Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Design a better world through meaningful connections

Bachelor of Architecture Studies student analyses an architectural design.

_{Redefine what places mean to people and communities. Through physical form and elevated thinking, you can lead the way in a rapidly changing profession that impacts everyone.}

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

The UNSW Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a three-year degree when studied full time. In this internationally recognised architecture course*, you’ll learn how to design buildings and their surroundings to meet the needs and enhance the experiences of those who inhabit them.

You’ll recognise the practical, ethical and moral responsibilities in architecture and gain the vital skills to lead the way in a rapidly changing profession. You’ll learn how architectural design shapes the sustainability, inclusivity and connectivity of our buildings and cities and impacts our culture and economy.

Stimulating design studio sessions and lectures will see you exploring everything from architectural design to communications, history and theory, architectural science, the built environment and architectural construction.

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a powerful stepping stone on the road to becoming a registered architect. Most undergraduate students go on to complete our Master of Architecture, which has professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

^{*Top 40 in the world, QS World Rankings by Subject 2023.}

Key features

Build your expertise
You’ll complete various core courses, interdisciplinary built environment courses, electives and general education to develop your design skills and technical knowledge. You’ll progress in stages to build your expertise and discover what will make you successful in a contemporary, multidisciplinary profession.

Develop your portfolio through experience-based learning
At UNSW, you’ll be encouraged to learn by doing, with the support of experienced educators and practitioners. Make use of facilities like the Design Futures Lab, equipped with 3D Printers and laser cutters to create miniatures of your designs. Or explore internship opportunities with our industry and not-for-profit partners here and overseas.

A community to call your own
Learn and experience more with our diverse and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community. You’ll be part of a supportive community that belongs to the prestigious Group of Eight universities with strong industry links, partnerships, and access to world-class alumni connections.

Fast track your career success
From day one, you can prioritise your career success within an environment that wants to see you thrive. UNSW has been recognised for producing the most employable graduates in Australia, through the AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award. We’re also ranked 27th globally for employer reputation (QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2020).

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community. Plus, access supportive student associations such as the Women in Built Environment Student Society.
Gain internationally recognised qualifications – when you study our UNSW Bachelors and Masters degree in Architecture
Solve tomorrow’s problems by learning through research-informed teaching and accessing advanced technologies – all delivered in first-class facilities such as the Design Futures Lab and The Livability Lab
Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2023
Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships, have the opportunity to do international courses – and learn from world-class, award-winning architects
Access world-class alumni connections to help progress your career
Receive an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included from the first day of your degree for the duration of your architecture studies

Program Code

3261

CRICOS Code

061903M

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

423000

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Indicative Enrolments

384

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

80.5

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.
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.

See more

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:

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

I studied in:

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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

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

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Studying at UNSW 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.

This degree will equip you with the practical and theoretical skills you need to thrive throughout your exciting architectural career. Create with design and craft the future you want. Your qualifications will give you a unique advantage in the job market and allow you to explore various positions.

Potential careers

Architect
Draftsperson
Architectural technician
Interior design architect
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?

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.

*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?

Apply now

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.