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Bachelor of Design Studies B.DesSt
2010

Program Outline | Program Structure | Admission Information | Areas of Specialisation | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Graduate Attributes | Professional Accreditation | Program Rules | Further Information | Useful Links

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 3 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

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 Design in Digital Media program, the Master of Planning or the Master of Planning (Urban Design)

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.

In addition to the core design component in the Design Studies program, students can take electives from a wide range of areas such as digital design media (CAD), history and cultural contexts of landscapes and buildings, or environmental studies, as well as other electives from the humanities and sciences. 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, Planning, Urban Design or Digital Media 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 digital design media (CAD), 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.

 

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Admission Information

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.

I am a:

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant? ?

2009 CSP IB 25
SATAC Code 314131
2009 CSP TER 73.05
HESS group ? General
Annual tuition fees ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $7,567
Mid-year entry? No
Enquiries Student 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 Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
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 an AQF Diploma or above. 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, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years 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). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 60% and the quantitative component contributes 40% to your overall score. 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.
Additional Entry Requirements ?
Applicants who wish to be considered for entry on the basis of a completed VET/TAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma (or overseas equivalent) must submit an official academic transcript and evidence of completion of the VET/TAFE course to the Professions Student Support Hub, Marjoribanks Building, 10 Pulteney Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Official transcripts for completed VET/TAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma must be received by the School no later than the first week of January, 2009. For further details contact the Professions Hub on (08) 8303 4755.

How to Apply ?

SATAC Code: 314131

International applicants

Not an international applicant? ?

International TER 75
IB 25
IELTS Total 6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $19,950
Mid-year entry? No
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Equivalent Scores
International TER 75
IB 25
IELTS
Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6
Additional Entry Requirements ?
Also required at time of application: if applying for advanced standing, a design portfolio is required

How to Apply ?

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

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

International TER 75
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $19,950
Mid-year entry? No
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Assumed Knowledge ?
SACE Stage 1 Mathematics (or equivalent), basic freehand drawing ability, computing skills
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Areas of Specialisation

B.Des.St. (Architectural Studies Major)

An architectural studies major is taken by students wishing to study in the field of architecture and the built environment, particularly if they intend to complete the Bachelor of Design Studies and Master of Architecture academic programs and become a professional architect.

 B.Des.St. (Landscape Studies Major)

A landscape studies major is taken by students wishing to study in the field of landscape architecture, particularly those wishing to complete the Bachelor of Design Studies and Master of Landscape Architecture academic programs and become a professional landscape architect.

 B.Des.St. (Architectural and Landscape Studies Major)

An architectural and landscape studies major is taken by students wishing to study in both fields of architecture and landscape architecture, particularly if they intend to complete the Bachelor of Design Studies with the Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture double-degree academic program and become a professional architect and landscape architect.  

 B.Des.St. Without a Major

Students may choose to complete the Bachelor of Design Studies with no major if they do not intend to pursue their education to the professional degrees of Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture. If in the future graduates from this degree (without a major) wish to enrol in the Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture, they would be required to enrol in, and pass, Architecture Design Studio or Landscape Architecture Design Studio and Natural Landscape Systems.

Students who follow this pathway may have the opportunity to continue onto the Master of Planning or Master of Planning (Urban Design)

Many students who also follow this pathway continue their studies into the Master of Design in Digital Media. For those students wishing to choose this option it is highly recommended that they successfully complete the digital media elective courses at the second and third year levels in the B.Des.St.

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Level I: Introduces the fundamentals of design, its communication in traditional and digital media, the natural and urban systems in which design is located, the ways that designs are constructed, and the history of settlements with its key ideas and outcomes.

Level II: Develops skills and knowledge in the inter-relationships of environment, people and technology in design as well as the relationships between cultures and design in the past and in contemporary situations.

Level III: Offers choices of more advanced studios in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture and/or digital media along with the specialised knowledge in natural and landscape systems needed by landscape architects. Elective courses are available at all levels.

Please note: All courses are changing to 3-unit value, therefore there will be changes to these study plans in 2009.

Architectural Studies major:

Level I

 Core courses:

Electives:*

  • DESST 1009: Art History and Theories IA
  • DESST 1019: Art History and Theories IB
  • Special Topic in Design Studies **

Level II

 Core courses:

Electives:*

  • DESST 2504: Art History and Theories IIA  
  • DESST 2512: Islamic Architecture and Gardens II
  • Special Topic in Design Studies **
Level III

 Core Courses:

Electives:*

  • DESST 3502: Islamic Architecture and Gardens III
  • DESST 3509: Digital Media III
  • DESST 3031: Digital Media Studio
  • Special Topic in Design Studies * *

*Elective courses can also be taken from other Schools in the University as long as they are at the appropriate level and are the equivalent unit value.

**There are a range of Special Topic courses offered in the School, including but not limited to: Special Topic in landscape studies, environmental performance, urbanism, and Aboriginal Architecture. Please note that not all Special Topic courses are offered each year. Course descriptions can be found on the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design web-site.

  

Landscape Studies Major

Level III

 Core Courses:

Electives:*

  • DESST 3502: Islamic Architecture and Gardens III
  • DESST 3031: Digital Media Studio
  • Special Topic in Design Studies ** 

*Elective courses can also be taken from other Schools in the University as long as they are at the appropriate level and are the equivalent unit value.

**There are a range of Special Topic courses offered in the School, including but not limited to: Special Topic in landscape studies, environmental performance, urbanism, and Aboriginal Architecture. Please note that not all Special Topic courses are offered each year. Course descriptions can be found on the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design web-site.

  

Architecture and Landscape Architecture major:

Levels I and II are the same as Architecture or Landscape Major.

Level III

 Core courses: 

  • DESST 3207: Design for Sustainable Community
  • DESST 3028: Natural and Landscape Systems
  • DESST 3029: Architecture Design Studio
  • DESST 3030: Landscape Architecture Design Studio
  • Electives:

    No electives available.

Design Studies without a major:

Levels I and II are the same as Architecture or Landscape Major.

Level III

 Core course:

Electives:*

  • DESST 3502: Islamic Architecture and Gardens III
  • DESST 3509: Digital Media III
  • DESST 3031: Digital Media Studio
  • Special Topic in Design Studies ** 

*Elective courses can also be taken from other Schools in the University as long as they are at the appropriate level and are the equivalent unit value.

** There are a range of Special Topic courses offered in the School, including but not limited to: Special Topic in landscape studies, environmental performance, urbanism, and Aboriginal Architecture. Please note that not all Special Topic courses are offered each year.  Course descriptions of electives can be found on the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design web-site.

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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, Master of Planning (Urban Design) or Master of Design in Digital Media 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

Planning Officer / Urban Planner, Town Planning Engineer, Landscape Architect, Architect

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Graduate Attributes

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

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Professional Accreditation

To practice as an Architect, Landscape Architect, Town Planner or Urban Designer, 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 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and accredited by the Architects Board of South Australia.

The Bachelor of Design Studies followed by 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.

Accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is being sought for the Master of Planning and Master of Planning (Urban Design).

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Further Information

Please direct enquiries to the Student Centre
Phone: +61 8 8303 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.

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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, 27 Aug 2009

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Design Studies, Architecture and Landscape Architecture

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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.