Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Design meaningful connections
Domestic
International
Explore and redefine what places mean to people and communities. Through physical form and elevated thinking, your architecture journey starts here.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
3 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a three-year degree when studied full time. Here, you will learn to design buildings and their surrounds to meet the needs of the people who use them. Taking sustainability, culture and the economy into consideration – you’ll participate in design studio sessions and lectures that cover a range of engaging topics and academic subjects. These include everything from architectural design to architectural communications, architectural history and theory, architectural science, the built environment and technologies, and architectural construction and structures.
When combined with the UNSW Master of Architecture, this degree will give you the qualification to practice as a registered architect, and a strong head start in contemporary and multidisciplinary design practice.
Key features
Build your expertise
Throughout this degree you’ll complete a variety of core courses, interdisciplinary built environment courses, electives and general education to further develop your design skills and technical knowledge. You’ll progress in stages to build your expertise and find what can make you successful in a contemporary, multidisciplinary profession.
A community to call your own
Learn and experience more with our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community. As a member of this supportive environment, you’ll also be part of a community that belongs to the prestigious Group of Eight universities and has strong industry links, partnerships as well as access to world-class alumni connections.
Fast track your success
From day one, you’ll be able to prioritise your career success within an environment that wants to see you do well. In 2023, we won the Australian Financial Review’s “Most Employable Student Award”.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2023
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included from the day you start your degree for the duration of your studies
- Access world class alumni connections
Program Code
3261
CRICOS Code
061903M
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
423000
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
384
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
2022 Lowest Selection Rank
90
2022 A levels
16
2022 IB Diploma
34
2022 Lowest ATAR
80.2
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- The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.
- The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW School of Built Environment, we recognise your creative potential. With BE Portfolio Entry, you can submit a portfolio of your best creative work to showcase your talent and boost your chance of admission. Learn more about BE Portfolio Entry.
UNSW also offers a number of other alternative entry schemes to support you in boosting your admission opportunities. Explore your alternative entry options.
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.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
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
What will I study?
Making the world a better place – from every angle – starts with you.
Have you always wanted to create a space or place with true social and environmental value? This degree will give you the skills and knowledge to create architecture of merit and worth. Not only are our teaching staff academics and award-winning architects themselves, they’ll help you develop the design skills and technical knowledge you’ll need to build a strong career as an architect, either here in Australia or further abroad.
Consisting of 22 courses, this program includes six design studio courses, 11 core courses, four open electives, and two general education courses (which you can choose from other faculties).
Full program structure
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a 3 year program consisting of 22 courses (144 Units Of Credit/UOC).
The program includes:
- 6 Design studio courses
- 11 Core courses
- 1 Interdisciplinary course (BEIL)
- 2 Open elective courses (choose from within UNSW School of Built Environment or other faculties)
- 2 General education courses (choose from other faculties)
Study areas
- Architectural design
- Architectural communications
- Architectural history and theory
- Architectural science and technology
- Architectural construction and structures
Future careers
This is your chance to shape the culture of a place, its people, and their futures – and see your vision come to life beyond just a blueprint. More than a foot in the door or a pathway towards landing your first job, this degree will set you up with the practical and theoretical skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your architectural career. Create with design and craft the future you want.
Potential careers
- Consulting architect in private practice
- Specialist architect in areas such as heritage
- Building scientist
- Environmental consultant
- Architect within multidisciplinary design practices
- Roles within large commercial architectural firms
- Architectural critic, academic or researcher
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is an undergraduate pathway to the professionally accredited postgraduate Master of Architecture, which has professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). To become a registered architect, you must also complete two years of professional work experience and undertake the professional practice exam.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
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.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,300*
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at 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.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$41,625*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$128,385*
*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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Top 50WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2020.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
