and collaboratively resolve issues and conflicts. |
| Digital literacy | 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. | Apply knowledge of relevant technical tools and methodologies to locate, collect, analyse and synthesise complex information from a variety of sources to prepare cost benefit plans and legal, risk and environment implication analyses for construction projects. Use digital technologies, including geographic information systems to evaluate and assess modelling and scenario building. |
| Critical thinking | 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. | Use expert reasoning and analysis skills, drawing on knowledge and information from a range of professional or scholarly sources to reflect on, analyse and synthesise complex legal, economic and environmental influences and impacts for collaboratively and independently planning and making decisions in construction. |
| Problem solving | 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. | Apply specialised technical skills and judgment to identify potential legal, environmental and economic risks and problems and recommend appropriate solutions for effective risk management in construction. Demonstrate autonomy and well-developed judgement to independently and collaborative generate strategies and solutions to manage construction projects at various stages including planning, implementing, construction and evaluation of the built environment. |
| Self-management | 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. | Apply critical reflection and use frameworks of self and peer evaluation to develop independent judgment, adaptability and responsibility for expert professional practice and / or scholarship. |
| Teamwork | Apply interpersonal skills to interact, contribute, collaborate and develop leadership skills through teamwork activities, and enhance project potential through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution. | Apply interpersonal skills to interact, contribute, collaborate and develop leadership skills through teamwork activities, and enhance project potential through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution. |
| Global citizenship | 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. | Engage ethically and professionally when working in a variety of construction management situations through concern for legal, economic, environmental and social risks both nationally and globally. |
Course rules
To complete the Master of Architecture/Master of Construction Management, you must pass 24 credit points. The number of credit points may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 24-credit point Master of Architecture/Master of Construction Management includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 24 credit points of core units
- course requirements for both the Master of Architecture (S700) and the Master of Construction Management (S791) must be satisfied.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA710 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| STP710 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SRD753 | Architecture Design: Graduate Studio |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRT751 | Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology |
| SRM776 | Introduction to Construction Management ~ |
Year 1 - Trimester 2
| SRD754 | Architecture Design: Comprehensive Studio (2 credit points) |
| SRT757 | Building Systems and Environment |
| SRM751 | Principles of Building Information Modelling |
Year 2 - Trimester 1
| SRD765 | Architectural Design and Resolution (2 credit points) |
| SRQ763 | Project Risk Management |
| SRQ774 | Construction Measurement and Estimating |
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Choose one from:
| SRQ745 | Construction Company Management |
OR
| SRM777 | Construction Management Practice |
Plus:
| SRM750 | Built Environment Professional Practice |
| SRR720 | Construction Research Frontiers |
| SRQ762 | Cost Planning |
Year 3 - Trimester 1
| SRR721 | Construction Research Project (2 credit points) |
| SRD755 | Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation |
| SRQ780 | Strategic Construction Procurement |
Year 3 - Trimester 2
| SRD766 | Architecture Masterclass Design Research Studio (capstone, 2 credit points) |
| SRV799 | Integrated Project Management (capstone) |
| SRQ764 | Building Project Evaluation |
~ Completion of STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) as a co-requisite
Other learning experiences
Students will have an opportunity to contribute to the student led, designed and managed end-of-year curated exhibition.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.