Architecture

Bachelor of Architectural Design

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

The blueprint for your future

Design goes far beyond the visual. It responds to possibilities and limits, to hopes and needs. It’s equal parts creative and calculated. 

Architectural design is about understanding landscapes and the way humans create places within them. Architecture, landscape architecture and urban design share the purpose of aiding society while creating structural works of art. We are ranked #1 in South Australia for Architecture and Environment.*

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Architectural Design hones concrete skills and encourages big picture thinking. You will:

  • visit notable building sites, landscapes, gardens and exhibitions
  • gain high-level practical design and model-making skills
  • practise computer and hand based drawing techniques
  • explore relevant theory, history, tradition and innovation
  • consider issues of ecology and environment
  • learn how to formulate effective proposals.

Where could it take you?

Our graduates apply design skills in all sorts of rewarding careers, and take on specialised roles through postgraduate study. You might restore beautiful old buildings or be a micro-home master. You could create and preserve natural landscapes and life cycles. Perhaps you’ll design the next iconic skyscraper or opera house.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


* QS World University rankings, by subject, 2022


Entry Requirements

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

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code314131
    2022 CSP ATAR70.15
    2022 CSP IB24
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR80
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB29
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Assumed KnowledgeSACE Stage 1 Mathematics (or equivalent), basic freehand drawing ability, computing skills
    Additional Entry Requirements
    For mid-year entry students, you will be required to enrol in summer school (~Jan to Feb) in order to complete the program within the program duration (3 years).
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). 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. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer61.2
    Median ATAR to receive an offer81.15
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.8
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer70.15
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer85.35
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1918.1%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    4542.9%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    65.7%
    International students2725.7%
    All students105100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS002782D
    IntakeFebruary and July. *Students commencing in July will be required to enrol in Summer school (Jan to Feb) in order to complete the program within the three year duration.
    Additional Entry RequirementsApplicants seeking advanced standing must submit to International Recruitment and Admissions Services a portfolio of their own work (in hard copy or CD/DVD).
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma26
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma70%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation70%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma78%
    China – Gaokao65%
    Germany – Abitur3.40
    GCE A Levels8
    Hong Kong – HKDSE18
    India – ISC & CBSE70%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations80%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate74%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.78
    Malaysia – UEC20
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma320
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels9
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma68%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.4
    USA – SAT1130
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)7
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program74%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program360
    ANU College Foundation Studies66%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY70%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)72%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.00
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.20
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.70
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)57%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score74%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1918.1%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    4542.9%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    65.7%
    International students2725.7%
    All students105100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

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

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $8,300

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

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

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

    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $42,000

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

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

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


Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


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, the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of APSB 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 Construction Management program or the Master of Property.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by the Master of Architecture is recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects  and accredited by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia . These two programs can be completed in five 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 Architectural Practice Board of South Australia 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.

The Master of Construction Management is available to graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design program and is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) . This degree has a focus on project management as applied to the construction industry, covering from property development to project management, project planning and leadership. With the option to take a full semester research dissertation or a half a semester project and electives from entrepreneurship, architecture, property and project management.

The Master of Property is available to graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design with a credit average or above and is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This degree is located in the School of Architecture and Built Environment but draws extensively on expertise from across the Faculty of The Professions with input from economics, law, finance and project management.

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.

The University of APSB 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 APSB 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

Please note that to practise as an architect or landscape architect, you must complete a professionally accredited combination of degrees in your chosen discipline.

We offer the following choices:

  • Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Architecture recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects and accredited by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia.
  • Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Landscape Architecture recognised and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
  • Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Planning (Urban Design) recognised and accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
  • Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Property recognised and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
  • Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Construction Management recognised and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Potential careers

Asset Manager, Construction Manager, Draftsperson, Environmental Designer, Project Manager, Project Officer, Environmental Project Officer, Planning Officer / Urban Planner, Town Planning Engineer, Landscape Architect, Architect.

Degree Structure

The multi-disciplinary core 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 majority of the teaching activities are based around the design studios, where topics are developed and discussed with studio leaders. These studio sessions are supplemented by courses in various other topics such as representation, construction, environment and history and theory.

Representation introduces students to the latest computer and hand based drawing techniques. Construction uses specialist equipment for modelling and experimentation and the Environment course includes issues of ecology. History and theory engages with the traditions of the discipline to consider frameworks for contemporary design.

Students can also apply for entry to an additional Honours year.

Example Study Plan

Indicative Study Plan
Core Courses
Students must complete all of the following:

Year 1

DESST 1503 : Design Studio I
DESST 1504 : Representation I
DESST 1505 : History Theory I
DESST 1506 : Design Studio II
DESST 1507 : Construction I
DESST 1508 : Environment I

Year 2

DESST 2516 : Design Studio III
DESST 2517 : Environment II
DESST 2518 : Construction II
DESST 2519 : Design Studio IV
DESST 2520 : Representation II
DESST 2521 : History Theory II

Year 3

DESST 3513 : Design Studio V
DESST 3514 : Construction III
DESST 3515 : Representation III
DESST 3516 : Design Studio VI
DESST 3517 : Environment III
DESST 3518 : History Theory III

Credit Transfer and Portfolio Requirements

A submission of a portfolio, academic transcript and list of course syllabus are required for applicants who wish to seek credit transfer for studies completed at a tertiary institution (ie TAFE SA, other universities) to count towards the Bachelor of Architectural Design.

The portfolio must be printed on A3 in hardcopy or submitted in electronic form. All CAD drawing files must be supplied as PDFs in a single document not exceeding 100MB. Applicants should consider the legibility and hierarchy of their images and text.

The portfolio is used to assess design skills and knowledge and should demonstrate familiarity with a range of design processes and media. Representation media should ideally include, but are not limited to: Adobe Photoshop, In-Design, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Revit and other 3D packages, as well as hand drawing, sketching, painting, collage, model-making and photography of models.

In addition to final rendered images, applicants should include information on the process of design development and construction documentation (if any). The folio may include material developed with others in an office/practice situation where this is clearly referenced and the applicant’s contribution explained.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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