Master of Architecture
PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS2018
Course information for 2018 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Master the life of an architect
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.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 14
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
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.
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.
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 suggested study plans for full time and part time study below.
Master of Architecture full time suggested study plan
Master of Architecture part time suggested study plan
Award requirements
To qualify for the Master of Architecture students must complete the following:
- 14 core subjects (including 13 single subjects and 1 triple subject)
- 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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $39,200
The amount shown here is 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.
Entry to the Master of Architecture is via OUA applications to Curtin University. Specifically, applicants require a Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), or equivalent qualification. 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 program are required to submit a folio at the time of application. Please also note that the undergraduate degree must have been taught in English.
A Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), or equivalent qualification. 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 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 courses are taught in English. If your education qualifications 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 http://students.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/English_List.pdf.
Applications for Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) are assessed on a case by case basis according to Curtin University policies which is available at http://policies.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/policy/Credit_for_Recognised_Learning_Manual.pdf.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all necessary documentation for a formal assessment.
To officially apply for CRL, students need to submit the CRL application form available from http://students.curtin.edu.au/administration/documents/Application_for_CRL.pdf to opencurtin@curtin.edu.au along with supporting documents. Accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For detailed scanned documents requirements and guidelines, please visit http://courses.curtin.edu.au/course_overview/admission-requirements/scanned-documents.cfm.
For further information, please contact opencurtin@curtin.edu.au.
Career opportunities
Professional recognition
Curtin has commenced the process of assessment for accreditation of the online Master of Architecture degree with the relevant professional associations. This is an ongoing process which may take some time to finalise, Curtin will continue to work with the accrediting body throughout this process.
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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