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
New and revised course structure from Trimester 2, 2027
Course overview
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.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- 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
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Architecture you must pass 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 your first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 12 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points which may comprise of:
- 4 credit point specialisation; or
- 4 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.
This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 11 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point course elective unit.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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 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).
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.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
New and revised course structure from Trimester 2, 2026
Equipment requirements
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.
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.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for students to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
Explore the SEBE WIL program
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).
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.
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)
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
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$43,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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.
Scholarship options
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.
Postgraduate bursary
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.
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.
Pathways
Further study options
Students who have completed the Master of Architecture may continue on to undertake Higher Degree by Research study.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Architectural Design (S541)
Career outcomes
Graduates who wish to pursue a career as a practising architect will be required to complete an additional two years of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect. Then, you will be on your way to registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV).
Once registered, you can 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 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.
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.
| 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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
