Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Design (Architecture) |
| Course credit points | 24 |
| Deakin course code | S342 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2007 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 2027 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 | 001835D 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
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Deakin’s Bachelor of Design (Architecture) is a path of discovery. Explore the creative possibilities of architectural design and its potential to make a positive impact on the built environment. Discover architectural ideas through cutting-edge content and develop your creativity. Gain a practical understanding of the built environment and its relationship with the community through meaningful and sustainable design, from houses to high-rise projects.
You will develop practical skills by studying real-world projects in a studio environment, while fostering your ability to generate, analyse and communicate your ideas. You will learn to balance creative thinking with technical necessities as you develop the tools to understand and influence the spaces we inhabit. Gain work-ready skills in computer-aided design, drawing and digital fabrication at the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
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
Undergoing regular and rigorous review processes carried out by external professional bodies means that this course maintains its quality and industry relevance.
This course also forms step one of a five-year program comprising the three-year Bachelor of Design (Architecture) followed by the two-year Master of Architecture.
When the five-year program has been successfully completed, you will have an Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) accredited academic qualification and be on your way to becoming a registered architect via any state registration boards, such as the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV).
Validated and recognised by the Board of Architects Malaysia (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia), this course is included on the List of Recognised Architectural Programs, giving you eligibility to register as a Graduate Architect with the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia.
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 gone on to work in the built environment across roles such as:
- 3D architectural modeller
- architectural consultant or designer
- design coordinator.
Graduates who wish to pursue a career as a registered architect can continue on to further studies in Deakin’s Master of Architecture (S700). Once you have completed your postgraduate studies and gained registration to practise, you can pursue a career as a practising architect and work in private architectural firms, government organisations, property development, or other building and design fields.
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.
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 expected to be up to $750 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.
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 in order to reproduce, manipulate, and identify conventional and alternative solutions to architectural problems. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Work as a team to analyse and evaluate complex problems, and share critical, analytical and creative approaches to select best responses to architectural problems. |
| Integrate subjective and objective stakeholder perspectives in the process of formulating architectural and design responses taking into account economic, cultural, social and ethical values inherent in human landscape. Engage with global trends in contemporary architectural design and urbanism in order to recognise cultural diversity, the need for equity in outcomes and implement high ethical and professional standards. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your 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
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3.
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
You are required to complete 18 core units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA010 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SRA143 | Art and Society |
| SRD166 | Architecture Design Studio 01: Thoughtscapes (2 credit points) |
| SRT153 | Building Materials Science |
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 | Making 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 (capstone, 2 credit points) |
| SRT351 | Construction and Structures 3 |
plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Open electives
Choose two open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites).
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
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Other learning experiences
You may choose to use one of your elective units to participate in a short-term local or international study program, tour or exchange, many of which will enhance your global architectural awareness and experience. You will also 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.