Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering)

Victoria University

About

Gain the expertise you need to integrate structural systems into architects’ plans, meeting project design, safety and environmental goals.

Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering) covers the processes behind constructing safe buildings, with an emphasis on sustainable design.

It also encompasses elements of other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical and fire protection.

VU’s College of Engineering and Science follows a teaching method of problem-based learning.

Our students learn to approach engineering problems independently, coming up with creative and practical solutions.

Our work placements and industry projects give you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of industry placement.

You will graduate job-ready for a career providing useful, relevant engineering solutions.

There are only two accredited architectural engineering programs in Australia, so demand for our graduates is high.

Areas of study include:

architectural history and design of buildings air conditioning, lighting and electrical power distribution water supply and distribution fire and life safety systems sustainable building systems design building structures and building construction technology.

Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering), students are required to complete 384 credit points consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core studies, and;
  • 288 credit points of Professional Architectural Engineering studies

Students are required to produce documented evidence of the completion of 12 weeks professional experience.

Accreditation: This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.

First Class Honours: To be eligible for completion with First Class Honours, students must achieve:

  • A minimum weighted average of 60% over year levels 1 to 3;
  • A minimum weighted average of 80% in year level 4;
  • A HD grade for the final year NEF4201 Research Project 2.

Course structure and units

First Year Core Units:

  • Engineering Physics 1 Unit code NEF1102 Credits12
  • Engineering and the Community Unit code NEF1103 Credits12
  • Problem Solving for Engineers Unit code NEF1104 Credits12
  • Engineering Mathematics 2 Unit code NEF1201 Credits12
  • Engineering Physics 2 Unit code NEF1202 Credits12
  • Introduction to Engineering Design Unit code NEF1204 Credits12
  • Engineering Fundamentals Unit code NEF1205 Credits12
  • Algebra and Calculus Unit code NEM1001 Credits12

Year 2

  • Architectural Design and Theory Unit code NEA2102 Credits12
  • Building Development and Compliance Unit code NEA2201 Credits12
  • Solid Mechanics Unit code NEC2102 Credits12
  • Engineering Materials & Construction Unit code NEC2103 Credits12
  • Introduction to Structural Engineering Design Unit code NEC2201 Credits12
  • Fluid Mechanics 1 Unit code NEF2101 Credits12
  • Building HVAC Systems Unit code NEF2201 Credits12
  • Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Unit code NEF2251 Credits12

Year 3

  • Structural Analysis Unit code NEC3101 Credits12
  • Project Management Unit code NEF3101 Credits12
  • Residential Sustainable Design Unit code NBD3002 Credits12
  • Electrical Machines Unit code NEE3103 Credits12
  • Structural Engineering Design 1 Unit code NEC3203 Credits12
  • Thermodynamics 1 Unit code NEM2201 Credits12
  • Commercial Sustainable Design Unit code NBD3003 Credits12
  • Research Methods Unit code NEF3202 Credits12

Year 4

  • Structural Engineering Design 2 Unit code NEC4102 Credits12
  • Research Project 1 Unit code NEF4101 Credits12
  • Professional Engineering Practice Unit code NEF4105 Credits12
  • Architectural Lighting and Acoustics Unit code NEF4108 Credits12
  • Research Project 2 Unit code NEF4201 Credits12
  • Sustainable Energy Systems Unit code NEF4205 Credits12
  • Advanced Engineering Design Unit code NEF4206 Credits12
  • Engineering Applications Unit code NEF4207 Credits12

Entry requirements

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.PLUS:Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any).

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).OR:Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR:Completion of two units of Higher Education studies. OR:Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Construction or similar.OR:Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.PLUS:Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).PLUS:Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any) (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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  1. Integrate conceptual understanding of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences with advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the architectural engineering discipline;  
  2. Exhibit expertise and professional judgement in engineering design practice which acknowledges contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline;  
  3. Adapt theoretical knowledge applicable to the discipline and propose creative, innovative and sustainable engineering practices;  
  4. Critically evaluate both sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management;  
  5. Plan and execute a research project, professional project or piece of scholarship which demonstrates intellectual independence and contributes to the evidence base within the engineering discipline;  
  6. Discriminate and defend the application of established engineering methods and processes to promote systems which resolve existing and emerging complex engineering problems (including those that require cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills);  
  7. Present clear and coherent expositions of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences;  
  8. Exemplify the requisite characteristics for team leadership and membership appropriate to specific purposes, projects and contexts;  
  9. Apply professional ethics and accountabilities in their engineering practice and a commitment to ongoing professional development.  

Institution