Course overview

Expand your knowledge in architecture, design and innovative strategies through creativity. You will develop sought-after skills through exploration of critical architectural studies, environmental resiliency, sustainable design, technological advancement and social and theoretical issues, preparing you for contemporary professional practice. You will have access to our impressive a+b studio – an inspiring open plan space where you can work collaboratively and develop your projects.

Throughout this course you will undertake studies of ethical, evaluative and research frameworks which underpin the field of architecture. You will also fabricate models in our state-of-the-art architecture workshop and experiment with technology, materials and processes. The workshop is fully equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers and traditional tools and machinery.

Want to gain advanced practical skills through real-world projects?

During your studies you will work closely with construction management students, creating a multidisciplinary learning experience that stands out to potential employers. As a graduate you may find employment in private architectural practices, government organisations and private companies in property development, building and design.

The Master of Architecture is an important step towards becoming a registered architect. After you graduate, you will need to complete two years of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect. Then you will be eligible to present for registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and the Australian Institute of Architects.

Based in Geelong, you’ll be immersed in a unique environment to explore urban and regional issues at multiple scales of projects, while learning how to effectively connect the city to regional Victoria. Plus, through your learning experiences and research, you’ll have opportunities to examine community sustainability and resiliency through design-based investigations.

Course structure

To complete the Master of Architecture, students must attain 12 or 16 credit points, depending on prior experience, which must include the following.  Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The 16 credit points include:

• 10 core units (totalling 13 credit points)
• 3 course electives (you can choose which ones to study from the available list or from any level 7 SR coded unit) (totalling 3 credit points)
• Completion of SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)

The 12* credit points include:

• 7 core units (totalling 10 credit points)
• 2 course electives (you can choose which ones to study from the available list or from any level 7 SR coded unit) (totalling 2 credit points)
• Completion of SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student payment through Youth Allowance and Austudy.

Further information can be found at Deakin’s Current Students website.

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.

Workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, 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.

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.

Entry requirements

2 years full time (4 years part time) – 16 credit points:

• Bachelor degree in architecture with a WAM (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65 or higher OR
• Bachelor degree in architecture with a WAM (or equivalent average grade indicator) between 55 and 64, AND portfolio of relevant work and personal statement OR
• Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 12 credit points:

• D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) with a WAM (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65 or higher OR
• D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) with a WAM (or equivalent average grade indicator) between 55 and 64, AND portfolio of relevant work and personal statement OR
• Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

IELTS / English language requirements

Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.

It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses.  (more details)

Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.

Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.

For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Entry pathways

Further study options

Students who have completed the Master of Architecture may continue on to undertake Higher Degree by Research study.

Alternative exits

• Graduate Certificate of Architectural Design (S541)

Careers

Career outcomes

Graduates will be required to complete an additional two years of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect in order to present for registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV), Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia.

Graduates can then pursue a career as a practising architect and work in a private architectural practice, government organisations, property development or other building and design fields.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited (within Australia) by the Australian Institute of Architects, the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia.

This course has been validated and recognised by the Board of Architects Malaysia to be included on their 'List of Recognised Architectural Programmes'.