Master of Architecture and Urban Design
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Cities are growing faster than ever, with over fifty per cent of the world’s population now living in one.
Gain the skills and knowledge required to respond to this challenge of mass urbanisation with our Master of Architecture and Urban Design.
You’ll learn how to design for healthy city futures by embracing creative and speculative design thinking, alongside engaging with people, data and advanced technologies. Studying units including research, modelling, theory, and professional practice, you’ll be equipped with the much-needed skills to work at a range of scales as a design professional.
Graduates may pursue careers working in urban design, architecture and landscape architecture.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 30% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
2 Year/s
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
CRICOS code
098496E
Fees
A$39120 (annual for 2023)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
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.
Course structure
- 12 Core units of study (200 credit points)
The maximum level of credit that can be granted is 100 credit points (normally eight units) from an accredited course
Units of study
ARC80002 Design Research Studio C (25 credit points) *
ARC80003 Design Research Studio D (25 credit points) *
ARC80005 Professional Practice
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives and professional recognition.
Aims and objectives
- critically reflect on and apply knowledge of contemporary urban design theory and practice demonstrating comprehension of international and local planning theory and history, planning law and statutory planning, urban economics, sustainability, land use and urban design, and strategic planning
- apply analytical design research methods with an understanding of sourcing credible, relevant data to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply these to the broader social, economic and environmental urban processes
- apply creative spatial thinking and innovation approaches in a range of settings and scales while critically presenting design ideas and research results to explain, interpret and evaluate the impact of a specific complex architecture and urban design solution
- communicate clearly and concisely using a range of media to present, explain, document and interpret design propositions, methodologies, conclusions, professional decisions and urban analysis to diverse audiences
- apply technical design modelling, construction knowledge, fabrication and planning skills to research, analyse, design, and evaluate plans, policies, strategies and guidelines, land uses allocations, resources and manage implementation processes
- apply a high standard of professional ethics and managerial knowledge in a variety of environments, meeting conduct and ethical behaviour standards relevant to a variety of circumstances
- undertake independent scholarship demonstrating the capacity to plan and execute a research-based urban design project and properly use a vocabulary of urban design paradigms and case studies to contextualise their proposition.
- use professional and managerial knowledge to evaluate architectural, urban design and planning practice in a critical and ethical framework
Professional recognition
The Master of Architecture and Urban Design is accredited with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
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.
Course fees
Entry requirements
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.
- 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 preselection kit requiring submission of an on-line portfolio (between 10 and 20 pages) **
- a personal statement and University transcripts.
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.
A review of prior learning in relation to the Swinburne Bachelor of Design (Architecture) will be necessary, and supplemental transitionary classes may be required.
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%, all skills 65%
- Or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)