Master of Architecture
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Architecture |
| Course credit points | 16 |
| Deakin course code | S700 |
| Course version | 3 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course information | For students who commenced from Trimester 2, 2026 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 2 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 | 059382E Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9 |
| Supplementary information | New and revised course structure from Trimester 2, 2026 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Specialisations
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of specialisations
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Expand your expertise in innovative architecture and design while engaging with the ethical, social and theoretical frameworks shaping the field. Build skills in critical architectural studies, sustainable design and emerging technologies to prepare for professional practice.
With access to our A+B Studio, you’ll work in a collaborative open-plan environment, designing and fabricating models using advanced tools including 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers. You’ll also collaborate with construction management students, gaining valuable multidisciplinary experience.
Through two major projects-Common Ground Studio and the Architectural Design Thesis-you’ll develop in-depth work for your professional portfolio.
This accredited Master of Architecture provides a pathway to registration, followed by two years of supervised practice, leading to careers in private practice or government design and development sectors.
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 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 |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 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. |
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 Master of Architecture you must pass 16 credit points. The number of credit points required 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 16-credit point Master of Architecture 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)
- 12 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points which may comprise of:
- 4 credit point specialisation; or
- 4 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.
This 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)
- 11 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point course elective unit.
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.
Specialisations
Course structure
16 credit point structure - Core units
You are required to complete 8 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.
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA710 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SRM750 | Built Environment Professional Practice |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRD751 | Common Ground Studio Part 1 (2 credit points) |
| SRA743 | Critical Futures ^ |
| SRT751 | Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology |
| SRD752 | Common Ground Studio Part 2 (2 credit points) |
| SRD756 | Architectural Design Thesis Part 1 ~ (2 credit points) |
| SRD766 | Architectural Design Thesis Part 2 ~ (capstone, 2 credit points) |
Plus, a 4 credit point specialisation or 4 credit points of SR coded course elective units
~ SRD756 Architectural Design Thesis Part 1 and SRD766 Architectural Design Thesis Part 2 to be completed in consecutive trimesters.
^ Students entering the 12 credit point course structure are exempt from units SRA743, and 3 course elective units.
12 credit point structure - Core units
For D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/ Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) and D307 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/ Bachelor of Property and Real Estate articulating domestic students only, option is part-time study only.
You are required to complete 7 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.
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA710 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRM750 | Built Environment Professional Practice |
| SRT751 | Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology |
| SRD751 | Common Ground Studio Part 1 (2 credit points) |
| SRD752 | Common Ground Studio Part 2 (2 credit points) |
| SRD756 | Architectural Design Thesis Part 1 ~ (2 credit points) |
| SRD766 | Architectural Design Thesis Part 2 ~ (capstone, 2 credit points) |
Plus 1 SR coded course elective unit (1 credit point)
~ SRD756 Architectural Design Thesis Part 1 and SRD766 Architectural Design Thesis Part 2 to be completed in consecutive trimesters.
Course Electives
You have the option to choose four level 7 SR* coded units (4 credit points) – for students entering the 16 credit point structure; or
one level 7 SR* coded unit (1 credit points) – for students entering the 12 credit point structure
Students may select elective units from any level 7 SR coded unit except for SRR720 Construction Research Frontiers and SRR721 Construction Research Project [An alternative elective may be undertaken and will require approval by the S700 Master of Architecture Course Director.]
Students intending to apply for entry into Higher Degree by Research may be required to complete SRR711 Thesis (2cp).
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for students to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
Explore the SEBE WIL program
Details of specialisations
Construction Management
Campuses
Waterfront (Geelong)
Unit set code
SP- S000117
Overview
Explore the theory and practice of construction management and gain a fundamental understanding of the construction industry and construction projects. Deakin's Construction Management specialisation is designed for students in the Master of Architecture course looking to extend their knowledge and expand their options for a diverse career in the built environment industry.
Units
4 units from:
| SRM751 | Principles of Building Information Modelling |
| SRM776 | Introduction to Construction Management |
| SRM777 | Construction Management Practice |
| SRT757 | Building Systems and Environment |
| SRQ745 | Construction Company Management |
| SRQ762 | Cost Planning |
| SRQ763 | Project Risk Management |
| SRQ764 | Building Project Evaluation |
| SRQ774 | Construction Measurement and Estimating |
| SRQ780 | Construction Procurement, Law and Contract Administration |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
| SRV799 | Integrated Project Management |
Digital Tools for Architecture and Construction
Campuses
Waterfront (Geelong)
Unit set code
SP-S000118
Overview
Digital tools are a core part of contemporary architecture and construction practices. This specialisation provides skills across a range of digital tools, including parametric and AI form exploration, urban analysis, building information models, and tools for costing, risk evaluation, and energy simulation.
Units
| SRC724 | Architecture Communication: Advanced |
| SRD760 | Urban Informatics |
Plus 2 units from:
| SRM751 | Principles of Building Information Modelling |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
| SRT757 | Building Systems and Environment |
| SRQ774 | Construction Measurement and Estimating |
| SRQ763 | Project Risk Management |
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. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.