Master of Architecture and Urban Design
Overview
Learn to create urban designs that allow modern cities to thrive, with the Master of Architecture and Urban Design. This course suits professionals that can embrace 3D space, big data, and other environmental factors that address 21st century design challenges. We’ll teach you about speculative and creative design thinking and how to engage with people, data, and advanced technologies to achieve the best results.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Upgrade your skills
- Effective and ethical in work and community situations
- Design principles
- Adaptable and able to manage change
- Generative in AI
Stretch your career further
- Architect
- Urban Designer
- Town planner
- Strategic planner
- Draftsperson
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Strong industry connections and co-creation
- Elenberg Fraser
- Bates Smart
- John Holland
- S’more design
Professional accreditations
The Master of Architecture and Urban Design is accredited with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).
Why Swinburne?
Ranked Top 150 in Art and Design
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
Graduate employers include Ford, Telstra, and Blackmagic Design
Ranked top 20 in Australia for PG Graduate Salary – 5 stars
Ranked top 20 in Australia for UG full-time employment – 5 stars
Qualifications
Admission to the Master of Architecture and Urban Design will require one of the following:
- successful completion of the Swinburne BDes(Arch); or
- successful completion of the Swinburne BEng(Hons) with a major in Architectural Engineering; or
- successful completion of the Swinburne BDes(Hons) (IntArch)*; or
- successful completion of another 3-year undergraduate architectural course
* In the case of completing another three year undergraduate architectural course, applications will be assessed using a Range of Criteria. These would include (but not be limited to):
- a preselection kit requiring submission of an on-line portfolio (between 10 and 20 pages) **
- a personal statement and University transcripts.
**Pre-selection kit: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of between 10 and 20 pages, which must address architecture- and/or urban design-related questions and include visual examples; and provide a 200-400 word written statement, the prompts for which can be found on the application portal.
Admission to the Master of Architecture and Urban Design will require one of the following:
- successful completion of the Swinburne Bachelor of Design (Architecture) or
- successful completion of the Swinburne Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a major in Architecture or
- successful completion of the Swinburne Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Honours) with an Advanced Minor in Architecture or
- successful completion of another three year undergraduate architectural course*.
* In the case of completing another three year undergraduate architectural course, applications will be assessed using a Range of Criteria. These would include (but not be limited to):
- a preselection kit requiring submission of an on-line portfolio (between 10 and 20 pages) **
- a personal statement and University transcripts.
**Pre-selection kit: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of between 10 and 20 pages, which must address architecture- and/or urban design-related questions and include visual examples; and provide a 200-400 word written statement, the prompts for which can be found on the application portal.
Other requirements
Your Portfolio
In your portfolio, we are looking for evidence of your ability to think spatially, critically and creatively, as well as the desire to design and build things. In assessing your portfolio, we would like to see your ability to conceptualize and develop ideas. As well as finished outcomes, we are also interested in concept sketches, 3d models or working drawings that display your thinking process.
Your portfolio will be assessed according to the following criteria:
conceptual thinking and level of ambition in your projects;
spatial thinking, planning and a sense of scale;
digital and analogue communication skills, including the use of architectural drawing conventions; and
construction and environmental technology.
Think carefully about how you present your portfolio as we will also consider how you structure your content into a clear, compelling story about yourself and your passion for, and commitment to, architecture and urban design.
All work must be original. All images must be clearly labelled. In the case of work that has involved others, such as group work or work with a design practice, clearly indicate what your contribution was.
Portfolios will be reviewed on a standard computer screen. Please ensure legibility accordingly.
To submit your portfolio, you’ll need to complete your online application first. We’ll then send you a link so you can upload your portfolio to Slide Room.
A review of prior learning in relation to the Swinburne Bachelor of Design (Architecture) will be necessary, and supplemental transitionary classes may be required.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, and all skills 70% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Master of Architecture
-
Master of Urban Design
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of Master of Architecture and Urban Design, students must complete 200 credit points.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Theories of Buildings and Cities
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC70004 |
|
Dynamic Modelling of Cities
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC80001 |
|
Design Research Studio A
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
ARC70001 |
|
Urban Informatics and Modelling
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC70005 |
|
Sustainable Construction and Documentation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC80004 |
|
Design Research Studio B
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
ARC70003 |
|
Professional Practice Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC70002 |
|
Design Research Studio C
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
ARC80002 |
|
Design Research Studio D
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
ARC80003 |
|
Professional Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC80005 |
|
Urban Economics, Planning and Urban Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC80006 |
|
Planning Law, Strategic and Statutory Planning
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ARC80007 |
Want to learn more about this course?
Learn more about the Master of Architecture and Urban Design in the course handbook.
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$41,360
Total fee* ($AUD)
$82,720
Commonwealth Supported Yearly Fee* ($AUD)
$9,314
Commonwealth Supported Total Fee* ($AUD)
$18,628
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$43,920.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
Two types of loans are available to assist with student study fees. Depending on eligibility, you’re able to apply for one of the loans outlined below.
- FEE-HELP is a loan that’s available for full-fee paying higher education students. Depending on your eligibility, the Commonwealth Government can help pay all or part of your loan directly to Swinburne.
- HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme that’s available if you’re enrolled in a Commonwealth-supported place. Depending on eligibility, a HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for FEE-HELP
You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:
- are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
- are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
- have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!