Master of Architecture
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Architecture |
| Deakin course code | S700 |
| Course Credit Points | 16 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2022 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2026 will be available soon.
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 | 059382E 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
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Expand your knowledge in architecture, design and innovative strategies through creative exploration. You will develop sought-after skills through engaging with critical architectural studies, environmental resiliency, sustainable design, technological advancement, and social and theoretical issues – preparing you for contemporary professional practice. You will have access to our impressive A+B Studio, an inspiring open-plan space where you can work collaboratively and develop your projects.
Throughout this course, you will undertake studies of the ethical, evaluative and research frameworks that underpin the field of architecture. You will also fabricate models in our state-of-the-art architecture workshop, where you can experiment with technology, materials and processes. The workshop is fully equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers and traditional tools and machinery.
Want to gain advanced practical skills through real-world projects?
During your studies, you will work closely with construction management students, creating a multidisciplinary learning experience that stands out to potential employers. As a graduate, you may find employment in private architectural practices, government organisations, and private companies involved in property development, building and design.
The Master of Architecture is an important step towards becoming a registered architect. After you graduate, you will need to complete 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).
Based at our Geelong Waterfront Campus, you will be immersed in a unique environment where you can explore urban and regional challenges across various project scales, while learning how to effectively connect the city to regional Victoria. Through your learning experiences and research, you will also have opportunities to examine the sustainability and resiliency of our community through design-based investigations.
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 Master of Architecture is an Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) accredited academic qualification, setting you on your way to becoming a registered architect via any state registration board, 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 their List of Recognised Architectural Programmes, giving you eligibility to register as a graduate architect with the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia.
Career opportunities
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.
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
| Graduate Certificate of Architectural Design (S541) |
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.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Teamwork | 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 | 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 Master of Architecture students must pass 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
The 16 credit point structure includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 13 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of course elective units
For students who articulate from Deakin's D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) or D307 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/ Bachelor of Property and Real Estate) must pass 12 credit points.
For students articulating from D364 or D307, the 12 credit point structure includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 10 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units
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
Core
16 credit point structure
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA710 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SRD753 | Architecture Design: Graduate Studio ^ |
| SRC724 | Architecture Communication: Advanced ^ |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRT751 | Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology |
Year 1 - Trimester 2
| SRD754 | Architecture Design: Comprehensive Studio (2 credit points) |
| SRA743 | Critical Futures ^ |
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
| SRD765 | Architectural Design and Resolution (2 credit points) |
| SRD755 | Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation ~ |
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
| SRD766 | Architecture Masterclass Design Research Studio (capstone, 2 credit points)~ |
| SRM750 | Built Environment Professional Practice |
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
^ Students entering the 12 credit point course structure are exempt from units SRD753, SRC724 and SRA743, and 1 course elective unit.
~ It is recommended students undertake SRD755 and SRD766 in consecutive trimesters.
12 credit point structure (D364 and D307 Articulating students only)
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA710 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SRD765 | Architectural Design and Resolution (2 credit points) |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRT751 | Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology |
Year 1 - Trimester 2
| SRD754 | Architecture Design: Comprehensive Studio (2 credit points) |
| SRD755 | Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation ~ |
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
| SRD766 | Architecture Masterclass Design Research Studio (capstone, 2 credit points)~ |
| SRM750 | Built Environment Professional Practice |
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
~ It is recommended students undertake SRD755 and SRD766 in consecutive trimesters.
Course Elective units:
Three (3) level 7 electives (3 credit points) – for students entering the 16 credit point course structure
OR
Two (2) level 7 electives (2 credit points) – for students entering the 12 credit point course structure
Students may select elective units from the list below or from any level 7 SR coded unit [An alternative elective may be undertaken and will require approval by the S700 Master of Architecture Course Director].
| SRD743 | Components of the Circular City (2 credit points) |
| SRD744 | Interactions and Enablers of the Circular City (2 credit points) |
| SRD760 | Geo-Planning and Design |
| SRM776 | Introduction to Construction Management |
| SRM751 | Principles of Building Information Modelling |
| SRM772 | Built Environment Professional Placement ^ |
| SRM777 | Construction Management Practice ^ |
| SRQ762 | Cost Planning |
| SRQ774 | Construction Measurement and Estimating |
| SRQ780 | Strategic Construction Procurement |
| SRR711 | Thesis (2 credit points)* |
| SRR725 | Reading and Analysing Architecture |
| SRR767 | Built Environment Study Tour |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
| SRR782 | Design Research Methodology |
| 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
Elective units may provide the opportunity for students to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
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 study tour to 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.