Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
UndergraduateCUR-BAS-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Lay the foundations for a career as an architect
Enter an industry where initiative, creativity and critical awareness are valued. Explore how architecture relates to culture and daily life. Study building design and construction, and express architectural ideas via reports, models and multimedia.
Entry pathways available with no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 23 Feb 2025,
- 25 May 2025,
- 24 Aug 2025,
- 23 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
About this degree
A graduate of this degree can:
- demonstrate an understanding of the broad discipline of architecture, its theoretical underpinnings, and ways of thinking; the ability to apply specific discipline knowledge contained within the streams of Architectural Design, Science and Technology, Architectural Culture and Design Communication
- think critically, creatively and reflectively in order to analyse and understand the diverse needs of various parties involved in architecture in order to generate and create innovative solutions
- conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to access and analyse the diverse information needed to make informed, strategic design decisions
- communicate information and ideas to diverse audience through visual, verbal and written communication techniques
- demonstrate an ability to recognise and understand the principles of a range of appropriate technologies and their suitable application within the discipline of architecture
- possess a sustained intellectual curiosity that constantly strives, through self-directed learning, for innovation within the profession of architecture
- have an awareness and ability to synthesize a range of local, national and international issues and perspectives which influence architecture
- understand and value cultural and physical diversity and appreciate its significance in the creation of architecture
- demonstrate a rigorous and ethical approach in the creation of architecture; the ability to work independently and in teams.
This degree is the prerequisite for entry into the Master of Architecture. The degree covers the design of buildings, the technical aspects of building construction, and how architecture relates to societies, cultures and people and the way they live. Architectural ideas are communicated through written and spoken reports, photographs, drawings, models and the electronic media. Students not intending to continue on to the Master may use the knowledge gained in this degree to seek employment within the architectural profession or building industry.
Software Requirements - Students will require access to the following software: Photoshop, AutoCAD and Rhino. Details on accessing AutoCAD and Rhino will be provided in due degree at the commencement of relevant subjects (please note this software is free for student use). The student will be responsible for organising access to Photoshop, although Curtin can offer student discount rates.
Related Degrees
This degree sits within a group of degrees:
Recommended study pattern
Students MUST successfully complete all 24 subjects comprised of the Core Zone (20 subjects) and the Flexible Zone (4 subjects).
CORE ZONE (20 core subjects)
These subjects are mandatory and must be completed by all students.
- Level 1 subjects
- Level 2 Core subjects
- Level 3 Core subjects
FLEXIBLE ZONE (4 subjects)
Specialisations (or Minors) prepare students to develop broad knowledge about an additional discipline area that complements their study in an award course. The Specialisations available in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) are;
Construction Management
This specialisation is developed for students wishing to understand the principles and processes surrounding building construction and management,specifically focusing on low and high rise construction, building surveying and construction contracts.
Interior Architecture Specialisation
This specialisation is developed for students wishing to understand principles informing Interior Architecture design considerations including design elements, interior theory, philosophy, practice and aesthetics that impact and inform spatial experience.
Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation
Learn the fundamentals of the exciting area of animation and game design. You will create immersive experiences, learn techniques for 3D modelling and animation, develop creative and compelling visuals, and use motion graphics and game related technologies. The specialisation connects closely with architectural presentation techniques and the creation of inspiring built environments.
Planning and Geography Specialisation
This specialisation is developed for students wishing to understand key concepts and approaches for understanding cities as cultural landscapes, including urban and regional planning principles, governance, social geographies of cities, geographical analysis, and spatial experience at an urban scale. On completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) this specialisation allows graduates entry into the Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
See the enrolment planner below.
Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) enrolment planner (XLS)
Award requirements
To qualify for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), students must complete the following:
- 20 core subjects (core zone) and one specialisation comprised of 4 subjects (flexible zone)
- Students who fail a core subject twice may be terminated from the degree
- This degree must be completed within 10 years
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Changes in 2025:
The Construction Management Specialisation has undergone a major change in 2025.
- CME309 Construction Contracts and Law (retired in 2025) has been removed from the structure. Students who have completed CME309 will have it counted towards the degree/specialisation.
- CME103 Introduction to Management in Construction has been removed from the structure. It was an alternate core in this specialisation. Students who have completed CME103 prior to 2025 will have it counted towards the degree/specialisation.
- Effective 2025, CME106 High-rise Construction will now be a core subject.
- CME203 Specialised Construction and CME205 Building Information Management and Modelling have been added as alternate core subjects.
Should students have any other questions, please contact Curtin University at 1300 222 888 or Curtin Connect atAsk Connect | Curtin University.
Changes in 2024:
The Interior Architecture Specialisation has undergone a major change in 2024.
- Students who have not started any subjects in the flexible zone should enrol according to the latest structure.
- Students who have completed BIA100 (alternate core in old structure) will get credit for the unit, they must now enrol in 2 core units and any 1 elective unit from the list.
- Students who are enrolled in BIA170 (alternate core in new structure) must now enrol in 2 core units and any 1 elective unit from the list.
- Students who are enrolled in BIA250 (elective in new structure) must now enrol in 2 core and 1 alternate core unit from the list.
Curtin will provide transition table to students that might be impacted by this update. Communications to affected students will be organised by them as well.
Changes in 2021 and 2022
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) has undergone major changes in 2021 and further changes in 2022.
Changes have been made to the degree structure and the titles of some subjects have changed.
These changes have been implemented over a period of time as shown below:
Structural changes commencing from SP3 2021
- 3 core subjects removed; and
- Specialisations (or Minors) introduced. Each specialisation requires completion of 4 subjects and students are required to select a specialisation from those offered. Initially, only 2 specialisations were offered: Interior Architecture or Construction Management
Changes to subject titles and additional specialisation commencing from SP1 2022
- Many of the subjects in the degree were updated and given new titles
- Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation was added to the list of available specialisations for the degree
Fourth and final specialisation added commencing from SP3 2022
- Planning and Geography Specialisation will be added, giving students a choice of 4 different specialisations
- Transitional arrangements may apply to any students who commenced study prior to SP3 2022, however transition arrangements for each student will vary, depending on:
- the year and study period of commencement; and
- subjects already successfully completed (or for which credit has been granted).
Existing students will not be required to complete more than 24 subjects and those who have been following the recommended study plans will not have their degree lengthened as a result of these changes.
The Transition Tables below show all subjects in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) that have been removed from the structure or undergone a title change, as well as the new subjects or titles that should replace them.
Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) Transition Tables
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,251
Indicative total fee $27,754
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
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Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Start with an undergraduate certificate regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Undergraduate certificate
Start with a certificate
Complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months. You'll gain a recognised qualification and credit to bring to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science).
View certificate detailsContinue to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
Enter the degree with full credit from your certificate. You'll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
With the exception of seven open enrolment subjects, this is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
There are seven open enrolment subjects in this degree. Students do not have to submit an Application Form for open enrolment subjects, and can enrol in APC100, BAS115, BAS120, BAS130, BAS140/BAS145 (co-requisites), BAS150 through Open Universities Australia.
Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).
If you are currently studying or have previously studied Architecture elsewhere, onshore or offshore, and are applying for entry into the 2nd year or above of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) course, you will be required to sit an interview for folio review.
- Successful completion of two of the following recommended eight open enrolment subjects APC100, BAS110, BAS115, BAS120, BAS130, BAS140/BAS145 (co-requisites) and BAS150 (of which one must be APC100) and separate English language proficiency is required OR
- Successful completion of four OUA full degree level subjects at pass level, of which one must be APC100. (This satisfies English language competency requirement.)
Tertiary Entrance Ranking 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study OR
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (Written English (WE) and Multiple Choice (MC). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago
- Bridging and enabling degree entry
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.
- Portfolio entry is available for this course
Additional Information
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
- English language proficiency
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for recognised learning (Advanced standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in theCredit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Study method requirements
Software Requirements - Students will require access to the following software: Photoshop, AutoCAD and Rhino. Details on accessing AutoCAD and Rhino will be provided in due degree at the commencement of relevant subjects (please note this software is free for student use). The student will be responsible for organising access to Photoshop, although student discount rates are available for Adobe.
Career opportunities
Graduates find employment in a wide range of fields, especially where initiative, creative thinking and critical awareness are valued. Graduates of this degree are sought after as there is a shortage of qualified people in the disciplines within the Built Environment particularly in Australia given the strength of the economy. Architects are employed across several industries including: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Construction; Public Administration and Safety; and Health Care and Social Assistance.
This degree is the prerequisite for entry into the Master of Architecture, entry to the degree is competitive and a high semester weighted average is required. Students with a Bachelor's degree from a non AACA accredited architecture program are required to submit a folio at the time of application.
Graduates of this undergraduate degree who do not intend to practise architecture will have opportunities in areas such as urban design, environmental research, building conservation, heritage matters or community development.
Professional recognition
This degree does not qualify the holder for registration as an architect or for Associate Membership of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. The educational qualifications required for registration are obtained through successful completion of the Master of Architecture degree, for which this degree is a prerequisite.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Architects | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Architects and Landscape Architects | $93K to $120K | Up 2% |
Architectural Draftspersons | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Landscape Architects | N/A^ | N/A^ |
^ There is no data available
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As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
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