Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Design meaningful connections
Design meaningful connections
Explore and redefine what places mean to people and communities. Through physical form and elevated thinking, your architecture journey starts here.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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).
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a 3 year program consisting of 22 courses (144 Units Of Credit/UOC).
The program includes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*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.
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.
QS World University Rankings, 2020.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.