Master of Architecture

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2024 course information

Award granted Master of Architecture
Deakin course codeS700
Faculty

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

CampusOffered at Waterfront (Geelong)
OnlineNo
Duration2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool

These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2024:

These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2024:

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CRICOS course code059382E Waterfront (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Expand your knowledge in architecture, design and innovative strategies through creativity. You will develop sought-after skills through the exploration of critical architectural studies, environmental resiliency, sustainable design, technological advancement and social and theoretical issues, preparing you for contemporary professional practice. You will have access to our impressive a+b studio – an inspiring open plan space where you can work collaboratively and develop your projects.

Throughout this course you will undertake studies of ethical, evaluative and research frameworks which underpin the field of architecture. You will also fabricate models in our state-of-the-art architecture workshop and experiment with technology, materials and processes. The workshop is fully equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers and traditional tools and machinery.

Want to gain advanced practical skills through real-world projects?

During your studies you will work closely with construction management students, creating a multidisciplinary learning experience that stands out to potential employers. As a graduate you may find employment in private architectural practices, government organisations and private companies in property development, building and design.

The Master of Architecture is an important step towards becoming a registered architect. After you graduate, you will need to complete two years of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect. Then you will be eligible to present for registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV). 

Based in Geelong, you will be immersed in a unique environment to explore urban and regional issues at multiple scales of projects, while learning how to effectively connect the city to regional Victoria. Plus, through your learning experiences and research, you will have opportunities to examine community sustainability and resiliency through design-based investigations.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, workshops, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

The Master of Architecture is an AACA (Architects Accreditation Council of Australia) accredited academic qualification and sets you on the way to becoming a registered architect via any state registration board, such as the ARBV Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

Validated and recognised by the Board of Architects Malaysia (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia) this course is included on their List of Recognised Architectural Programmes.

Career opportunities

Graduates who wish to pursue a career as a practicing architect will be required to complete an additional two years of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect in order to present for registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

Graduates can then pursue a career as a practising architect and work in a private architectural practice, government organisations, property development or other building and design fields. 

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Architectural Design (S541)

Income support

Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student payment through Youth Allowance and Austudy.

Further information can be found at Deakin’s Current Students website.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Create an architectural design through the exercise of knowledge, imagination and judgement in the context of economic, social, cultural and environmental responsibility. Plan and execute a substantial research project to show capacity for specialised knowledge in architectural contexts and thereby demonstrate the ability to continue professional development and/or scholarship. Use initiative to integrate well-developed knowledge of architectural history, theory, technology and practice to design, develop and manage architecture projects from project brief to architectural resolution and thereby demonstrate professionalism as an architectural graduate.

Communication

Communicate clearly, professionally and responsibly in a variety of interpersonal contexts using oral, written and visual communication modes to inform, motivate and persuade specialist and non-specialist audiences about architectural ideas, decisions and predicted built outcomes. Imagine, conceive and represent ideas using the language of architecture, its codes and conventions to reflect on possibilities, and progress and resolve solutions within a design process. Demonstrate the capacity to listen, learn and engage with a variety of participants and contributing influences in architectural projects to mediate and collaboratively resolve issues and negotiate design complexity.

Digital literacy

Apply well-developed research, ideation and technical information literacy skills to independently locate, interpret and evaluate information content in a digital world. Disseminate creative and logical proposals using appropriate digital technologies relevant to architecture practice.

Critical thinking

Selectively use linear, critical, logical and/or lateral mechanisms to analyse different forms of information; manipulate and transform information to propose possible solutions and thereby demonstrate the capacity for reflection in action for professional practice in architecture. Use reflection and judgement supported by a body of knowledge in order to efficiently formulate a strategy or argument appropriate to a theoretical, contextual, creative and/or technical architectural situation. Apply independent thought and capacity for analysis and synthesis of a particular area of discipline knowledge through coherent and focussed research practice.

Problem solving

Effectively research and identify theoretical, cultural, social, technical and environmental architectural problems to establish a sound basis for project inception in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Use a well-developed body of knowledge to justify, argue and persuade the significance, causes and consequences of architectural problems, and use a methodical approach to formulate potential solutions.

Self-management

Accumulate and document specialist knowledge of architecture theories, processes and practice using the frameworks of methodical research, creative activity and capacity for reflection on action to demonstrate responsibility for professional learning.

Teamwork

Apply interpersonal skills to interact, contribute and collaborate in team learning activities and to enhance project potential through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution.

Global citizenship

Formulate architectural responses through concern for economic, cultural, social and ethical values inherent in human landscape while consciously integrating quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Engage with global traditions and current trends in architectural practice in order to appreciate diversity, seek equity in outcomes and adopt ethical and professional standards.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Master of Architecture, students must attain 12 or 16 credit points, depending on prior experience, which must include the following. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The 16 credit points include:

  • 10 core units (totalling 13 credit points)
  • 3 course electives (you can choose which ones to study from the available list or from any level 7 SR coded unit) (totalling 3 credit points)
  • SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit).

The 12* credit points include:

  • 7 core units (totalling 10 credit points)
  • 2 course electives (you can choose which ones to study from the available list or from any level 7 SR coded unit) (totalling 2 credit points)
  • SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

*D364 and D307 Articulating students only

Course structure

Core

16 credit point structure

Year 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)

SRA710Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

SRD753Architecture Design: Graduate Studio ^

SRC724Architecture Communication: Advanced ^

SRL733Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes

SRT751Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology

Year 1 - Trimester 2

SRD754Architecture Design: Comprehensive Studio (2 credit points)

SRA743Critical Futures ^

1 Level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)

Year 2 - Trimester 1

SRD765Architectural Design and Resolution (2 credit points)

SRD755Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation

1 Level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)

Year 2 - Trimester 2

SRD766Architecture Masterclass Design Research Studio (2 credit points)

SRM750Built Environment Professional Practice

1 Level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)

^ Students entering the 12 credit point course structure are exempt from SRD753, SRC724 and SRA743, plus 1 course elective.

12 credit point structure (D364 and D307 Articulating students only)

Year 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)

SRA710Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

SRD765Architectural Design and Resolution (2 credit points)

SRL733Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes

SRT751Environmentally Sustainable Design and Technology

Year 1 - Trimester 2

SRD754Architecture Design: Comprehensive Studio (2 credit points)

SRD755Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation

1 Level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)

Year 2 - Trimester 1

SRD766Architecture Masterclass Design Research Studio (2 credit points)

SRM750Built Environment Professional Practice

1 Level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)

Course Elective units:

Three (3) level 7 electives (3 credit points) – for students entering the 16 credit point course structure

OR

Two (2) level 7 electives (2 credit points) – for students entering the 12 credit point course structure

Students may select elective units from the list below or from any level 7 SR coded unit [An alternative elective may be undertaken and will require approval by the S700 Master of Architecture Course Director].

SRD760Geo-Planning and Design

SRM776Introduction to Construction Management

SRM751Principles of Building Information Modelling

SRP761Biophilic Futures

SRQ762Cost Planning

SRQ774Construction Measurement and Estimating

SRQ780Strategic Construction Procurement

SRR711Thesis (2 credit points)*

SRR725Reading and Analysing Architecture

SRR767Built Environment Study Tour

SRR722Built Environment Research Project

SRT757Building Systems and Environment

SRV799Integrated Project Management

* Students intending to apply for entry into Higher Degree by Research may be required to completed SRD755 Architecture Research: Masterclass Preparation and SRR711 Thesis (2cp).

Other course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Other learning experiences

You may choose to use one of your elective units to participate in a study tour to enhance your global architectural awareness and experience. You will also have an opportunity to contribute to the student led, designed and managed end of year curated exhibition - PaperSpace.