Architecture

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 24.6 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 31, 2026
51 place StudyQA ranking:6709 Duration:3 years

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The Bachelor of Design in Architecture at The University of Sydney offers students an exceptional opportunity to develop their creative, technical, and leadership skills necessary for a successful career in architecture and related disciplines. This comprehensive program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with hands-on practical experiences, enabling students to understand and apply architectural principles in diverse contexts. Throughout the course, students engage with core topics such as architectural design, history and theory, structural systems, environmental sustainability, urban planning, and digital technologies, ensuring a well-rounded education that meets the demands of contemporary practice. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving abilities, encouraging students to explore innovative design solutions that address social, cultural, and environmental challenges. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, workshops, and digital fabrication labs, which facilitate creative experimentation and technical skill development. Additionally, the program emphasizes collaborative projects, industry engagement, and internships to prepare students for real-world architectural practice and to build professional networks. The University of Sydney’s strong links with industry partners and alumni provide valuable opportunities for mentorship and career development. Graduates of the Bachelor of Design in Architecture are equipped to pursue diverse roles in architecture firms, urban design agencies, construction, and related sectors, or to continue their studies at postgraduate levels. The program’s flexible learning options and dedicated academic staff support students throughout their academic journey, helping them to develop a competitive portfolio and a deep understanding of the design process from concept to completion. With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, this program prepares students to become forward-thinking architects capable of shaping future cities and communities.

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Bachelor of Design in Architecture - Core units of study

Candidates are required to complete all of the following core units:

Junior units of study

BDES1011
Architectural History/Theory 1
6    A HSC Mathematics and HSC English Standard 
N DESA1102 
Semester 1
BDES1023
Architectural Technologies 1
6    N DESA1102  Semester 2
BDES1026
Architecture Studio 1A
12    C BDES1011 
N DESA1001 or BDES1010 or BDES1024 
Semester 1
BDES1027
Architecture Studio 1B
12    P BDES1026 or BDES1010 or DESA1001 
C BDES1023 
N BDES1020 or DESA1002 or BDES1012 
Semester 2

Senior units of study

BDES2013
Architectural Technologies 2
6    P BDES1023 
N DESA2111 
Semester 1
Semester 2
BDES2024
Art Processes
6    P BDES1026 or BDES1024  Semester 2
BDES2026
Architecture Studio 2A
12    P BDES1027 or BDES1020 or DESA1002 
C BDES2013 
N BDES2010 or DESA2001 or BDES2012 
Semester 1
BDES2027
Architecture Studio 2B
12    P BDES2026 and BDES1011 or BDES2010 or DESA2001 
C BDES2024 
N BDES2020 or DESA2002 or BDES2021 
Semester 2
BDES3011
Architectural History/Theory 3
6    P BDES2027 or BDES2021 or DESA2111 
N DAAP3001 
Semester 1
BDES3026
Architecture Studio 3A
12    P (BDES2027 or BDES2020) and BDES2013 
C BDES3011 
N BDES3010 or DESA3001 or BDES3023 
Semester 1
BDES3027
Architecture Studio 3B
12    P BDES3026 or BDES3010 or DESA3001 
N BDES3020 or DESA3002 or BDES3012 
Semester 2

Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours)/Master of Architecture honours core units

Honours units in this degree will be offered from 2019

Recommended electives

Students are strongly advised to undertake the following elective units of study:
AWSS1001
Architectural Sketching and Drawing
6    N DESA1601, DESA1602 


Students may incur costs for materials in some Art Workshops units.
Semester 1

Master of Architecture - Prerequisite unit of study

Candidates wishing to proceed to the Master of Architecture are required to complete the following prerequisite unit. This unit may count towards the senior School electives.
BDES3025
Architectural Professional Practice
6      Semester 2

School electives

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 42 credit points of elective units of study, including a minimum of 12 credit points of senior elective units of study from those listed below. Candidates who have passed 96 credit points with a Credit average may request permission to enrol in graduate units from Table G, the table of graduate units of study, or Table M, the Master of Architecture, in this handbook.

Senior Art in Architecture elective units of study

AWSS2002
Site Specific Art
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 2
AWSS2010
Architecture and Design Ceramic Processes
6    N DESA2634 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
AWSS2015
Generative Drawing
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 2
Summer Early
AWSS2020
Object Design
6    C DESA1555 
N DESA2643 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
AWSS2023
Architectural Photography 1
6    N DESA2629 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Early
AWSS2026
2D Print Processes in Design
6    N DESA2638 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Early
AWSS2027
Architecture and Design Material Processes
6    N DESA2636 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
DESA3013
Expanded Colour: Theory to Application
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Early

Senior Architecture elective units of study

DAAE2001
20th Century Australian Architecture
6    N DESA2305  Semester 2
DAAE2002
Architecture, Place and Society 
This unit of study is not available in 2017
 
6    N DESA2211  Semester 1
DESA3003
Architectural Detailing
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
DESA3004
Architecture and Diagrams 
This unit of study is not available in 2017
 
6    P 48 Credit points 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
DESA3005
Architectural Drawing Through History
6    P 48 credit points 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
DESA3007
Prefab Architecture
6    P 48 credit points 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Intensive February
DESA3008
Architectural Models: Theory and Practice
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 2
DESA3009
Advanced Fabrication
6    P 96 credit points 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 2
DESA3010
Code to Production
6    P 48 credit points 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
DESA3011
Introduction to Building Construction
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 2
DESA3012
Counter-Practices in Architecture
6    N ARCH9094 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 2
DESA3014
Finding Country
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Intensive January
DESA3015
Broken Hill and Far West NSW Projects
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Intensive July
DESA3441
Design Architecture Independent Study A
6    P 48 credit points and WAM of at least 70.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
DESA3442
Design Architecture Independent Study B
6    P 48 credit points and WAM of at least 70.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
DESA3443
Design Architecture Independent Study C
6    P 48 credit points and WAM of at least 70.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
DESA3444
Design Architecture Independent Study D
6    P 48 credit points and WAM of at least 70.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1
Semester 2
DESA3551
Design Architecture General Elective A
6   

Departmental Permission will be required to enrol in this unit.
Intensive February
Intensive July
Intensive June
Intensive November
Semester 1
Semester 1a
Semester 1b
Semester 2
Semester 2a
Semester 2b
DESA3552
Design Architecture General Elective B
6    P 48 credit points.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Intensive February
Intensive January
Intensive June
Intensive November
Semester 1
Semester 1a
Semester 1b
Semester 2
Semester 2a
Semester 2b
DESA3553
Design Architecture General Elective C
6    P 48 credit points.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Intensive June
Intensive November
Semester 1
Semester 1a
Semester 1b
Semester 2
Semester 2a
Semester 2b
DESA3554
Design Architecture General Elective D
6    P 48 credit points.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Intensive January
Intensive June
Semester 1
Semester 1a
Semester 1b
Semester 2
Semester 2a
Semester 2b
MARC6204
Graduate Exhibition
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 2

Junior Architectural Science elective units of study

DESA1004
Designing with Surfaces and Light
6    N DESA2612  Semester 2
Summer Main
Winter Main

Senior Architectural Science elective units of study

DAAE2005
Designing with Colour
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Early
Winter Main
DAAE2008
Innovative Building Structures
6    P BDES1023 
N DESA2206 
Semester 2
DAAE3001
Sustainable Architectural Practice
6    P DESA2111 or BDES1023 or DESA1102 
N DESA2201 or DESA2202 or DESA2207 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Semester 1

Junior Design Computing elective units of study

DECO1012
Design Programming
6      Semester 1

Senior Design Computing elective units of study

DAAE2011
Intro to Visual Communication Design
6    N DAAE2009 or DECO1015 or DECO1100 or DECO2101  Semester 1
Summer Early
DECO2010
Designing Social Media
6      Intensive June
Semester 1
DECO2015
Design for Innovation
6      Semester 2
DECO2101
Visual Communication
6    N DECO1015 or DECO1100 or DAAE2009 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
 
Intensive June
Semester 1
DECO2102
Web Design and Technologies
6    N DECO1016  Semester 2
DECO2103
3D Modelling and Fabrication
6    N DECO1008  Semester 1
DECO2015
Design for Innovation
6      Semester 2
DECO2016
Design Thinking
6    N DECO1006 


Not available to students in the Bachelor of Design Computing and the Bachelor of Architecture and Environments 
Semester 2
DECO3101
Innovation Design Studio
6      Semester 1
DECO3006
Animation and Motion Design
6      Semester 2

Junior Planning elective units of study

DAAE1001
Living Cities
6    A DECO1006 and DECO1012 and BDES1011 and AWSS1001  Semester 2

Senior Planning elective units of study

BADP2002
City Form and Development
6    P DAAE1001  Semester 1
  • IELTS: A minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band
  • TOEFL paper-based: A minimum result of 592 overall including a minimum result of 4.5 in Writing TOEFL IBT: A minimum result of 96 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing

The Bachelor of Design in Architecture at The University of Sydney offers a comprehensive financial framework to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees are set annually and vary depending on domestic or international student status. For domestic students, the annual tuition fee is approximately AUD 11,500, while international students can expect to pay around AUD 44,000 per year. These fees cover access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert academic staff, and a curriculum aligned with industry standards.

Students are encouraged to explore multiple funding options, including government assistance programs such as the Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible domestic students, which significantly reduces the financial burden by subsidizing part of the tuition. For international students, scholarship opportunities are available, including the University of Sydney International Scholarships, which can provide partial or full tuition fee waivers based on academic merit. Additionally, students may seek external scholarships, grants, or loans offered by governmental and private organizations. The university also provides information on part-time work opportunities on campus, which can help students supplement their income during their studies.

Living expenses constitute a significant part of the financing studies, with costs varying depending on accommodation choices and lifestyle. On-campus accommodation options are available, with annual costs ranging from AUD 10,000 to AUD 20,000, including utilities and amenities. Off-campus rent can vary widely, but students typically allocate AUD 150 to AUD 350 per week for private rentals in Sydney, translating to approximately AUD 7,800 to AUD 18,200 annually. Students should budget for additional expenses such as textbooks, learning materials, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses, which can collectively add up to AUD 10,000 or more per year.

The university provides detailed guidance on financial planning and budgeting through its Student Financial Support services. These services include advice on applying for scholarships, managing debts, and accessing emergency financial assistance if needed. International students should also consider the cost of health insurance under the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is a mandatory requirement and typically costs around AUD 600 to AUD 800 annually.

In summary, financing studies at The University of Sydney's Architecture program involves a combination of tuition fees, living expenses, financial aid, scholarships, and work opportunities. Prospective students are advised to carefully plan and explore various funding sources and support services to ensure a smooth academic journey.

The Bachelor of Design in Architecture at The University of Sydney is a comprehensive undergraduate program that prepares students for a dynamic and evolving field that combines creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of social and environmental contexts. The program emphasizes a balance between design innovation and sustainable practices, equipping students with the ability to conceive, develop, and realize architectural projects that respond to diverse human needs and environmental challenges. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of studio-based learning activities, gaining hands-on experience in conceptual design, technical drawing, model-making, and digital fabrication. They explore the history and theory of architecture to develop critical thinking and a deep understanding of architectural language and its cultural significance. The curriculum integrates foundational knowledge with specialised courses in areas such as sustainable design, urban planning, construction technologies, and digital design tools, preparing graduates to work in multidisciplinary teams and pursue careers across architectural practice, urban design, and related fields. The program fosters an inclusive and innovative learning environment, encouraging students to experiment with new ideas and technologies. Collaboration and project-based learning are central to the program, often involving real-world projects and industry partnerships to enhance practical skills and professional readiness. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to undertake registration as architects, further their studies in postgraduate programs, or pursue careers in architecture firms, government agencies, and private sector organizations dedicated to built environment and design. The University of Sydney’s location provides students with access to Sydney’s vibrant architectural scene, offering opportunities for internships, industry engagement, and exposure to contemporary architectural practices. The program is accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), ensuring that graduates meet the standards required for professional practice within Australia. Overall, the Bachelor of Design in Architecture at The University of Sydney is designed to cultivate innovative, skilled, and responsible architects capable of shaping the future built environment.

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