University of Technology Sydney

C04235v2 Master of Architecture

Award(s): Master of Architecture (MArch)
CRICOS code: 061397B
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 96
Course EFTSL: 2
Location: City campus

Notes

In normal circumstances Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available to all domestic students admitted to this course. CSPs provide significant savings compared to published full fees.


Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Inherent (essential) requirements
Applications
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Professional recognition
Other information

Overview

The Master of Architecture is a focused, professional degree and is required to become a practising architect. It is the second of two degrees, undertaken after the successful completion of the Bachelor of Design in Architecture (C10004) or equivalent.

This course is an innovative and flexible professional degree. Through a non-sequential structure, which allows students to select from a range of core and elective subjects, it gives students choice regarding their professional specialisation that can best serve them in their future careers. Architectural design subjects enhance a critical understanding of architecture as both a discipline with an existing body of knowledge and a set of practices that continuously challenge and add to that body of knowledge. Research is undertaken as a preliminary to design decision-making, during design and in reflection on design development. Architectural practice subjects prepare students for expanded practice in emerging media and markets, contemporary business practice and global economies and within challenging social, environmental, political and regulatory contexts. Students who complete a Master of Architecture and subsequent practical experience are eligible to become registered architects in New South Wales.

Course aims

The course aims to produce graduates who are able to:

  • work collaboratively in local and international architectural practices of differing scales, structures, and expertise
  • be strategic and enterprising practice leaders
  • critically analyse, evaluate, question and engage in informed argument
  • communicate ideas effectively
  • extend knowledge and understanding through research skills and to transfer this creatively through the design process
  • put forward accurate and persuasive architectural proposals, and
  • apply ethical, environmental, cultural, aesthetic and technological considerations in architectural practice.

Career options

Career options include architect, designer, urban designer, architectural critic, journalist, exhibition designer, and more.

Course intended learning outcomes

A.1 Establish and develop an informed and ethical position towards social, technical and environmental issues and practices
A.2 Recognise and appreciate local and global cultural diversities and values
A.3 Critically analyse how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People - unique connection to Country can influence or is represented in architectural design
A.4 Critically examine historical and contemporary Indigenous architectural contexts and their contribution to architecture projects and industry
C.1 Work cooperatively and professionally as part of a team, initiate partnerships with others, take a leadership role when required, and constructively contribute to peer learning
C.2 Communicate ideas professionally and effectively through a variety of mediums: oral, written, visual, physical and digital
C.3 Critically analyse how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People - unique connection to Country can influence or is represented in architectural design
C.4 Critically examine historical and contemporary Indigenous architectural contexts and their contribution to architecture projects and industry
C.5 Graduates will apply specialised knowledge and skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts to inform their professional capability to work with and for- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people-across architectural projects and the profession. They will demonstrate ability to critically examine the knowledge, worldviews and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in relationship to a design project; demonstrate the ability to apply Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People knowledge, worldviews and perspectives into the conceptual design of a project in a meaningful, respectful and appropriate way
I.1 Produce inspirational responses that demonstrate the successful integration of sub-disciplinary areas of knowledge: history, theory, tectonics and/or practice
I.2 Creatively use architectural media, technologies and materials
I.3 Graduates will apply specialised knowledge and skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts to inform their professional capability to work with and for- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people-across architectural projects and the profession. They will demonstrate ability to critically examine the knowledge, worldviews and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in relationship to a design project; demonstrate the ability to apply Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People knowledge, worldviews and perspectives into the conceptual design of a project in a meaningful, respectful and appropriate way
P.1 Understand and challenge disciplinary conventions through an engagement with emergent forms of architectural practice, technologies and modes of production
P.2 Thoughtfully apply disciplinary learning in work, with a continuing commitment to personal professional development
P.3 Graduates will apply specialised knowledge and skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts to inform their professional capability to work with and for- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people-across architectural projects and the profession. They will demonstrate ability to critically examine the knowledge, worldviews and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in relationship to a design project; demonstrate the ability to apply Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People knowledge, worldviews and perspectives into the conceptual design of a project in a meaningful, respectful and appropriate way
R.1 Position work within an extended and critically reasoned context through the identification, evaluation and application of relevant academic references and architectural case studies
R.2 Define, develop and apply an appropriate design method in the execution of an architectural project
R.3 Independently analyse, synthesise and formulate complex ideas, arguments and rationales and use initiative to explore alternatives
R.4 Critically analyse how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People - unique connection to Country can influence or is represented in architectural design
R.5 Critically examine historical and contemporary Indigenous architectural contexts and their contribution to architecture projects and industry

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

Applicant must have one of the following:

  • UTS Bachelor of Design in Architecture, or equivalent
  • UTS Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Architecture (Architectural Studies for Interior Architecture pathway)
  • UTS Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Architecture (Architectural Studies for Landscape Architects pathway), or equivalent.

Applicants with a completed UTS Bachelor of Design in Architecture, or UTS Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Architecture (Architectural Studies for Interior Architecture pathway), or UTS Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Architecture (Architectural Studies for Landscape Architects pathway) who have attained an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 5.50 or above will receive an offer.

UTS students: GPA between 5.00 and 5.49

Applicants with a completed UTS Bachelor of Design in Architecture, or UTS Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Architecture (Architectural Studies for Interior Architecture pathway), or UTS Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Architecture (Architectural Studies for Landscape Architects pathway) who attained a minimum grade point average (GPA) between 5.00 and 5.49 must provide the following additional material in order to be considered for a place:

  • a digital portfolio (between three and five examples of design projects) in PDF format consisting of their architectural projects from previous studies (university level), and should include:
    • Conceptual design processes and thinking (including a written project description, applicant must note individual or group work)
    • Design development (evidence of design process)
    • Physical model making
    • Construction drawings and detailing (must be own work)
    • Visual representation (demonstration of 3D graphic technique).

Portfolio should emphasise prior individual academic work over related professional work; AND

  • a personal statement of 300 words (max.) in PDF format addressing their reasons to undertake the Master of Architecture.

If applicant possesses work experience:

  • a two-page CV in PDF format that clearly articulates their design or related experience; AND
  • an employer's letter confirming the dates of employment, and the position held.

Non-UTS applicants: GPA 5.00 or above

Applicants with a completed degree which is equivalent to the UTS Bachelor of Design in Architecture and who have attained a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 5.00 or above must provide the following additional material in order to be considered for a place:

  • a verified copy of the candidate's previous academic transcript; AND
  • a digital portfolio (between three and five examples of design projects) in PDF format consisting of their architectural projects from previous studies (university level), and should include the following:
    • Conceptual design processes and thinking (including a written project description, applicant must note individual or group work)
    • Design development (evidence of design process)
    • Physical model making
    • Construction drawings and detailing (must be own work)
    • Visual representation (demonstration of 3D graphic technique).

Portfolio should emphasise prior individual academic work over related professional work; AND

  • a personal statement of 300 words (max.) in PDF format addressing their reasons to undertake the Master of Architecture.

If applicant possesses work experience:

  • a two-page CV in PDF format that clearly articulates their design or related experience; AND
  • an employer's letter confirming the dates of employment and the position held.

Students must refer to the inherent requirements for all degrees offered by Design and Architecture in the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building.

Information on how to calculate grade point averages (GPA) can be found at Calculating GPA.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Inherent (essential) requirements

Inherent (essential) requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course.

Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course. This Statement should be read in conjunction with the UTS Student Rules.

Prospective or current student concerned about their ability to meet these requirements should discuss their concerns with the Academic Liaison Officer in their faculty or school and/or UTS Accessibility Service on 9514 1177 or at accessibility@uts.edu.au.

UTS will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.

For course specific information see the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.

Applications

Course duration and attendance

The course is offered on a two-year, full-time or part-time equivalent basis.

Course structure

This course comprises 96 credit points, made up of 72 credit points of core architectural practice subjects, 24 credit points of architectural electives.

Course completion requirements

CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp
STM90794 Core subjects (PG Architecture) 72cp
Total 96cp

Course program

The following example shows a typical full-time program.

Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
11504 Practice: Research Cultures   6cp
11551 Masters Architectural Design Studio 1   12cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  
Spring session
11503 Practice: The Profession   6cp
11552 Masters Architectural Design Studio 2   12cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  
Year 2
Autumn session
11502 Practice: Finance and Project Management   6cp
11553 Masters Architectural Design Studio 3   12cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  
Spring session
11501 Practice: Advocacy   6cp
Select one of the following: 12cp
      11554 Masters Architectural Design Studio 4 12cp  
      11555 Masters Architectural Design Thesis 12cp  
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  
Spring commencing, full time
Year 1
Spring session
11503 Practice: The Profession   6cp
11551 Masters Architectural Design Studio 1   12cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  
Year 2
Autumn session
11504 Practice: Research Cultures   6cp
11552 Masters Architectural Design Studio 2   12cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  
Spring session
11553 Masters Architectural Design Studio 3   12cp
11501 Practice: Advocacy   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  
Year 3
Autumn session
11502 Practice: Finance and Project Management   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
11554 Masters Architectural Design Studio 4 12cp  
11555 Masters Architectural Design Thesis 12cp  
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK90795 Sub-major/Electives (PG Architecture) 24cp  

Professional recognition

The Master of Architecture is a qualification accepted for candidates seeking to take the professional examination of the NSW Architects Registration Board and Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), as a prerequisite for registration under the provision of the Architects Act administered by the NSW Architects Registration Board, and to professional membership of the institute.

Other information

Further information is available from the UTS Student Centre on:

telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS
UTS: Design, Architecture and Building