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Master of Architecture

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

Today, architects must increasingly move between different environmental and design disciplines to make sense of and create the contemporary world. Our Master of Architecture aims to address this need.
The Master of Architecture is a 2-year full-time degree. The course centres on design studios which explore urban architecture, sustainable architecture and digital architecture, culminating in a graduation design studio which will allow you to choose from a diverse range of design projects. The studios are structured to respond to the critical issues facing contemporary architectural design and draw on extensive areas of expertise across a range of design disciplines. Each studio is supported by core units in history and theory, advanced architectural technologies and professional practice.
You are also able to choose from a wide range of elective units in order to extend your knowledge and skills into other related areas.

Units of study

Unit of Study information on faculty page

Full units of study list

Further course information

Study plan

Candidates for the Master of Architecture complete 96 credit points (cp) made up of at least 9 core units of study (78cp) including four 12cp studio units, and three elective units (18cp) offered by the faculty, subject to meeting prior learning requirements and timetabling. The course centres on design studios which explore urban architecture, sustainable architecture and digital architecture, culminating in a graduation design studio which allows you to choose from a diverse range of design projects. You will complete other areas of study including architectural history and theory and advanced architectural technologies. You will also have the opportunity to undertake specialised study in related areas through elective units of study.

Progression rules

The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will monitor students for satisfactory progress towards the completion of their award course. In addition to the common triggers used to identify students not meeting academic progression requirements, students must pass any unit of study identified in the course resolutions as being critical to progression through the course.

Capstone experience

A capstone experience comprises one or more units of study designed by the faculty to provide you with an opportunity to draw together the learning that has taken place during the award, synthesise this with your prior learning and experience, and draw conclusions that will form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth. Students complete a graduation studio in Master of Architecture for the capstone experience. It provides students the opportunity to develop a complex architectural project that builds upon knowledge gained from the preceding digital, sustainable or urban architecture studios. The project is supported by a comprehensive research report that demonstrates independent exploration of relevant theories and issues raised during the design.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

Becoming a registered architect will open the world to graduates as the work of architects is no longer confined by geography. Opportunities for graduates lie both within Australia and overseas with a number of our past students having great successes internationally. By engaging with the environment, community and needs of clients and stakeholders, work as an architect can have a profound effect on people’s lives around the world.

Further study

The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning places a high emphasis on its research activity. We have a vibrantly diverse community of scholars and practitioners, many of whom have taken national and international leadership roles in their fields. The faculty offers the opportunity to pursue research degrees, both MPhil and PhD in four disciplines: architecture and allied arts; architectural and design science; design lab; and urban and regional planning and policy.
You may elect to study in any of these fields, or to pursue interdisciplinary studies in a combination of fields with the faculty or between the faculty and elsewhere in the University. The University and the faculty have formal links, including exchange agreements and memoranda of understanding, with institutions throughout Asia, Europe, Scandinavia and North America. These translate into research opportunities for students as well as staff.
These degrees are supported through a wide range of resources, including extensively equipped laboratories and comprehensive workshop facilities.

Other study options

The Faculty of Architecture, Design & Planning runs continuing professional development short courses which provide a valuable opportunity for professionals to update their knowledge to enhance career pathways or for personal interest. All of our courses qualify for CPD points with AIA, SBSE/EA and AIRAH members.

If you are considering further study it is also an opportunity to try a subject from a course to gauge its suitability. You have the choice to either complete the assessment work or not. If you do successfully complete the assessment work you will be eligible to receive 6 credit points per subject towards a future degree. For more information please see the faculty website [hyperlink: http://sydney.edu.au/architecture/programs_of_study/continuing_professional_development.shtml].

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty.
On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of November. On-time applications for the July Semester close on the last working day in May.
Late applications may be accepted subject to availability.
Please contact the Faculty at architecture@sydney.edu.au for clarification.

Admission requirements

A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Architecture will have completed the Bachelor of Design in Architecture.

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 can choose to 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.(A4/A3 photocopies and CD are acceptable).

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).

Admission requirements

A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Architecture will have completed the Bachelor of Design in Architecture.

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 can choose to 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.(A4/A3 photocopies and CD are acceptable).

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.