Master of Architecture

On completion of the degree students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the profession of architecture, its theoretical underpinnings and ways of thinking; apply specific discipline knowledge contained within the streams of Architectural Design, Professional Practice and Architectural Culture
2. think critically, creatively and reflectively in order to analyse and understand the specific 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. recognise and understand the principles of a range of appropriate technologies and their suitable application within the profession of architecture
6. sustain intellectual curiosity that constantly strives, through self-directed learning, for innovation within the profession of architecture
7. synthesise a range of local, national and international issues and perspectives which influence the creation and practice of architecture
8. understand and value cultural and physical diversity and appreciate its significance in the creation of architecture
9. demonstrate a professional and ethical approach in the creation of architecture; work independently and in teams; create knowledge in a scholarly, creative and/or professional context through critical inquiry, research and project development.

This degree progresses the learning of our Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) providing a further two years of advanced studies in design project work, architectural history, theory and research, management, law and professional practice.

Students are involved in advanced design projects, analysing urban contexts and considering urban design and place making. Students will also develop research knowledge and skills before completing their own individual dissertation in architectural design.

Recommended study pattern

Generally the degree is fully planned in sequential progression. Many subjects have previous subjects listed as prerequisites. The Master of Architecture builds on the educational components studied in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science).

See the enrolment planner below.

Master of Architecture enrolment planner (XLS)

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Architecture students must complete the following:

• 12 subjects (11 mandatory subjects and one subject from a specified list)
• Students who fail a core subject twice may be terminated from the degree

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 4 Subjects

• Level 4 Option Subjects (Pick One)

• Level 5 Subjects

2023 Changes

All students commencing study in the degree during 2023 will complete the new degree structure, however students who commenced study prior to 2023 will still be able to complete their course but may use a combination of the old subjects and the new subjects. Some existing subjects in the degree structure will be discontinued and others will continue to be offered to enable existing students to complete their degree.  

Transitional arrangements for existing students will depend upon the subjects already successfully completed (or for which credit has been granted) prior to 2023. Existing students may need to undertake new subjects, however they will not be disadvantaged by having to complete a greater study load (EFSTL) in order to finish their degree. Students who have been following the Recommended Study Plans for full-time study will not have their degree lengthened as a result of these changes. 

The Transition Tables below show all subjects in the Master of Architecture that have been removed from the structure together with details of the recommended replacement subjects.

2023 Master of Architecture Transition Tables (PDF)

For further information or advice regarding this change, please contact Curtin University at 1300 222 888.

2020 Changes

The following subjects used to be options in this degree. Students who have completed any of the subjects in 2019 will have it counted towards the degree. Should students have any other questions, they can contact Curtin Connect at Ask Connect | Curtin University for advice.

• SCP541 Urban Design for Sustainability
• SCP543 Sustainable Cities
• URP590 Planning for Sustainability

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

Indicative total fee $18,624

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.

Learn more about Curtin University.

Explore Curtin courses.

QS Ranking 2024:

14

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

15

Applicants require a Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), equivalent qualification (e.g. Graduate Diploma in Architecture) or qualification from cognate areas (e.g. Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Interior Design). Entry to the course is competitive and a high semester weighted average is required. Students with a Bachelor's degree from a non-AACA accredited architecture/cognate program are required to submit a folio at the time of application.

Students are required to submit an academic transcript showing full results including grade and mark for their undergraduate third year.

Applicants need to meet Curtin’s English Language requirement as all degrees are taught in English.

If your education degrees were not solely in English, as per the International Handbook of Universities or the World Higher Education database please attach a scanned original copy of English Proficiency Test results. Admission requires an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) (or equivalent test) score of at least 6.5 and competence in all test components (IELTS score of 6.0).

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Entry Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at English Proficiency Tests.

*** 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 the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

Students are required to complete a core subject which includes 100 hours of (unpaid) internship in a host organisation.

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.