The three-year Bachelor of Architectural Design degree can be taken alone or as the first part of the professionally accredited academic programs of Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture.  Alternatively, the Bachelor of Architectural Design program provides a study pathway for students who wish to undertake the Master of Planning (Urban Design) / Master of Landscape Architecture.

The program involves the arts and the sciences, writing and graphics, design and analysis, management and engineering, together with architecture, landscape architecture and urban design.  All courses taught in the School are of one-semester length that allows for greater flexibility in planning a program of study.

Students will find themselves involved in practical aspects of the program, such as designing, making models, visiting building sites, landscapes and gardens, visiting art galleries and exhibitions, and absorbing aspects of the society in which people live and formulating proposals for improving the environment.

The multi-disciplinary core and broad range of elective courses in the Bachelor of Architectural Design foster intellectual development, critical thinking and creative action. The program is intended as a framework within which to develop these skills for those individuals who have an interest in the environment and design and who wish to enhance buildings and human modified places with creative environmental design solutions.

The program involves the arts and sciences, writing and graphics, design and analysis, management and engineering, together with architecture, landscape architecture and urban design. Although most graduates continue in one of the Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture, and or Planning (Urban Design) programs, some follow careers in information technology, environmental design, media and publications, arts or other fields.

Students will find themselves involved in practical aspects of the program such as designing, making models, visiting building sites, landscapes and gardens, visiting art galleries and exhibitions, and absorbing aspects of society in which people live and fomulating proposals for improving the enviroment.

Students can also apply for entry to an additional Honours year. The Honours program allows students to research a particular area from a wide range of topics such as history of landscapes and buildings, cross-cultural architectural studies, and environmental studies. The Honours program opens the possibility for students to continue their studies into the Post-graduate (by Research) program, either in a Masters or PhD level.

What is the pathway to becoming an architect or landscape architect?

The career paths of architects and landscape architects are many and varied. High levels of skill and flexibility are needed in professions that are responding to global and local needs. To prepare for these exciting possibilities this School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Adelaide delivers one undergraduate Bachelor of Architectural Design program that leads to two professional graduate degrees – Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Architectural Design program provides a study pathway for students who wish to undertake the School’s graduate Master of Planning or Master of Planning (Urban Design) programs.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by the Master of Architecture is recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects and accredited by the Architects Board of South Australia. These two programs can be completed in 5 years of study.  A total of two years practical experience, at least one of which must be taken after graduation, and an examination by the Architects Registration Board are prerequisites to registration as an Architect.   

A similar pathway applies for aspiring Landscape Architects, with the Master of Landscape Architecture being recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and examined by the Registered Landscape Architects Board for registration.

It is important to note that while many Bachelor of Architectural Design graduates continue in either Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture others follow a variety of career directions.  The Bachelor of Architectural Design leads to careers which require skills in analysing and interpreting situations, the use of creative decision making approaches, and the formulation of proposals for change or conservation.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design are well equipped to continue on to a broad spectrum of future studies in other fields because of the program's emphasis on critical thinking, creative action, communication skills and digital technologies. These pathways could include teaching, health sciences, environmental law, international development, urban and regional planning, marketing and business.

School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design Postgraduate Program Graduate Attributes

To practice as an architect or landscape architect, candidates must have completed a professionally accredited degree in the relevant program.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by the Master of Architecture is recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and accredited by the Architects Board of South Australia.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by the Master of Landscape Architecture is recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and the registration process for graduates of this pathway include an interview with senior Registered Landscape Architects.

School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design

• Design Studies Program Information Leaflet
• School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• University Contact Centre enquiry form
• Faculty of the Professions