Master of Architecture by coursework

Shaping the world that surrounds us   

Architects reflect on and respond to cultural, historical, political, social, environmental, and technological contexts. They skilfully mould and shape the spaces and immersive experiences that form the foundation of our built environment.

Our Master of Architecture provides advanced design education for entry into today’s architectural profession. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, empowering students to explore innovative design solutions. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, we nurture the next generation of architects to make a lasting and transformative impact on our dynamic and evolving world.

What will you do?

  • Take a sequence of core design studios, each with a distinct focus.
  • Explore material cultures, urban landscapes and complex buildings.
  • Build skills in professional practice and construction technologies.
  • Cultivate critical judgement via studies of architectural history theory.
  • Expand your horizons with travelling studios in Australia and overseas.
  • Form interdisciplinary teams to address complex design problems.
  • Propose and complete a research-led final design project in a small studio group.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate as an accredited graduate architect, equipped for a range of creative and managerial careers in the field. You might restore beautiful old buildings, pioneer new responses to the housing crisis or specialise in high-performance architectural technology. You could design schools that inspire learning or hospitals that help heal the sick. Perhaps you’ll distil a culture or an era into the next iconic opera house or skyscraper.

This program is accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia [AACA]. 

Note: This program is offered in semester mode with intakes in February and July.

  • Access state-of-the-art computer-aided design, BIM and 3D modelling facilities
  • Learn from award-winning industry professionals
  • Accredited by Architects Accreditation Council of Australia

^ARWU, 2021

Entry Requirements

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Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM015
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake

February and July

Additional Entry Requirements

A GPA of 4.0 or better (out of 7.0) is a requirement for entry into the Master of Architecture program. 

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design at the University of Adelaide who do not have a GPA of 4.0, OR applicants with a degree from another institution, must submit a Curriculum Vitae, academic transcripts, and a design portfolio. 

The portfolio should include the applicant's own creative works from previous degrees, professional, and/or personal background, showing design skills, knowledge, and familiarity with a range of design tools and media. In addition to final outcomes, it should comprise evidence of design process, development and drawing documentation. The portfolio may include material developed with others if clearly referenced and the applicant's contribution explained. 

It should be 20 pages max (landscape format), not exceed 25mb, and be clearly labelled. All elements to be submitted digitally in PDF format and uploaded with the SATAC application. 

Note: The study plans for mid-year entry are different as compared to Semester 1 intake. Mid-year entry students may have a limited choice of electives and complete their final project in the 3rd semester instead of the 4th (final semester).

Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study

A completed Bachelor of Architectural Design from the University of Adelaide with a minimum GPA of 4.0.


  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 25 64.1%
    All students 39 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Apply

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,950

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates are well equipped to pursue careers as an architect, project administrator or project manager.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

The Master of Architecture (coursework) is accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia [AACA].

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Architect

Degree Structure

To qualify for the Master of Architecture (coursework), students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:

  • Core courses to the value of 33 units
  • Research equivalent courses to the value of 12 units in the form of a final project
  • Elective courses to the value of 3 units
The majority of the teaching activities are based around the design studios, which are now aligned with the school's research streams 'History, Theory and Culture', 'Design' and 'Urbanism', along with courses in advanced construction, structures and environmental studies.

An internship elective has been introduced for students to experience a working environment in an architecture firm in which to observe and apply their knowledge and skills for the degree. Elective options also include the offshore studio and other courses that have a community or professional experiential learning or engagement aspect.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

Core Courses
Students must complete all of the following:

Final Project
Note: Students must complete a final design project accompanied by a written exegesis; or a research dissertation of not longer than 10,000 words.

Assessment

Assessment takes a number of forms including written reports and essays, short in-class exercises and oral presentations. Formal examinations are not used for student assessment. A capstone architecture design project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of architecture through a significant supervised study.

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: Friday, 8 Mar 2024