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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 |
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Bachelor of Design in Architecture - Core units of study |
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Candidates are required to complete all of the following core units: | |||
Junior units of study |
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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 |
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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 |
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Honours units in this degree will be offered from 2019 | |||
Recommended electives |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Senior Architecture elective units of study |
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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 |
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DESA1004 Designing with Surfaces and Light |
6 | N DESA2612 | Semester 2 Summer Main Winter Main |
Senior Architectural Science elective units of study |
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DAAE2005 Designing with Colour |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 Summer Early Winter Main |
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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 |
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DECO1012 Design Programming |
6 | Semester 1 | |
Senior Design Computing elective units of study |
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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 |
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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 |
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DAAE1001 Living Cities |
6 | A DECO1006 and DECO1012 and BDES1011 and AWSS1001 | Semester 2 |
Senior Planning elective units of study |
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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.