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

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMAE

Fees
2021: AUD$ 37,700 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
060208J

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.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Study at an institution that has its degrees ranked in the World Top 150 for Architecture and the Built Environment¹.
UniSA has a 5 star rating for student skills development in Architecture and Built Environment².
Study with SA's No.1 University for graduate careers in Architecture and Built Environment³.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in design is ranked world class⁴.
Work in award-winning, purpose-designed facilities including dedicated design studios and workshops.
Study in a contemporary and dynamic setting with students from the related fields of art, design and planning.
Learn from internationally-renowned and experienced teachers who are also practicing architects.
Pursue specific areas of interest through research and electives.
Engage in real-life projects through our award-winning student Design and Construct learning experience - the longest running and largest practice-based teaching program of its type in Australia.
Benefit from our strong relationships with local, national and international industry.
UniSA is home to Australia’s only architecture museum filled with over 200,000 items, including records, drawing and photographs.
Enhance your employment prospects by co-enrolling in the Master of Design during or after completing the Master of Architecture, focusing on sustainable design or design and construct.

¹2020 QS Subject Rankings
²2020 Good Universities Guide – Architecture and Building
³ComparED (QILT): Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
⁴Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Snapshot

This professionally accredited degree provides advanced learning in architecture design and how it relates to the environment, culture and technology.

During your studies you will refine your technical and communication skills, and solve increasingly complex design problems. A focus on student-directed learning will also see you specialise in a specific area of interest through your choice of electives and research. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take part in the award-winning Student Design and Construct program, where you will engage in real-life projects.

Our alumni work across the globe, from small boutique practices to leading international firms.

What you'll learn

This master degree will provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of construction systems; digital design and communication; sustainable strategies; architectural practice; and the historical and theoretical contexts that shape our built environment. There is also a strong practical focus - in studio classes you will design complex projects, as well as undertake research and hands-on learning through industry placements.

To successfully graduate from this degree you must complete a total of 12 courses, including advanced design studios, and courses focusing on research, theory and practice management. Three elective courses offer the opportunity for specialisation and include options in sustainable design, urban design, digital media, international study tours and industry placements.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Architectural Design Studio (Environment)	ARCH 4033	9	Note(s): 4
AAD Research Methods	VSAR 4003	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Architectural Design Studio (Construction)	ARCH 4008	9	Note(s): 4
AAD Research Practices	ARCH 5052	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Architectural Design Research Studio (Context)	ARCH 4002	9	Note(s): 4
Professional Architectural Practice	ARCH 5035	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Architectural Design Research Studio (Integrated)	ARCH 4003	9	Note(s): 4
Contemporary Architectural Practice	ARCH 5034	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Design and Construct: Elective stream to Master of Design (Design Construct)
Construction in the Workshop	BUIL 2024	4.5
Construction on Site	BUIL 2023	4.5
Construction on Site: Advanced	BUIL 5041	4.5
Construction in the Workshop: Advanced	BUIL 5040	4.5
UO Construction Scheduling	BUIL 2028	4.5
UO Construction Environmental Science	CIVE 2015	4.5
UO Building Surveying	CIVE 3015	4.5
UO Building Estimating	BUIL 1024	4.5
Planning and Urban Design: Elective stream to Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Development Assessment	ARCH 6013	4.5
Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability	ARCH 5041	4.5
Planning for Healthy Cities	ARCH 5043	4.5
Urban Regeneration	ARCH 5051	4.5
Social Planning and Community Issues	ARCH 5022	4.5
Principles of Urban and Regional Planning	ARCH 5011	4.5
Sustainable Urban Design	ARCH 5013	4.5
Sustainable Urban Design Studio	ARCH 5030	4.5
Construction and Project Management: Elective stream to Master of Applied Project Management
Principles of Project Management	BUSS 5142	4.5
Project Leadership and Teams	BUSS 5102	4.5
UO Construction Scheduling	BUIL 2028	4.5
UO Building Services	CIVE 2013	4.5
UO Development Regulation	BUIL 4030	4.5
UO Project Appraisal	BUIL 3025	4.5
UO Construction Environmental Science	CIVE 2015	4.5
UO Building Estimating	BUIL 1024	4.5
Sustainable Design: Elective stream to Master of Design (Sustainable Design)
UO Construction Environmental Science	CIVE 2015	4.5
Project Leadership and Teams	BUSS 5102	4.5
Social Planning and Community Issues	ARCH 5022	4.5
Sustainable Urban Design Studio	ARCH 5030	4.5
Environmental Modelling of Architecture	ARCH 4045	4.5
Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design	ARCH 6001	4.5
Nature, Culture and Sustainability	ARCH 6005	4.5
Principles of Sustainable Design	ARCH 6006	4.5
Research electives
Architectural Research Thesis 1	ARCH 4043	4.5
Architectural Research Thesis 2	ARCH 4044	4.5
A list of other electives will be provided at the commencement of each year. Elective offerings are subject to change.
Professional Placement or Project	GRAP 5004	4.5
UniSA Creative Study Tour	ARCH 2045	4.5
Match Studio Projects	ARCH 2027	4.5
Match Studio Projects: Advanced	ARCH 5047	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Within a particular year students may choose to vary the sequence of study but are not permitted to take two Architectural Design Studios 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

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.

2. Students intending to apply for a Higher Degree Research program are advised to select ARCH 4043 Architectural Research Thesis 1 and ARCH 4044 Architectural Research Thesis 2 as their electives.

3. Each design studio will require students to demonstrate an ability to integrate research and all other subject areas of the program into the design process.

4. Course offered in SP2 and SP5.

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 and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). 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 practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

design projects
research
essays and assignments
portfolios

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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

Specialise in your areas of interest, such as remote construction, sustainability, urban design, conservation, and digital environments, and gain practical experience with this focused and accredited master degree.

This degree has a strong practical and industry focus, with studio work, national and international field trips, workshops, internships and master classes.

You will also be given the opportunity to take part in the award-winning student Design and Construct learning experience, where you will design and then construct community buildings in remote locations in Australia and overseas. Some of the projects students have completed include the visitor accommodation at Port Resolution, Tanna Island, Vanuatu; Aboriginal ranger accommodation and research facilities in Fish River, Northern Territory; and accommodation and research facilities at Witchelina Station, South Australia. You will be involved in projects such as these from conception through to completion.

Real-world connections

The award-winning Design and Construct learning experience will help you to build pivotal industry relationships and networks. Additional networks can be formed during national and international field trips where you will learn first-hand what it’s like to work as an architect. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

Architects are creative, accurate and problem solvers by nature. They immerse themselves in new technologies and materials, and push the boundaries. A career in architecture is rewarding – you get the opportunity to shape, and even transform, the environment. Jobs are on the increase, with employment expected to grow very strongly in the next few years¹. 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; may also participate in educating civic leaders and the public about project details
heritage consultation: develop sustainable practices in design to protect and maintain heritage sites
project manager: involves initiating, planning, executing and controlling a team and their outcomes

¹ Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

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

Employment for interior designers in Australia is projected to increase by 19.9 per cent by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

The architectural services sector in Australia is projected to grow and reach $7.1 billion in annual revenue by 2020¹.

¹IBISWorld’s Architectural Services market research report 2017

Employment for architects, designers, planners and surveyors is projected to increase by 17,500 (14.7 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

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.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:

careers advice
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
services offered through our student association, USASA
accommodation services

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

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 advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an architecture student, you will have access to:

dedicated design studios
Australia’s only Architecture Museum
digital and traditional workshops
specialised computer suites

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, but ultimately incredibly rewarding.

Dr Chris Brisbin

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Chris Brisbin

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

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

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Katarina Jovanovic

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