Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Architectural major combines structural and environmental building engineering with architectural creativity.
• Students study the practice and theory of architectural design and construction while developing engineering knowledge.
• The course includes industry-linked projects every semester from Year 1.
• The Professional degree includes a 12-month paid work-placement opportunity and academic credit for the professional experience.
• Work Integrated Learning is guaranteed for Swinburne bachelor-degree students.
• Students develop skills in structural system design, energy-efficient building design, lightweight structures, geotechnical engineering considerations, collaboration and professional communication.
• Swinburne provides access to engineering facilities including the Construction Simulation Hub, Trimble Technology Lab and Applied Mechanics Hub.
• The course is professionally accredited through Engineers Australia.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Swinburne's currently published study sequence is an indicative Semester 1, 2026 sequence and may change. Students are advised to use the study plan and course planner applicable to their enrolment.

Year 1 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Humanitarian Engineering Design Project – ENG10001
• Engineering Materials – ENG10002
• Preliminary Mathematics – MTH00007
• Energy and Motion – PHY10001

Semester 2:

• Introduction to Programming – COS10009
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project – COS10025
• Engineering Mechanics – ENG10003
• Linear Algebra and Applications – MTH10013

Year 2 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Calculus and Applications – MTH10012
• Architectural Engineering Studio Project 1 – ARC10004
• Introductory Design Studio – DDD10006
• Structural Mechanics – MEE20004

Semester 2:

• Architectural Engineering Studio Project 2 – ARC20006
• Design of Concrete Structures – CVE20003
• Interior Architecture Communication – DIA10005
• Interior Architecture Digital Documentation 1 – DIA20003

Professional work placement – 100 credit points

• Work Experience in Industry A – WEI20001
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Engineering – ENG20003
• Work Experience in Industry B – WEI20002
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Engineering – ENG20004

The placement is structured as a 12-month professional placement.

Year 4 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Professional Experience in Engineering – EAT20008
• Architectural Engineering Major Project 1 – ARC40001
• Digital Engineering Project – CVE20015
• Design of Steel Structures – CVE30002
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Professional Practice 1: BIM (Building Information Management) – ARC30004
• Geomechanics – CVE20004
• Engineering Management Project – MME30002
• Elective

Year 5 – 75 credit points

Semester 1:

• Geotechnical Engineering – CVE40001
• Structural Design of Low Rise Buildings – CVE40002

Semester 2:

• Architectural Engineering Major Project 2 – ARC40002
• Infrastructure Design Project – CVE40006

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Architectural Engineering

The Architectural major focuses on the intersection of:

• Structural engineering
• Environmental building engineering
• Architectural design
• Building construction
• Structural systems
• Energy-efficient building design
• Lightweight structures
• Geotechnical engineering
• Building information management/BIM
• Digital engineering
• Engineering project management
• Infrastructure design

The broader Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Professional) offers the following majors:

• Architectural
• Biomedical
• Civil
• Electrical and Electronic
• Mechanical
• Product Design
• Robotics and Mechatronics
• Software

Programme Highlights

• 5-year professional engineering degree
• 475 credit points
• Architectural major
• Hawthorn campus
• Melbourne location
• 12-month paid professional work-placement opportunity
• 100 credit points associated with professional placement
• Industry-linked projects from Year 1
• Architectural engineering studio projects
• Structural engineering
• Concrete and steel structural design
• Geotechnical engineering
• BIM and digital engineering
• Low-rise building structural design
• Infrastructure design
• Architectural Engineering Major Projects
• Engineers Australia professional accreditation
• CRICOS code 107338G.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists the following career opportunities for the Architectural major:

• Design engineer
• Structural systems engineer
• Architectural engineer
• Project engineer

The curriculum can prepare students for professional activities involving:

• Structural engineering
• Building engineering
• Architectural engineering
• Building design and construction
• Structural systems
• BIM and digital engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Infrastructure design
• Engineering project management

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current 2027 intake dates are 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• The application deadlines currently published are 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• The published unit sequence is an indicative 2026 sequence and may change.
• Professional placement is a compulsory component of the Professional degree structure and carries 100 credit points.
• Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• The course has specific capability and professional-practice requirements involving laboratory/workshop participation, safety, professional conduct, communication, teamwork, digital tools and engineering practice. Swinburne states that some activities have limited flexibility for adjustments because they are related to safety or professional practice.
• International students in Australia on a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• The course is CRICOS registered under code 107338G

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa is the Student visa, subclass 500.

For this CRICOS-registered full-time course, applicants generally need to:

• Have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
• Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable English-language evidence requirements or qualify for an exemption.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Meet applicable financial-capacity requirements where requested.
• Provide the required identity and supporting documents.
• Sign the Australian Values Statement if applicable.