Master of Architecture

This professionally accredited degree provides advanced learning in architecture design and how it relates to the environment, culture, and design and construction technology.

During your studies you will refine your technical and communication skills, and solve increasingly complex design problems.

A focus on student-directed learning will also see you specialise in a specific area of interest through your choice of electives and research.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to take part in award-winning Design and Construct courses, where you will design and build real-life architectural projects.

Our alumni work across the globe, from small boutique practices to leading international architectural practices.

Entry requirements

1. Entry into the Master of Architecture program is competitive, based on academic merit, and subject to quota.
2. Entry requires successful completion of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program at the University of South Australia or a Bachelor degree in a 3 year pre-professional architecture program from a recognised Australian higher education institution or equivalent. Applicants with a Bachelor degree in a 3 year pre-professional architecture program from a non-Australian higher education institution must also submit a portfolio as part of their application.

Alternative Entry

The University may admit other applicants who provide satisfactory evidence of academic achievement which the University recognises as equivalent to a completed Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

This master-level degree will provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of design principles and methods; building structures and construction systems; digital design and communication methods; sustainable design strategies; how contemporary architectural practice operates; and the social and cultural history that shapes our built environment.

This degree has a strong practical focus – in design studio classes you will design complex projects informed by contemporary architectural practice and construction, as well as undertake research and hands-on learning through industry placements and coursework.

To successfully graduate from this degree, you must complete a total of 8 core courses and 4 electives; including advanced design studios and courses focusing on design-based research, theory, and the practice management. Four elective courses offer the opportunity for you to develop specific areas of interest in Design and Construct, Planning and Urban Design, Construction and Project Management, and Sustainable Design, further complimented by electives focusing on research, cultural experience and collaboration in our international study tours, and industry experience through our internship-based industry projects and placements.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate assessment through both speculative and practical learning activities that are designed to provide you with professional agility to respond to any challenge your careers in Architecture throw at you, primarily in the form of:

Our courses are supported by an extensive teaching team of over 100 practising architects from industry. Projects in design studios are drawn from industry, developing real-world skills and knowledge that enable students to connect with and lead in the evolution of the design and construction industry.

Additional networks are formed through multi-disciplinary coursework between students across multiple discipline areas and during national and international field trips, where you will learn first-hand what it’s like to work as an architect in other cultures and countries.

UniSA also offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus, and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Your career

Architects are creative problem solvers by nature. They immerse themselves in new design technologies and construction materials, and push the boundaries of what is possible. A career in architecture is rewarding – you get the opportunity to shape and transform the world around you. Our graduates are also in demand, with UniSA ranked top 10 in Australia for graduate careers in architecture and the built environment1. Careers to consider:

• Architect: combine creative design with technical knowledge to create sustainable solutions for the built environment • Urban designer: design at the urban scale and participate in educating civic leaders and the public about the shaping of our cities • Heritage consultant: develop sustainable practices in design to protect and maintain heritage sites of important ongoing cultural value • Project or construction manager: involves initiating, planning, and managing a team to deliver project of varying scales and complexities.

* This degree does not lead to registration as an Architect in any State or Territory in Australia. The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a pathway program to the Master of Architecture is an accredited Australian architecture qualification and provides a pathway to future registration as an architect. Only those practitioners registered with architectural registration boards, including the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, are entitled to use the title ‘architect’ by law.

1 ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities only.

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As an architecture student, you will have access to:

• dedicated safe and secure design studios accessible 24/7
• Australia’s only Architecture Museum
• digital and traditional workshops
• specialised computer suites and access to industry-leading software on your own computers