Top 200 worldwide for architecture and built environment
Accredited academic qualification
#1 Melbourne university for course satisfaction
Why choose architecture at Deakin
Expand your expertise in innovative architecture and design while engaging with the ethical, social and theoretical frameworks shaping the field. Build skills in critical architectural studies, sustainable design and emerging technologies to prepare for professional practice.
With access to our A+B Studio, you’ll work in a collaborative open-plan environment, designing and fabricating models using advanced tools including 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers. You’ll also collaborate with construction management students, gaining valuable multidisciplinary experience.
Through two major projects-Common Ground Studio and the Architectural Design Thesis-you’ll develop in-depth work for your professional portfolio.
This accredited Master of Architecture provides a pathway to registration, followed by two years of supervised practice, leading to careers in private practice or government design and development sectors.
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Accredited pathway to professional practice
Graduate with an accredited Australian qualification, providing the foundation to pursue architect registration and a career in architecture.
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Year-long architectural design thesis
Be part of Victoria’s only architecture school with an embedded design thesis, where you will develop and complete your independent project under expert guidance.
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Global career opportunities
Join graduates working across the UK, Berlin, Oslo, China, Dubai and the US, connected through Deakin’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
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World-class studios
Develop your projects in our open-plan studio and purpose-built workshop, using industry-grade 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers and traditional tools.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Graduate with an accredited qualification that provides the foundation for architect registration. After two years of supervised professional practice, you can apply for registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV).
Architect
Design buildings and spaces that respond to social, environmental and technical challenges. You may work with clients, consultants and builders to develop concepts through to detailed project delivery.
- $105k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 16.8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Urban planner
Plan and help shape towns, cities and communities by preparing land use strategies, assessing development proposals and working with stakeholders to create sustainable, functional places.
- $95k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 18.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Workplace settings
- Private architectural practice
- Government organisations
- Property development
- Building and design
“Deakin's unique course structure and exceptional faculty have made my learning experience truly rewarding. The diverse range of electives and practical focus has equipped me with the skills to manage complex design projects and deepened my understanding of sustainable and innovative architecture.”
YaminMaster of Architecture
Stories that start here
FAQs
Architectural registration in Australia requires an AACA-accredited degree, two or more years of documented work experience under the mentorship of a registered architect, and passing the Architectural Practice Examination (APE). Deakin's Master of Architecture is AACA-accredited and satisfies the academic requirement for registration. International graduates should check whether their home country has mutual recognition arrangements with the AACA.
Deakin's Master of Architecture includes advanced design studio, building technology, environmental systems, urban design, history and theory of architecture, professional practice, project delivery and sustainability. Studio projects are the core of the degree, developing your capacity to design complex buildings and urban interventions. Digital design tools including BIM and parametric modelling are integrated throughout.
The pathway to registration typically takes five to six years: two to three years for an undergraduate architecture degree, two years for the Master of Architecture, and two years of supervised work experience before sitting the Architectural Practice Examination. Some pathways may be accelerated depending on prior qualifications and experience. The AACA website provides the most current information on requirements for international candidates.
Elective units may give you the chance to complete one or more work integrated learning units. Formal work experience for registration purposes must be completed after graduating. The AACA website provides guidance on experience requirements for both domestic and international graduates seeking registration.
As an architecture student at Deakin, you'll have access to dedicated design studios and collaborative learning spaces that support every stage of the design process. You'll work in the purpose-built Architecture and Built Environment (AB) spaces, which include flexible studio environments, digital fabrication and model-making facilities, exhibition spaces and collaborative project areas. These facilities are designed to help you develop practical design, visualisation and presentation skills while working alongside other students and academics.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Master of Architecture?
The Master of Architecture builds your capability as a design-led thinker, guiding you from advanced conceptual exploration through to architectural resolution and professional practice.
Advanced studios and professional practice
Common Ground Studios
Undertake integrated design studios that explore complex architectural challenges, combining sustainability, technology and social impact.
Professional practice
Build knowledge of project delivery, industry frameworks and the realities of contemporary architectural practice.
Critical and Indigenous perspectives
Engage with critical futures and Indigenous design narratives to inform responsible and responsive design approaches.
Architectural design thesis and specialisation
Design thesis
Complete a two-part architectural design thesis, where you frame, test and resolve a complex design proposition with guidance from academic staff.
Electives and specialisation
Tailor your degree through advanced electives or a specialisation, exploring areas such as digital tools or construction management.
Career and research pathways
Graduate with a professionally recognised qualification, prepared for registration pathways or further research in architecture and the built environment.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Architecture, you must pass 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.
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete 8 core units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Plus, a 4 credit point specialisation or 4 credit points of SR coded course elective units
~ SRD756 Architectural Design Thesis Part 1 and SRD766 Architectural Design Thesis Part 2 to be completed in consecutive trimesters.
^ Students entering the 12 credit point course structure are exempt from units SRA743, and 3 course elective units.
For D364 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/ Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) and D307 Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/ Bachelor of Property and Real Estate articulating domestic students only, option is part-time study only.
You are required to complete 7 core units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Plus 1 SR coded course elective unit (1 credit point)
~ SRD756 Architectural Design Thesis Part 1 and SRD766 Architectural Design Thesis Part 2 to be completed in consecutive trimesters.
You have the option to complete one specialisation sequence to broaden your skills (this will use your course electives).
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
You have the option to choose four level 7 SR* coded units (4 credit points) – for students entering the 16 credit point structure; or
one level 7 SR* coded unit (1 credit points) – for students entering the 12 credit point structure
Students may select elective units from any level 7 SR coded unit except for SRR720 Construction Research Frontiers and SRR721 Construction Research Project [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 complete SRR711 Thesis (2cp).
Professional recognition
The Master of Architecture is an Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) accredited academic qualification, setting you on your way to becoming a registered architect via any state registration board, such as the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV).
Validated and recognised by the Board of Architects Malaysia (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia), this course is included on their List of Recognised Architectural Programmes, giving you eligibility to register as a graduate architect with the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia.
What to expect while studying
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require students to engage with a number of production methods, such as drawing, large format printing, model making, and digital fabrication (laser cutting + 3D printing). Students will be required to purchase minor equipment such as drawing media, paperstock, sketchbooks, and model making tools, however many of these will be usable within different units. As such, there might be a higher upfront cost as students enter in the course. Each unit will outline the specific requirements at the commencement of the unit. Where possible, students are encouraged to reuse, recycle or think creatively about model materials. The indicative cost of this equipment and material (over time) can vary depending on quality or execution, but can be suggested in the range of up to $750 over the course duration.
Students are also recommended to have access to a personal computer (laptop or desktop) in order to engage digital communications methods (drawing, CAD and presentations). Advice on this is presented to students in first year, so it is not imperative to have this before commencing the course as Deakin has dedicated Computer Labs to get started with. Where possible, all required software (Autodesk, Adobe) is provided to students under free academic licencing and does not require additional cost.
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.
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.
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.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Elective units may provide the opportunity for students to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
Explore the SEBE WIL program
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
- Award granted
- Master of Architecture
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S700
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$43,800
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Architectural Design (S541)