Master of Architecture

Lead the way in a rapidly changing profession that impacts us all.

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program

Check the Fees & Scholarships tab for details

Develop the skills, experience and professional network to build solutions for the future with a Master of Architecture. Balance practical and theoretical learning as you explore the myriad focus areas of the architectural profession and begin to forge a meaningful career path.

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

The UNSW Master of Architecture gives you a well-rounded architectural education appropriate to prepare you for a varied and fulfilling career in the profession. This two-year full-time program builds on the foundations of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies. You’ll have the option to specialise in one of four architectural streams or cast your net wide by exploring architecture from a general lens.

By completing this degree, you’ll develop advanced knowledge in design techniques and gain vital technical and academic knowledge that you’ll draw on throughout your career. With world-class teaching staff, a structure created in consultation with industry, and our distinctive stream options, you’ll be prepared to operate professionally in architectural practice and other exciting design-based industries.

If you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree and have ambitions to become a professional architect or want to work in other capacities in design and the built environment, this master’s program is the choice for you.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Graduate fully-qualified from a global top 20 university*

Upon successful completion of the UNSW Master of Architecture, you’ll have an internationally recognised qualification from a top-ranking university. UNSW is ranked equal #19 globally and the School of Built Environment is in the top 40 worldwide**.

^{* QS World University Rankings, 2023}

^{** QS WOrld University Rankings by Subject, 2023}

Expand your mind with industry partnerships and world-class teachers

Learn from award-winning architects, such as UNSW Professor of Practice Rachel Neeson, a recipient of the Marion Mahony Griffin Prize by the Australian Institute of Architects, and Australia’s only Pritzker Prize winner, Professor Glenn Murcutt AO, a UNSW alumnus.

Flexible learning through four distinctive streams

Study your degree your way. Enjoy the flexibility of trimester loading to suit your lifestyle and goals, whether it's full-time or part-time. Choose from a broad range of in-demand disciplines in your coursework with exciting design electives from across the School of Built Environment. These include property development, city planning and urban design, landscape architecture and computational design.

Solve tomorrow’s problems using advanced facilities and technologies

Take advantage of our industry-leading facilities. You’ll learn vital digital skills for design and automation from ARC Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing Centre. Discover how advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will vitally improve the industry’s productivity, performance and sustainability.

With the world needing 3 billion new homes by 2030, these crucial technologies will empower you to create sustainable, economical and ethically responsible buildings that are in tune with our climate and environment.

Program Code

8143

CRICOS Code

061906G

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

Indicative Enrolments

416

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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:

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.

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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The UNSW Master of Architecture degree gives you a professional education in architectural practice and theory. With full-time study, you’ll typically complete this program in two years. This industry-aligned degree has been designed to give you an architectural education appropriate to contemporary professional practice.

Building on the disciplinary foundation established by the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, the Master of Architecture gives you the option of pursuing one of four specialised streams. However, you can complete the program without a specialised stream.

Full program structure

The Master of Architecture is a 2-year full-time degree. Students must complete 96 units of credit (UOC) as a standalone program.

This includes:

48 UOC of a chosen specialisation:

High Performance technology – focuses on the design of buildings with an emphasis on technological challenges
Housing – focuses on the design of housing and hybrid building types incorporating housing
Urban Conditions – focuses on the design of buildings and precincts in the context of the contemporary city and its challenges
Social Agency – focuses on design in a humanitarian context

Students can also opt not to pursue a specialisation and choose a combination of electives from various study areas and specialisations.

8 courses, including:

Architectural Design Studio 1
Integrated Design Studio 1
Integrated Design Studio 2
Advanced Construction and Structures
The Profession of Architecture
Professional Practice 2: Projects and Practice
Elements of Architectural Design
Architectural Environment & Building Services

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Studying architecture in Australia at UNSW gives you the work experience and skills to shape the culture of places, people and the environment.

After completing your studies and working in a professional setting for a recognised period, you can apply for registration as an architectural practitioner. You’ll do this through the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia’s Architectural Practice Examination (APE). Once you pass the APE, you can register with the relevant state Architects Registration Board and become a practicing architect. You can also qualify with the Australian Institute of Architects and the Commonwealth Association of Architects.

You’ll have a unique advantage in the job force and can choose from a selection of various enviable career paths.

Potential careers

Private architectural practice in your own architecture studio
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.

Please refer to the Entry requirements tab for further information regarding any additional application requirements.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

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.

Please refer to the Entry requirements tab for further information regarding any additional application requirements.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

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.

Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for this degree. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.

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*

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.