Master of Architecture

Professional recognition

The Master of Architecture is accredited by the Architects Board of Western Australia through AACA and is recognised for professional registration purposes nationally. More information is available from https://www.aaca.org.au/. The Master of Architecture is the final stage of the five-year academic pathway to become a practising 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.

On completing the approved post-graduation practical experience, you will be eligible for associate membership of the Australian Institute of Architects. Internationally, the course is recognised by the Board of Architects Singapore.

Higher education

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 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.

Students are required to submit an academic transcript showing full results including grade and mark for their undergraduate third year.

English Proficiency Requirements

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 http://students.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/English_List.pdf.

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/accepted-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. ***

Special 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 manual (PDF).

If you have any questions, please contact opencurtin@curtin.edu.au

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

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. If students have any questions about their study plan, they can contact Curtin at DBEOU@curtin.edu.au for advice.

• SCP541 Urban Design for Sustainability
• SCP543 Sustainable Cities
• URP590 Planning for Sustainability