Architecture courses

Train to become an architect and invent cities of the future

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Architecture

If you've got a knack for design and a passion for the spaces we inhabit, then an architecture course may lead you into a career you'll love. Discover why studying architecture in Australia could be the pathway for you. We’re here to help you explore online courses available with leading universities.

Explore architecture courses
Open Universities Australia student, Christelle, wearing a high visibility vest.
Christelle studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) with Curtin University through Open Universities Australia

Discover architecture courses

Online architecture subjects and short courses

University of Tasmania

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 22 Jul 2024

Enrolments open until 18 Jul

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-BAS150

Architectural Science in Context

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

University of South Australia

UndergraduateUSA-CIVE2015

Construction Environmental Science

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 16 Sep 2024

Curtin University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 25 Nov 2024

View all subjects

Online architecture degrees

Curtin University

Lay the foundations for a career as an architect

100% online

3 years full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Construction Management Specialisation
  • Interior Architecture Specialisation
  • Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation
  • Planning and Geography Specialisation
Curtin University

Take your first steps in architecture

100% online

6 months full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Curtin University

PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS

Master of Architecture

The world's first online accredited Master of Architecture

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Torrens University Australia

UndergraduateTUA-ART-DEG

Bachelor of Architectural Technology

Design modern buildings using advanced digital tools

100% online

3 years full time or part time equivalent

View all bachelor degrees

Discover 61 ways to study architecture with leading Australian universities.

Explore architecture courses

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Architecture study FAQs

What ATAR do you need for architecture?

You will need an ATAR between 70 and 89 to be eligible for a Bachelor of Architecture or Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science). Other prerequisites can include:

  • a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE)
  • assumed knowledge in English and/or maths
  • basic freehand drawing ability
  • computer skills

It’s important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course before you apply to avoid disappointment.

However, an ATAR isn’t the only way to start studying architecture. If you don’t meet these entry requirements, Open Universities Australia can help you get into an undergraduate architecture degree through pathway subjects that are open to everyone. Chat to our student advisors to find out more about this. 

How long does it take to become an architect?

It takes a minimum of seven years to become an architect. You’ll need to complete:

  • 3 years of undergraduate study
  • 2 years of postgraduate study
  • 2 years of supervised experience with an architectural firm 

You will also need to pass the Architectural Practice Examination and register with your local state or territory’s Architects Registration Board.

If you choose to study online through Open Universities Australia, you can complete your qualifications at your own pace. You have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take at once, and scale them up and down as it suits you. This is a fantastic way to work towards your dream of becoming an architect, while balancing other commitments like full-time work, family and friends.

How do I enrol?

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

  • You can enrol without entry requirements 
    We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
  • You have total control over how you study
    Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
  • You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
    Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
  • We’ll help you navigate the university world
    Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

What you'll learn in an architecture course

Since becoming an architect requires both an undergraduate and postgraduate architecture degree, what you learn will really depend on where you are in your study journey.

For an introduction to architecture, there are short courses available that cover topics such as:

  • The history of architecture, from the ancient world until today
  • Different architectural movements
  • Sustainable design

When you take the next step into an undergraduate degree, you’ll learn:

  • The broad discipline of architecture and ways of thinking
  • How to conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research
  • The art behind architectural methods including 3D computer-aided design and modelling, technical drawing and model making

In a postgraduate degree, you’ll build on the above learnings through work-based projects, before writing an individual dissertation in architectural design.

Why should you study architecture?

The world of architecture is constantly changing because of new design trends, building practices and environmental conditions. If you’re a creative problem solver who wants to influence how our towns and cities look long into the future, then it couldn’t be a better industry to get into.

As our population booms, the need for architects and architectural design is set to increase—making it a profession that offers plenty of job security.

An architect earns well, too. The fully-fledged architect has an average salary of $133,761, with senior architects earning up to $180,000 per year.

Student stories and study advice

Jobs that pay 100k a year in Australia

From psych to construction to comms, there are plenty of high-paying industries out there. Here are some of your best bets if you want to make at least $100k in Australia.

What is an urban planner?

If done well, you’ll hardly notice the influence of an urban planner—but their work shapes the places around us, from public parks to train stations. 

What is civil engineering?

Ready to start your career in civil engineering in Australia? Here’s everything you need to know to crack into the industry. 

Interior architecture vs interior design—what's the difference?

Into interiors but trying to distinguish the difference between interior design and interior architecture? We compare these two creative and innovative careers (and get some expert advice on the matter).

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 518,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education

As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

The University of Newcastle logoSwinburne University logo
Australian National University logoTorrens University Australia logo
Edith Cowan University logoThe University of Queensland logo
James Cook University Australia logoAustralian Catholic University logo
Murdoch University logoUniversity of Adelaide logo
Southern Cross University logoUniversity of Southern Queensland logo
Macquarie University logoUniversity of South Australia logo
The University of Notre Dame Australia logoBond University logo
University of New England logoGriffith University logo
University of the Sunshine Coast logoUniversity of Tasmania logo
Flinders University logoCurtin University logo
La Trobe University logoCharles Sturt University logo
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