Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)

A graduate of this degree can:

1. 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
2. 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
3. conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to access and analyse the diverse information needed to make informed, strategic design decisions
4. communicate information and ideas to diverse audience through visual, verbal and written communication techniques
5. demonstrate an ability to recognise and understand the principles of a range of appropriate technologies and their suitable application within the discipline of architecture
6. possess a sustained intellectual curiosity that constantly strives, through self-directed learning, for innovation within the profession of architecture
7. have an awareness and ability to synthesize a range of local, national and international issues and perspectives which influence architecture
8. understand and value cultural and physical diversity and appreciate its significance in the creation of architecture
9. 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:

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
• Master of Architecture

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.

• Level 1 Open Enrolment Subjects

• Level 2 Subjects

• Level 3 Subjects

• Construction Management Specialisation

• Interior Architecture Specialisation

• Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation

• Planning and Geography Specialisation

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.

Should students have any other questions, please contact Curtin University at 1300 222 888.

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

Should students have any other questions, they can contact Curtin Connect atAsk Connect | Curtin University

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

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.

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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).

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.