Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)

Graduates find employment in a wide range of fields, especially where initiative, creative thinking and critical awareness are valued. Graduates of this degree are sought after as there is a shortage of qualified people in the disciplines within the Built Environment particularly in Australia given the strength of the economy. Architects are employed across several industries including: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Construction; Public Administration and Safety; and Health Care and Social Assistance.

This degree is the prerequisite for entry into the Master of Architecture, entry to the degree is competitive and a high semester weighted average is required. Students with a Bachelor's degree from a non AACA accredited architecture program are required to submit a folio at the time of application.

Graduates of this undergraduate degree who do not intend to practise architecture will have opportunities in areas such as urban design, environmental research, building conservation, heritage matters or community development.

Professional recognition

This degree does not qualify the holder for registration as an architect or for Associate Membership of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. The educational qualifications required for registration are obtained through successful completion of the Master of Architecture degree, for which this degree is a prerequisite.

Open enrolment subjects

There are seven open enrolment subjects in this degree. Students do not have to submit an Application Form for open enrolment subjects, and can enrol in APC100, BAS115, BAS120, BAS130, BAS140/BAS145 (co-requisites), BAS150 through Open Universities Australia.

Higher education via OUA

• Successful completion of two of the following recommended eight open enrolment subjects APC100, BAS110, BAS115, BAS120, BAS130, BAS140/BAS145 (co-requisites) and BAS150 (of which one must be APC100) and separate English language proficiency is required OR
• Successful completion of four OUA full degree level subjects at pass level, of which one must be APC100. (This satisfies English language competency requirement.)

Higher education

Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).

If you are currently studying or have previously studied Architecture elsewhere, onshore or offshore, and are applying for entry into the 2nd year or above of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) course, you may be required to sit an interview for folio review. STAT elements considered are WE, and either V or Q.

Secondary education

• Tertiary Entrance Ranking 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre link http://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/prerequisites-comparison.tisc

VET studies

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study OR
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

Work and Life

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional Information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies - http://karda.curtin.edu.au/
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications -   https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/overseas-qualifications/ 
• English language proficiency

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Special requirements

Software Requirements — Students will require access to the following software: Photoshop, AutoCAD and Rhino. Details on accessing AutoCAD and Rhino will be provided in due degree at the commencement of relevant subjects (please note this software is free for student use). The student will be responsible for organising access to Photoshop, although student discount rates are available for Adobe.

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

This degree is the prerequisite for entry into the Master of Architecture. The degree covers the design of buildings, the technical aspects of building construction, and how architecture relates to societies, cultures and people and the way they live. Architectural ideas are communicated through written and spoken reports, photographs, drawings, models and the electronic media. Students not intending to continue on to the Master may use the knowledge gained in this degree to seek employment within the architectural profession or building industry.

Software Requirements — Students will require access to the following software: Photoshop, AutoCAD and Rhino. Details on accessing AutoCAD and Rhino will be provided in due degree at the commencement of relevant subjects (please note this software is free for student use). The student will be responsible for organising access to Photoshop, although Curtin can offer student discount rates.

Related Degrees

This degree sits within a group of degrees:

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
• Master of Architecture

Recommended Study Pattern

Students MUST successfully complete all 24 subjects comprised of the Core Zone (20 subjects) and the Flexible Zone (4 subjects).

CORE ZONE (20 core subjects)

These subjects are mandatory and must be completed by all students.

• Level 1 subjects
• Level 2 Core subjects
• Level 3 Core subjects

FLEXIBLE ZONE (4 subjects)

Specialisations (or Minors) prepare students to develop broad knowledge about an additional discipline area that complements their study in an award course. The Specialisations available in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) are;

Construction Management

This specialisation is developed for students wishing to understand the principles and processes surrounding building construction and management,specifically focusing on low and high rise construction, building surveying and construction contracts.

Interior Architecture Specialisation

This specialisation is developed for students wishing to understand principles informing Interior Architecture design considerations including design elements, interior theory, philosophy, practice and aesthetics that impact and inform spatial experience.

Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation 

Learn the fundamentals of the exciting area of animation and game design. You will create immersive experiences, learn techniques for 3D modelling and animation, develop creative and compelling visuals, and use motion graphics and game related technologies. The specialisation connects closely with architectural presentation techniques and the creation of inspiring built environments.

Planning and Geography Specialisation 

This specialisation is developed for students wishing to understand key concepts and approaches for understanding cities as cultural landscapes, including urban and regional planning principles, governance, social geographies of cities, geographical analysis, and spatial experience at an urban scale. On completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) this specialisation allows graduates entry into the Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

Suggested study plans for full time study will be available soon.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), students must complete the following:

• 20 core subjects (core zone) and one specialisation comprised of 4 subjects (flexible zone)
• Students who fail a core subject twice may be terminated from the degree
• This degree must be completed within 10 years

Changes in 2021 and 2022

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) has undergone major changes in 2021 and further changes in 2022.

Changes have been made to the degree structure and the titles of some subjects have changed.

These changes have been implemented over a period of time as shown below:

Structural changes commencing from SP3 2021

• 3 core subjects removed; and
• Specialisations (or Minors) introduced. Each specialisation requires completion of 4 subjects and students are required to select a specialisation from those offered. Initially, only 2 specialisations were offered: Interior Architecture or Construction Management

Changes to subject titles and additional specialisation commencing from SP1 2022

• Many of the subjects in the degree were updated and given new titles
• Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation was added to the list of available specialisations for the degree

Fourth and final specialisation added commencing from SP3 2022

• Planning and Geography Specialisation will be added, giving students a choice of 4 different specialisations
• Transitional arrangements may apply to any students who commenced study prior to SP3 2022, however transition arrangements for each student will vary, depending on:
• the year and study period of commencement; and
• subjects already successfully completed (or for which credit has been granted).

Existing students will not be required to complete more than 24 subjects and those who have been following the recommended study plans will not have their degree lengthened as a result of these changes.

The Transition Tables below show all subjects in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) that have been removed from the structure or undergone a title change, as well as the new subjects or titles that should replace them.

Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) Transition Tables 2022

Should students have any other questions, they can contact Curtin Connect at Ask Connect | Curtin University