Study Master of Architecture at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMAE

SATAC Code
4CM012 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements
1. Entry into the Master of Architecture program is competitive, based on academic merit, and subject to quota.
2. Entry requires successful completion of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program at the University of South Australia or a Bachelor degree in a 3 year pre-professional architecture program from a recognised Australian higher education institution or equivalent. Applicants with a Bachelor degree in a 3 year pre-professional architecture program from a non-Australian higher education institution must also submit a portfolio as part of their application.
Alternative Entry

The University may admit other applicants who provide satisfactory evidence of academic achievement which the University recognises as equivalent to a completed Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
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Degree overview

Work in award-winning, purpose-designed facilities, including dedicated design studios and workshops that are accessible 24/7 and are ranked No.1 in South Australia for Campus facilities in Architecture¹.
Study in a creative and multidisciplinary setting with students from the related fields of architecture, interior architecture, urban planning, contemporary art, product and communication design, journalism, communication and media, film and television, animation, and the creative industries.
Learn from internationally renowned and experienced teachers with industry-leading expertise and experience and world-class leaders in research - UniSA's research in design is ranked world-class².
Enhance your employment prospects by developing specific areas of interest while you study in one of four elective streams focusing on Sustainable Design, Design Construct, Urban and Regional Planning, and Construction and Project Management.
Each elective stream provides credit towards other master qualifications after completing the Master of Architecture, such as the Master of Design (2x masters in 3 years), Master of Urban and Regional Planning (2x masters in 3.5 years), and Master of Project Management (2x masters in 3.5 years).
Have the opportunity to take part in our unique award-winning Design Construct courses, where you will collaborate in designing and building real-world projects across Australia - the longest-running and largest practice-based teaching of its type in Australia.
Benefit from our strong relationships with local, national and international architectural practices through experienced practitioner teachers and professional placement learning experiences. Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for Graduate Careers in Architecture³.
UniSA is home to Australia’s only Architecture Museum filled with over 200,000 items, including records, drawings, and photographs of Australian architecture.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Architecture and Built Environment – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
²Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
³ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Architecture and Built Environment – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

This professionally accredited degree provides advanced skills and knowledge in architecture design and how it relates to the environment, culture, and design and construction technologies.

A focus on student-directed learning will also see you specialise in a specific area of interest through your choice of electives streams from Sustainable Design, Design Construct, Planning and Urban Design, or Construction and Project Management, or choose electives focusing on research, national and international study tours, and industry experience.

Our highly successful graduates work across the globe, from award-winning local architectural practices to international practices with offices around the world.

What you'll learn

This master-level degree will provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of design principles and methods; building structures and construction systems; digital design and communication methods; sustainable design strategies; how contemporary architectural practice operates; and the social and cultural histories that shape our world, including Aboriginal and First Nations cultural practices.

This degree has a strong practical focus – in design studio classes you will design complex projects informed by contemporary architectural practice and construction, as well as undertake research and hands-on learning through industry-based professional placements and industry-led and practically-focussed coursework.

To successfully graduate from this degree, you must complete a total of eight core courses (54 units) and four electives (18 units); including advanced design studios that focus on the Environment, Construction, and Context, and integration of supporting courses focusing on design-based research and, how professional architectural practices operate.

Four elective courses offer you the opportunity to develop specific areas of interest in Design Construct, Planning and Urban Design, Construction and Project Management, or Sustainable Design, further complimented by electives focusing on research, national and international study tours, and industry experience through professional placements.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Course name FIRST YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Advanced Architectural Design Studio (Environment)	Area and cat no. ARCH 4033	Units 9	Reference
Course name Research Methods (Creative)	Area and cat no. CREA 4004	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Advanced Architectural Design Studio (Construction)	Area and cat no. ARCH 4008	Units 9	Reference
Course name Research Practices (Creative)	Area and cat no. CREA 5001	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1
Course name SECOND YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Architectural Design Research Studio (Context)	Area and cat no. ARCH 4002	Units 9	Reference
Course name Professional Architectural Practice	Area and cat no. ARCH 5035	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Architectural Design Research Studio (Integrated)	Area and cat no. ARCH 4003	Units 9	Reference
Course name Contemporary Architectural Practice	Area and cat no. ARCH 5034	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Design and Construct: Elective stream to Master of Design (Design Construct)
Course name Construction in the Workshop	Area and cat no. BUIL 2024	Units 4.5
Course name Construction on Site	Area and cat no. BUIL 2023	Units 4.5
Course name Construction on Site: Advanced	Area and cat no. BUIL 5041	Units 4.5
Course name Construction in the Workshop: Advanced	Area and cat no. BUIL 5040	Units 4.5
Course name UO Construction Scheduling	Area and cat no. BUIL 2028	Units 4.5
Course name UO Construction Environmental Science	Area and cat no. CIVE 2015	Units 4.5
Course name UO Building Surveying	Area and cat no. CIVE 3015	Units 4.5
Course name UO Building Estimating	Area and cat no. BUIL 1024	Units 4.5
Planning and Urban Design: Elective stream to Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Course name Development Assessment	Area and cat no. ARCH 6013	Units 4.5
Course name Urban Regeneration	Area and cat no. ARCH 5051	Units 4.5
Course name Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability	Area and cat no. ARCH 5041	Units 4.5
Course name Planning for Healthy Cities	Area and cat no. ARCH 5043	Units 4.5
Course name Sustainable Urban Design Studio	Area and cat no. ARCH 5030	Units 4.5
Course name Principles of Urban and Regional Planning	Area and cat no. ARCH 5011	Units 4.5
Course name Sustainable Urban Design	Area and cat no. ARCH 5013	Units 4.5
Construction and Project Management: Elective stream to Master of Applied Project Management
Course name Principles of Project Management	Area and cat no. BUSS 5142	Units 4.5
Course name Project Leadership and Teams	Area and cat no. BUSS 5102	Units 4.5
Course name UO Building Estimating	Area and cat no. BUIL 1024	Units 4.5
Course name UO Construction Environmental Science	Area and cat no. CIVE 2015	Units 4.5
Course name UO Construction Scheduling	Area and cat no. BUIL 2028	Units 4.5
Course name UO Building Services	Area and cat no. CIVE 2013	Units 4.5
Course name UO Development Regulation	Area and cat no. BUIL 4030	Units 4.5
Course name UO Project Appraisal	Area and cat no. BUIL 3025	Units 4.5
Sustainable Design: Elective stream to Master of Design (Sustainable Design)
Course name UO Construction Environmental Science	Area and cat no. CIVE 2015	Units 4.5
Course name Social Planning and Community Issues	Area and cat no. ARCH 5022	Units 4.5
Course name Project Leadership and Teams	Area and cat no. BUSS 5102	Units 4.5
Course name Sustainable Urban Design Studio	Area and cat no. ARCH 5030	Units 4.5
Course name Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design	Area and cat no. ARCH 6001	Units 4.5
Course name Nature, Culture and Sustainability	Area and cat no. ARCH 6005	Units 4.5
Course name Principles of Sustainable Design	Area and cat no. ARCH 6006	Units 4.5
A list of other electives will be provided at the commencement of each year. Elective offerings are subject to change.
Course name Professional Placement or Project	Area and cat no. GRAP 5004	Units 4.5
Course name Match Studio Projects: Advanced	Area and cat no. ARCH 5047	Units 4.5
Course name UniSA Creative Study Tour	Area and cat no. ARCH 2045	Units 4.5
Course name Match Studio Projects	Area and cat no. ARCH 2027	Units 4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are not permitted to enrol in two design studio courses concurrently.

2. Students must normally complete the degree within 4 study periods of full time study (or its equivalent of part-time study) from the date of their initial enrolment, not including any periods of approved leave of absence or enforced suspension

3. Any variations to the sequence of study requires approval from the Program Director.

4. Courses undertaken in 3 year Bachelor of Architectural Studies (or equivalent) programs are not eligible for credit for prior learning towards the Master of Architecture program. Credit will be granted on a case-by-case basis in line with University policy.

Notes

1. Electives are designed to extend and expand students' intellectual and professional abilities in core and cognate areas of the curriculum and to provide scope for individual development in particular areas of professional and academic interest. A selection of electives will be offered each year, depending on staff availability and student demand. Students are required to undertake one elective stream from the Elective Stream offerings. Students are required to complete a minimum of two stream electives in their chosen elective stream. Details for each elective stream can be viewed on the program learnonline web site including all stream electives available each year. Students enrolled in the Master of Architecture may select from the specified electives listed, or as approved by the Program Director. With Program Director approval, students can undertake no more than 2 advanced undergraduate courses as electives.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate assessment through both speculative and practical learning activities that are designed to provide you with professional agility to respond to any challenge your careers in Architecture throw at you, primarily in the form of:

Design-based architectural and urban projects of varying scales and complexities presented and assessed as portfolios and oral presentations
Research and analysis into architecture and cultural history and design precedent, including Aboriginal and First Nations, presented and assessed as essays, reports and oral presentations
Research and analysis into contemporary architectural practice and the professional regulations that impact its effective operation through reports and assignments
Demonstrating 2D and 3D skills in composing digital and analogue drawings and models, including Virtual and Augmented Reality and game engine environments.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Master of Architecture

With a strong balance between design thinking and practicality, and a widely recognised industry focus on career-ready graduate employability, you will develop your advanced skills and knowledge of architecture through architectural design studios that teach you how to apply complex concepts and design methods to the design or architectural buildings of varying functions, scales, and complexities. In addition, you will take part in national and international study tours with multi-disciplinary design collaborations with other students, and learn from industry-led workshops, masterclasses, and professional placements in the best architectural offices across South Australia.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in unique award-winning Design Construct coursework, where you’ll collaborate, design, and build projects in locations across Australia and overseas with students from other design disciplines. Some of the projects students have designed and built include the visitor accommodation at Port Resolution (Tanna Island, Vanuatu); Aboriginal ranger accommodation and research facilities in Fish River (Northern Territory, Australia); and accommodation and research facilities at Witchelina Station (South Australia, Australia).

Real-world connections

Our courses are supported by an extensive teaching team of over 100 architectural practitioners. Half of your learning occurs in the architectural design studio where your skills and knowledge are applied to real and speculative design projects drawn from industry, developing your relevant real-world learning experiences and enabling you to productively transition into your professional careers after graduation.

Additional social and professional networks are formed while you study through multi-disciplinary coursework where you learn side-by-side with students from other discipline areas, and during national and international study tours where you will learn first-hand what it’s like to work as a designer in other cultures and countries.

UniSA also offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus, and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Study Architecture at UniSA

Hear about Andrew's experience studying a Master of Architecture at UniSA.

Career outcomes

Your career

Architects are creative problem solvers by nature. They immerse themselves in new design technologies and construction materials and push the boundaries of what is possible. They work collaboratively with their clients and other planning, design, and construction-related professionals to realise their clients' design imagination. A career in architecture is rewarding because you get the opportunity to shape and transform the world around you. Our graduates are also in demand, with UniSA ranked No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers in architecture¹. Careers to consider:

*Architect: combine creative design with technical knowledge to create sustainable solutions for the built environment
Urban designer: design at the urban scale and participate in educating civic leaders and the public about shaping our streets, suburbs, and cities
Heritage consultant: develop sustainable re-use practices in design to protect and maintain heritage sites of important ongoing cultural value
Project or construction manager: involves initiating, planning, and managing a team to deliver projects of varying scales and complexities.

* The professionally accredited Master of Architecture qualification is required under the Architectural Practice Act (SA, 2009) to seek future registration as an ‘architect’ in South Australia and New Zealand. Only those practitioners registered with architectural registration boards in each State and Territory in Australia, including the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, are entitled to use the title ‘architect’ by law. Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, or equivalent qualifications from other education providers, may apply for entry into the Master of Architecture.

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Architecture and Built Environment – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is professionally accredited by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, endorsing the architecture qualifications of graduates required for registration as an architect. Accreditation demonstrates the achievement of relevant competencies from the AACA National Competency Standards in Architecture.

The Australian Institute of Architects recognises the program, endorsing architecture qualifications required for membership of the AIA, including student and graduate membership. Recognition of the program demonstrates compliance with the Institute's Education Policy Performance Criteria.

Industry facts

Architect and landscape architect roles in Australia are expected to increase by 16.8 per cent by November 2026¹.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

The architectural services sector in Australia is worth $4 billion in annual revenue¹.

¹IBISWorld’s Architectural Services market research report 2023

Employment for architects, designers, planners and surveyors in Australia is projected to increase by 17,000 (16.8 per cent) by November 2026¹.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

In 2014-15 there were an estimated 13,555 businesses in the Australian architectural sector (including sole practices) with an income of $6.4 billion, generating a profit of $603 million¹.

¹IBISWorld, Industry Profile: Architectural Services in Australia, August 2014.

Thinking of studying soon?

2025

Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.

When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

2026

Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.

Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

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Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

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Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an architecture student, you will have access to:

dedicated safe and secure design studios that are accessible 24/7
Australia’s only Architecture Museum to research about Australian architectural design
digital and traditional workshops to make models of your design projects
specialised computer suites on-campus and, in addition, access to industry-leading 2D and 3D computer-design software on your own computers

Your program director

Architects fulfil a critical role in society through shaping the environment in which we live. Architecture brings together the technical, the cultural and the creative – a combination that makes studying and working in architecture challenging, and incredibly rewarding.

Dr Chris Brisbin

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Chris Brisbin

Program Director

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What others are saying

I was a paramedic for nine years before I decided I wanted to study architecture. UniSA is guiding me to be industry ready, strengthening the beginning of my career, and challenging me to think differently, to solve problems using a strong and evolving toolkit.

Christopher Pongrac

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Master of Architecture

Christopher Pongrac

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Master of Architecture

Hear from UniSA graduates and Co-Founders/Directors of Studio Gram, Dave Bickmore and Graham Charbonneau, about their experiences studying Architecture at UniSA and how it has helped them reach their career goals.

Hear from Chris as he shares his experiences studying at UniSA and his journey as a Master of Architecture graduate.

Hear about Subook and Harshada's experiences studying Architecture at UniSA.

UniSA Architecture students constructing visitor accommodation for a remote Vanuatu community so that tourism will help local villagers afford education for their children.