Master of Architecture

What is this course about?

The Master of Architecture at the University of Sydney builds on the skills acquired in your undergraduate degree and prepares you for registration as an architect. This degree produces graduates who are forward thinking, adaptable and at the forefront of the changing trends of the architecture industry. You will be challenged to expand your conceptual and creative skills while being grounded in the professional requirements essential for practice after graduation.

This degree operates around a series of studios that require students to engage at a graduate level with projects with an emphasis on research, design and vision. Student work is defined by the rigours of industry practice and surveys the social, environmental, practical and aesthetic needs of the brief while working within the larger context of architectural theory and philosophy. You will develop expertise across design, technology and theory which will form the basis of your approach and response to architectural projects and practice. There is one studio per semester as follows:

• Urban Architecture;
• Sustainable Architecture;
• Digital Architecture; and a
• Graduation Studio.

The first three studios lead to the Graduation Studio in the final semester of study which is a based around a largely self-driven project. Students also undertake subjects that explore the historical, technological and theoretical aspects of architecture and investigate the critical issues facing contemporary architectural design.

The Master of Architecture is a 2-year full-time program (part-time option available on request), consisting of 96 credit points. It is taught by some of the world leaders in architecture education and on graduation, you will join distinguished alumni who have gone on to become major figures in the architecture world both in Australia and internationally. You will have a dedicated Master of Architecture studio space which you may access 24 hours a day. Students also have access to 24 hour computer labs, the latest digital fabrication equipment, wood and metal workshops as well as a number of art studios. There is also opportunities for international exchange in the first three semesters of the program with a number of prestigious institutions worldwide.

Program Director: Dr Lee Stickells

Admission requirements

Students must have completed the Bachelor of Design in Architecture or such other equivalent Architecture degree as determined by the Faculty.

Students who have completed the Bachelor of Design in Architecture at the University of Sydney must have completed the Master of Architecture prerequisite unit of study and have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65.

Students who have completed an equivalent degree to the Bachelor of Design in Architecture at another university, require a distinction (75% or equivalent) average over the final two years of their degree.

Applicants without the above marks may submit a portfolio representative of their years of study and undertake either professional work experience, field study in relation to architecture, international exchange units or a postgraduate qualification in a related discipline.

Work experience recommendations
It is recommended (however not compulsory) that students complete at least 18 weeks of documented work experience prior to undertaking the final year of the Master of Architecture.

Registration as an Architect requires at least two years of documented professional experience, at least one of which must be after completing the Master of Architecture.

Document Certification
All applications must be accompanied by original transcripts (exception for University of Sydney students) and evidence of residency status (ie. Justice of the Peace or solicitor/barrister certified birth certificate or passport). For further information please visit the Admissions page.

Please see the following link for our Certification Policy Page.
Original documents can also be sighted and certified immediately at the student Administration Centre on campus.

Professional recognition
Graduates of the Master of Architecture program are entitled to register as architects with the NSW Architects Registration Board, subject to obtaining approved practical experience and passing an architectural practice examination. The combined program of Bachelor of Design in Architecture/Master of Architecture is recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects.

Student Exchange
Student exchange is available for one semester within the first 3 semesters, however all students must complete the fourth semester at the University of Sydney.

Course structure

How to apply

Local students

• Application deadline: 30 November (March semester), 31 May (July semester)
• Late applications may be considered if there are available places.
• Commonwealth Supported Places are limited.
• Online applications can be completed through courses online.
  Begin your application.

International students

• Application deadline: 31 October (March semester), 30 April (July semester)
• Online applications can be completed through courses online.
  Begin your application.

Enquiries

Enquiries about the Master of Architecture can be made via email or telephone to:
Anne-Marie Leo, , +61 2 9351 2686.

Useful links

• Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) for information about the architecture profession.
• Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA)
• NSW Architects Registration Board
• News & Events at the Faculty of Architecture