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Master of Architecture
PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS2025
The world's first online accredited Master of Architecture
Advance your studies in architectural history, theory, research, management, law and professional practice. Study design projects and analyse urban design and place making. An individual dissertation in architectural design is required.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 21 May 2025,
- 20 Aug 2025,
- 19 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 12
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Master of Architecture
About this degree
On completion of the degree students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the profession of architecture, its theoretical underpinnings and ways of thinking; apply specific discipline knowledge contained within the streams of Architectural Design, Professional Practice and Architectural Culture
- think critically, creatively and reflectively in order to analyse and understand the specific needs of various parties involved in architecture in order to generate and create innovative solutions
- conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to access and analyse the diverse information needed to make informed, strategic design decisions
- communicate information and ideas to diverse audience through visual, verbal and written communication techniques
- recognise and understand the principles of a range of appropriate technologies and their suitable application within the profession of architecture
- sustain intellectual curiosity that constantly strives, through self-directed learning, for innovation within the profession of architecture
- synthesise a range of local, national and international issues and perspectives which influence the creation and practice of architecture
- understand and value cultural and physical diversity and appreciate its significance in the creation of architecture
- demonstrate a professional and ethical approach in the creation of architecture; work independently and in teams; create knowledge in a scholarly, creative and/or professional context through critical inquiry, research and project development.
This degree progresses the learning of our Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) providing a further two years of advanced studies in design project work, architectural history, theory and research, management, law and professional practice.
Students are involved in advanced design projects, analysing urban contexts and considering urban design and place making. Students will also develop research knowledge and skills before completing their own individual dissertation in architectural design.
Recommended study pattern
Generally the degree is fully planned in sequential progression. Many subjects have previous subjects listed as prerequisites. The Master of Architecture builds on the educational components studied in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science).
See the enrolment planner below.
Master of Architecture enrolment planner (XLS)
Award requirements
To qualify for the Master of Architecture students must complete the following:
- 12 subjects (11 mandatory subjects and one subject from a specified list)
- Students who fail a core subject twice may be terminated from the degree
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
2023 Changes
All students commencing study in the degree during 2023 will complete the new degree structure, however students who commenced study prior to 2023 will still be able to complete their course but may use a combination of the old subjects and the new subjects. Some existing subjects in the degree structure will be discontinued and others will continue to be offered to enable existing students to complete their degree.
Transitional arrangements for existing students will depend upon the subjects already successfully completed (or for which credit has been granted) prior to 2023. Existing students may need to undertake new subjects, however they will not be disadvantaged by having to complete a greater study load (EFSTL) in order to finish their degree. Students who have been following the Recommended Study Plans for full-time study will not have their degree lengthened as a result of these changes.
The Transition Tables below show all subjects in the Master of Architecture that have been removed from the structure together with details of the recommended replacement subjects.
2023 Master of Architecture Transition Tables (PDF)
For further information or advice regarding this change, please contact Curtin University at 1300 222 888.
2020 Changes
The following subjects used to be options in this degree. Students who have completed any of the subjects in 2019 will have it counted towards the degree. Should students have any other questions, they can contact Curtin Connect at Ask Connect | Curtin University for advice.
- SCP541 Urban Design for Sustainability
- SCP543 Sustainable Cities
- URP590 Planning for Sustainability
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,312
Indicative total fee $18,624
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
Applicants require a Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), equivalent qualification (e.g. Graduate Diploma in Architecture) or qualification from cognate areas (e.g. Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Interior Design). Entry to the course is competitive and a high semester weighted average is required. Students with a Bachelor's degree from a non-AACA accredited architecture/cognate program are required to submit a folio at the time of application.
Students are required to submit an academic transcript showing full results including grade and mark for their undergraduate third year.
Applicants need to meet Curtin’s English Language requirement as all degrees are taught in English.
If your education degrees were not solely in English, as per the International Handbook of Universities or the World Higher Education database please attach a scanned original copy of English Proficiency Test results. Admission requires an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) (or equivalent test) score of at least 6.5 and competence in all test components (IELTS score of 6.0).
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Entry Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at English Proficiency Tests.
*** 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. ***
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: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
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).
Study method requirements
Students are required to complete a core subject which includes 100 hours of (unpaid) internship in a host organisation.
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.
Career opportunities
Professional recognition
The Master of Architecture is accredited by the Architects Board of Western Australia through the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and is recognised for professional registration purposes nationally. More information is available from Architects Accreditation Council of Australia website. The Master of Architecture is the final stage of the five-year academic pathway to become a registered architect. The Architects Board of Western Australia recognises this two-year course combined with the three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), or equivalent, as meeting their academic requirements for registration.
Graduates of this course will be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Architects.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Architects | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Architects and Landscape Architects | $93K to $120K | Up 2% |
| Architectural Draftspersons | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Landscape Architects | N/A^ | N/A^ |
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Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
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You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
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You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
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When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
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