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Bachelor of Design Studies

Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 3 years full-time or part-time? equiv.

SATAC Code 314131

2011
ATAR 70.2

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  • Program Outline

     

    * Applicants for the Bachelor of Design Studies for 2012 – please note this is the revised program Bachelor of Design Studies 2012.

    Design is an activity that requires creativity, critical thinking and the ability to understand and respond to the needs and aspirations of people and the possibilities of our environment. Design in the Bachelor of Design Studies degree focuses on the way humans create places through architecture, landscape architecture and urban design.

    The three-year Bachelor of Design Studies 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 Design Studies 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.

     

  • Program Structure

    The multi-disciplinary core and broad range of elective courses in the Bachelor of Design Studies 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.

  • Admission and Fee Information

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant? ?

    SATAC Code 314131
    2011 CSP ATAR 70.2
    2011 CSP IB 25
    Annual tuition fees ?
    Commonwealth-supported place: $8,050
    Mid-year entry? No
    Deferment? Yes - 2 year
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Year 12 applicants
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
    Assumed Knowledge ?
    SACE Stage 1 Mathematics (or equivalent), basic freehand drawing ability, computing skills
    Alternative entry pathways
    • Higher Education applicants
      You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
    • VET applicants
      You must have completed a Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
    • Special Entry applicants
      You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
    • Without formal qualifications?
      You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
    How to Apply ?
    SATAC Code: 314131

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant? ?

    International ATAR 75
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $22,000
    Mid-year entry? No
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 75
    IELTS
    Overall
    Reading
    Listening
    Speaking
    Writing
    6
    5.5
    5.5
    6
    6
    Additional Entry Requirements ?
    Applicants seeking advanced standing must submit to the International Office a portfolio of own work (in hard copy or CD/DVD).
    How to Apply ?

    International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

    Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results? ?

    International ATAR 75
    Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $22,000
    Mid-year entry? No
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Assumed Knowledge ?
    SACE Stage 1 Mathematics (or equivalent), basic freehand drawing ability, computing skills
  • Areas of Specialisation

     

  • Study Plans

    The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2012 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

    Please refer to the Program pathway on the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design web-site.

     

    Design Studies

    Level I - Year 1

     Core course:
    Level II - Year 2

     Core course:
    Level III - Year 3

     Core course:
  • Career Opportunities

    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 Design Studies program that leads to two professional graduate degrees – Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Design Studies 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 Design Studies 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 B.Des.St. graduates continue in either Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture others follow a variety of career directions.  The B.Des.St. 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 Design Studies 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.

    Potential careers

    Academic, Asset Manager, Construction Manager, Draftsperson, Environmental Designer, Consultant, Planner, Policy Adviser, Project Manager, Project Officer, Environmental Project Officer, Researcher, Planning Officer / Urban Planner, Town Planning Engineer, Landscape Architect, Architect

  • Graduate Attributes

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

  • Professional Accreditation

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

    The Bachelor of Design Studies 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 Design Studies followed by the Master of Landscape Architecture is recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and examined by the Registered Landscape Architects Board for registration.

  • Program Rules
  • Further Information

    Please direct enquiries to the University Contact Centre
    Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

  • Useful Links

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 24 May 2012

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Design Studies, Architecture and Landscape Architecture

The programs in our school are very 'hands-on' and involve active learning, field trips and group work. The programs have dual aims to develop knowledge in design and built environment, including digital and manual modelling; and to develop proficiency in written, oral and graphics communication.

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