Top 150 globally for architecture and built environment
This course is accredited by the AIA, ARBV and the AACA
#1 Victorian university for graduate employment
Key facts
Duration
The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
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 at our Waterfront (Geelong) campus, 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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Architecture
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- S700
- CRICOS code?
- 059382E Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Architecture, you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Architecture includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 13 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of course elective units
For students who articulate from Deakin's D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) or D307 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/ Bachelor of Property and Real Estate) must pass 12 credit points.
For students articulating from D364 or D307, the 12 credit point structure includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 10 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
13
Core units credit points
3
Course elective units
16
Total
Core
16 credit point structure
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
^ Students entering the 12 credit point course structure are exempt from units SRD753, SRC724 and SRA743, and 1 course elective unit.
12 credit point structure (D364 and D307 Articulating students only)
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
1 level 7 SR coded elective (1 credit point)
Course Elective units:
Students entering the 16 credit point course structure - 3 level 7 electives (3 credit points)
OR
Students entering the 12 credit point course structure - 2 level 7 electives (2 credit points).
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].
*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).
^ Completion of STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) as a pre-requisite
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
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.
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.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1.5 years full-time (3 years part-time).
Academic requirements
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) OR D307 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Property and Real Estate with a WAM (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65 or higher
- completion of D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) OR D307 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Property and Real Estate with a WAM (or equivalent average grade indicator) between 55 and 64, and portfolio of relevant work and personal statement
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in architecture with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65 or higher
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in architecture with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) between 55 and 64 and submission of a portfolio of relevant work and personal statement
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Further study options
Students who have completed the Master of Architecture may continue on to undertake Higher Degree by Research study.
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Architectural Design (S541)
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
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. Then, you will be eligible to present for registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).
You 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.
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.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| 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. |
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Footnotes
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