Master of Architecture
Domestic
International
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program
Check the Fees & Scholarships tab for details
The Master of Architecture provides professional education in the practice and theory of architecture. The degree provides you with advanced knowledge in techniques in architectural design, as well as related technical and academic knowledge.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Master of Architecture
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
2 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Master of Architecture provides professional education in the practice and theory of architecture.
Our degree delivers a well-rounded architectural education appropriate to contemporary multidisciplinary professional practice, building on the solid disciplinary foundation established in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies. In addition, it allows you to choose one of four course streams, to tailor your education to specific areas of the discipline. These are: High Performance Technology, Housing, Urban Conditions or Social Agency.
The degree provides you with advanced knowledge in techniques in architectural design, as well as related technical and academic knowledge. With a world-class teaching staff, a structure developed in consultation with industry and our distinctive stream options, you will be well prepared to operate at a professional level in the practice of architecture and other design-based industries.
Anyone who intends to become a professional architect or to work in other capacities in design and the built environment should choose this Masters program.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
In addition to professional accreditation and the four distinctive streams, the UNSW Faculty of Built Environment is the only faculty in Australia with a Pritzker Prize winner on our teaching staff Professor Glenn Murcutt, a UNSW alumnus.
Program Code
8143
CRICOS Code
061906G
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
416
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
You will need to have completed a nationally accredited undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in architecture with grades at a consistent credit level (65 WAM) or higher. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to demonstrate work experience combined with undergraduate studies in architecture instead.
If you study the UNSW Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) you can be eligible for the Master of Architecture if you undertake the architecture elective pathway and achieve an overall WAM of 65. However, if you've never studied architecture at a tertiary level, you should consider applying for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
-
Applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (or equivalent) but do not meet the entry requirements specified above may be considered after they have obtained work experience in an architectural office.
Work experience will be individually assessed based on the following submission:
- A logbook record of a minimum 12 months full-time work or the equivalent
- A referee report from the employer
- A portfolio of the work undertaken during this period.
-
UNSW Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) graduates will meet entry requirements for the Master of Architecture if they complete the architecture elective pathway in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) degree.
Students will need to complete the following courses as part of this pathway and achieve an overall WAM of 65. These courses will count as electives in their Bachelor of Interior Architecture program:
- ARCH1311 Architectural Studio 5
- ARCH1302 Architectural Studio 6
- ARCH1261 Structures and Construction 2
- ARCH1322 Architectural History and Theory 3
- ARCH1361 Architectural Science and Building Environment 2
Portfolio requirement
If you completed your undergraduate architecture degree at an international university, you must provide a portfolio of design work. The portfolio must:
- include sample works from various stages of your undergraduate degree and any professional work
- have drawings and/or images accompanied with text to explain the projects
- be in a digital format.
-
Good portfolio content demonstrates:
- The issues the design wants to solve. For example: societal inequality, environmental constraints, economic conditions, pollution.
- The opportunities the design wants to expand. For example: local resources, natural light, public transportation.
- The decision-making process that led to the final outcome.
- The final design product and outcome presented with appropriate sets of drawings such as plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, and pictures from physical models.
- Technical understanding underpinning the design, that is, the structure, construction, and materials chosen.
Only if all these points are clearly explained it is possible for us to assess the ‘thinking’ behind your work. These points can be presented through site analysis, development diagrams, and technical drawings.
-
A site analysis will show the problems and the opportunities in the site where a project is developed.
A good site analysis uses many drawings to show the background information that informed the decision-making process of a project - for example, sun-path, wind directions, infrastructures available, population type, physical constraints, etc. A good site analysis will show problems and site characteristics that your design wants to solve or address.
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
-
A development diagram shows how the final version of the building or infrastructure has been developed. These diagrams need to convey why you chose to design the building in that way.
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
-
Technical drawings show how the projects can be built. These drawings explain how the building stands up, and how the building is constructed.
Technical drawing example
Technical drawing example
Technical drawing example
-
The final design product needs to be displayed appropriately with all sets of essential drawings to show the qualitative value of each project.
Plans, sections, elevations, perspectives need to be legible, neat, and beautifully descriptive. Pictures from physical models can also be included to improve the tridimensional value and materiality of each design.
Final design product example
Final design product example
Final design product example
Final design product example
Final design product example
-
A good portfolio presentation involves curation, organisation and communication.
Curation
Show only your best work - don’t include everything. Aim to create a graphically beautiful document with one consistent graphic style.Organisation
Put your most recent work first. Make it clear which projects were academic, and which projects were professional. Remember to mention your contribution to group and professional projects.Communication
The images and drawings should speak for themselves, and the accompanying written descriptions should be succinct. The text, images and drawings must be clearly visible.- Use more pages rather than clutter less pages
- Edit professional project drawings to match your portfolio's graphic style
- Avoid using bright colours for text, or placing text on detailed or contrasting backgrounds.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
You will need to have completed a nationally accredited undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in architecture with grades at a consistent credit level (65 WAM) or higher. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to demonstrate work experience combined with undergraduate studies in architecture instead.
If you study the UNSW Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) you can be eligible for the Master of Architecture if you undertake the architecture elective pathway and achieve an overall WAM of 65. However, if you've never studied architecture at a tertiary level, you should consider applying for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
-
Applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (or equivalent) but do not meet the entry requirements specified above may be considered after they have obtained work experience in an architectural office.
Work experience will be individually assessed based on the following submission:
- A logbook record of a minimum 12 months full-time work or the equivalent
- A referee report from the employer
- A portfolio of the work undertaken during this period.
-
UNSW Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) graduates will meet entry requirements for the Master of Architecture if they complete the architecture elective pathway in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) degree.
Students will need to complete the following courses as part of this pathway and achieve an overall WAM of 65. These courses will count as electives in their Bachelor of Interior Architecture program:
- ARCH1311 Architectural Studio 5
- ARCH1302 Architectural Studio 6
- ARCH1261 Structures and Construction 2
- ARCH1322 Architectural History and Theory 3
- ARCH1361 Architectural Science and Building Environment 2
Portfolio requirement
If you completed your undergraduate architecture degree at an international university, you must provide a portfolio of design work. The portfolio must:
- include sample works from various stages of your undergraduate degree and any professional work
- have drawings and/or images accompanied with text to explain the projects
- be in a digital format.
-
Good portfolio content demonstrates:
- The issues the design wants to solve. For example: societal inequality, environmental constraints, economic conditions, pollution.
- The opportunities the design wants to expand. For example: local resources, natural light, public transportation.
- The decision-making process that led to the final outcome.
- The final design product and outcome presented with appropriate sets of drawings such as plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, and pictures from physical models.
- Technical understanding underpinning the design, that is, the structure, construction, and materials chosen.
Only if all these points are clearly explained it is possible for us to assess the ‘thinking’ behind your work. These points can be presented through site analysis, development diagrams, and technical drawings.
-
A site analysis will show the problems and the opportunities in the site where a project is developed.
A good site analysis uses many drawings to show the background information that informed the decision-making process of a project - for example, sun-path, wind directions, infrastructures available, population type, physical constraints, etc. A good site analysis will show problems and site characteristics that your design wants to solve or address.
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
Site analysis example
-
A development diagram shows how the final version of the building or infrastructure has been developed. These diagrams need to convey why you chose to design the building in that way.
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
Development diagram example
-
Technical drawings show how the projects can be built. These drawings explain how the building stands up, and how the building is constructed.
Technical drawing example
Technical drawing example
Technical drawing example
-
The final design product needs to be displayed appropriately with all sets of essential drawings to show the qualitative value of each project.
Plans, sections, elevations, perspectives need to be legible, neat, and beautifully descriptive. Pictures from physical models can also be included to improve the tridimensional value and materiality of each design.
Final design product example
Final design product example
Final design product example
Final design product example
Final design product example
-
A good portfolio presentation involves curation, organisation and communication.
Curation
Show only your best work - don’t include everything. Aim to create a graphically beautiful document with one consistent graphic style.Organisation
Put your most recent work first. Make it clear which projects were academic, and which projects were professional. Remember to mention your contribution to group and professional projects.Communication
The images and drawings should speak for themselves, and the accompanying written descriptions should be succinct. The text, images and drawings must be clearly visible.- Use more pages rather than clutter less pages
- Edit professional project drawings to match your portfolio's graphic style
- Avoid using bright colours for text, or placing text on detailed or contrasting backgrounds.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Full program structure
Potential careers
- Private architectural practice
- Commercial architectural practice with diverse areas of focus
- Architect in heritage, high performance architectural technology or humanitarian architecture
- Expert consultant in government and policy and environment
- Multidisciplinary design practice
- Architectural critic, journalist, historian and academic
Accreditation
Once you attain your Master of Architecture degree you will have professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). You will be eligible, after a recognised period working in a professional setting, to undertake the Professional Practice exam to become a registered Architect.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
-
Good portfolio content demonstrates:
- The issues the design wants to solve. For example, societal inequality, environmental constraints, economic conditions, pollution.
- The opportunities the design wants to expand. For example, local resources, natural light, public transportation.
- The decision-making process that led to the final outcome.
- The final design product and outcome presented with appropriate sets of drawings such as plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, and pictures from physical models.
- Technical understanding underpinning the design, that is the structure, construction, and materials chosen.
Only if all these points are clearly explained it is possible for us to assess the ‘thinking’ behind your work. These points can be presented through site analysis, development diagrams, and technical drawings.
-
A site analysis will show the problems and the opportunities in the site where a project is developed.
A good site analysis uses many drawings to show the background information that informed the decision-making process of a project - for example, sun-path, wind directions, infrastructures available, population type, physical constraints, etc. A good site analysis will show problems and site characteristics that your design wants to solve or address.
-
A development diagram shows how the final version of the building or infrastructure has been developed. These diagrams need to convey why you chose to design the building in that way.
-
Technical drawings show how the projects can be built. These drawings explain how the building stands up, and how the building is constructed.
-
The final design product needs to be displayed appropriately with all sets of essential drawings to show the qualitative value of each project.
Plans, sections, elevations, perspectives need to be legible, neat, and beautifully descriptive. Pictures from physical models can also be included to improve the tridimensional value and materiality of each design.
-
A good portfolio presentation involves curation, organisation and communication.
Curation
Show only your best work - don’t include everything. Aim to create a graphically beautiful document with one consistent graphic style.Organisation
Put your most recent work first. Make it clear which projects were academic, and which projects were professional. Remember to mention your contribution to group and professional projects.Communication
The images and drawings should speak for themselves, and the accompanying written descriptions should be succinct. The text, images and drawings must be clearly visible.- Use more pages rather than clutter less pages
- Edit professional project drawings to match your portfolio's graphic style
- Avoid using bright colours for text, or placing text on detailed or contrasting backgrounds
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative CSP First Year Fee
$8,300*
2023 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree
$16,850*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$27,360*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$55,200*
Full Fees are the cost of the degree for students who do not receive a CSP place.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year). Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$42,125*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$85,150*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
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