Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
From Bauhaus to brutalism, suburbia to skyscrapers; architecture is more than just buildings. Concerned with both form and space, process and performance, mass and light, perception and comfort, Architecture shapes the ways we live and connect.
Throughout a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) at Swinburne, you'll study a range of concepts and skillsets under the guidance of world-renowned academics in a variety of settings, from classrooms to workshops and design studios.
Across three years – and through units in design, construction, cultural contexts and more – you will master the software used in cutting-edge firms, retrace the history of the craft, get hands-on experience with industry partnerships and placements, and work with innovative and sustainable building materials that are changing the world.
With access to Swinburne’s ProtoLAB, a state-of-the-art digital fabrication and design workshop equipped with 3D printers, collaborative robots and laser cutters, you’ll have all the tools at hand to become a designer of the future.
You'll build up your CV with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning programs, which are a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees and can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects. In this degree, in units Architectural Design Studio 5 and Professional Practice 1: BIM (ARC30002 and ARC30004), you’ll collaborate with and learn from industry specialists.
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VTAC codes
- 3400211221 (CSP)
- 3400211223 (IFP)
From Swinburne studio to global engineering and design company
Eddy and Amy, both Bachelor of Design (Architecture) students, get outside the Swinburne studios, and into the offices of a global engineering, design and advisory company.
Swinburne Architecture is Victoria's best
Did you know?
Swinburne is rated highest in Victoria for “overall experience” by undergraduate architecture students.*
*The Good Universities Guide 2019
Student Work
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'Perspectives' project, by second year Architecture students
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'Perspectives' project, by second year Architecture students
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'Outside In' project
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'Outside In' project
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'Flutter' project
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'Armar Curvar' project by second year Architecture students
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'Koi' project by third year Architecture students
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‘Interlocking Wave’ project by second year Architecture students
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning and career opportunities.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Contexts of Architectural History | ARC10003 | 12.5 |
| Introductory Design Studio | DDD10006 | 12.5 |
| Construction 1: Building Systems and Materials | DIA10001 | 12.5 |
| Architectural Communication 1 | DIA10005 | 12.5 |
| Architectural Design Studio 1 (Communication) | ARC10001 | 25 |
| Architectural Design Studio 2 (Construction) | ARC20001 | 25 |
| Architectural Design Studio 3 (Socio-economic Contexts) | ARC20002 | 25 |
| Cross Cultural Contexts | ARC20003 | 12.5 |
| Construction 2 | DIA20001 | 12.5 |
| Digital Documentation 1 | DIA20003 | 12.5 |
| Construction 3 | DIA30001 | 12.5 |
| Architectural Design Studio 4 (Construction) * | ARC30001 | 25 |
| Architectural Design Studio 5 * | ARC30002 | 25 |
| Architectural Communication 2 * | ARC30003 | 12.5 |
| Professional Practice 1: BIM (Building Information Management) * | ARC30004 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Other studies
4 units (50 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Design
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience In Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Design | DDD20031 | 25 |
| Work Experience In Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B – Design | DDD20032 | 25 |
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Design
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience In Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Design | DDD20031 | 25 |
A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of the Bachelor of Design (Architecture), graduates will be able to:
- resolve a wide array of design challenges by formulating and actualising innovative design ideas in a series of stages from conception to finished design
- interpret and understand knowledge of the global, ethical, socio-economic, cultural and historical contexts that produce contemporary architectural practice
- demonstrate a critical awareness of and responsibility towards the impact of all aspects of architectural practice, design and delivery on natural resources and apply strategies to minimise their impact
- effectively communicate innovative design concepts and outcomes through visual, verbal and written platforms according to audience
- demonstrate comprehensive understanding of regulations, standards and codes and apply them to the relevant aspects of architectural practice, design, and delivery
- demonstrate understanding of players involved in all aspects of architectural practice, design and delivery and perform necessary project management roles, and responsibilities throughout design and construction building processes
- demonstrate comprehensive understanding of structural systems and construction documentation modes and apply them to the relevant aspects of architectural practice, design, and delivery.
Career opportunities
Graduates may enter the workforce globally – in architecture roles for private and corporate architecture firms, government organisations, development companies or in the building and design sector.
Fees
- Fees for 2021.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2021 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$23,850 | $7,950 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
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.
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.