Master of Architecture
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Master of Architecture is a future-focused degree designed for those who wish to pursue a career as a registered architect.
Taught through a practice-based, studio-learning model, you’ll study a research-driven curriculum covering the technology, design, fabrication, practice, and theory of professional architectural practice. You’ll learn the valuable skills and knowledge required to become a leader in the field, including how to evaluate architectural practice in a critical and ethical framework, and develop innovative propositions to new situations, both individually and collaboratively.
You’ll gain a global understanding of built and virtual environments, as well as the challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0.
Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
2024 Start Dates
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Course structure
- 9 core units of study (162.5 credit points)
- 3 elective units (37.5 credit points)
The maximum level of credit that can be granted is 100 credit points (normally eight units) from another accredited Master of Architecture programme
Units of study
ARC70004 Theories of Buildings and Cities
ARC80001 Dynamic Modelling of Cities
ARC80002 Design Research Studio C (25 credit points) *
ARC80003 Design Research Studio D (25 credit points) *
ARC80004 Sustainable Construction and Documentation *
ARC80005 Professional Practice *
CVE80003 Transport Planning, Modelling and Economics
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- apply contemporary design theory as a critical and cultural practice.
- develop cognitive and technical skills of advanced fabrication methods, and apply them to complex and creative situations.
- use professional and managerial knowledge to evaluate architectural practice in a critical and ethical framework.
- use relevant research tools and data analysis to visualise complexity, and examine theoretical propositions in a creative and substantive manner.
- develop design through a research process, developing innovative propositions to new situations, both individually and collaboratively.
- utilise technical and communication methods to convey design thinking to both a professional and broad audience.
Graduate skills
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Professional recognition
The Master of Architecture is accredited with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Get part of your postgrad fees subsidised
We have limited CSPs available for this course. That means you could have part of your fees subsidised by the government. Places are limited and allocated based on academic merit. You must be an eligible domestic student to qualify.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
- 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*.
- a pre-selection kit requiring submission of an on-line portfolio (between 10 and 20 pages), a personal statement and university transcripts **
- a review of prior learning in relation to the Swinburne Bachelor of Design (Architecture) will be necessary, and supplemental transitionary classes may be required.
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.
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.