Course Overview

About This Course

Learn to create sustainable building design that responds to community needs, with the Bachelor of Architectural Design at Victoria University (VU). This design degree focuses on using sustainable design methods. It incorporates ideas from the circular economy, such as reusing, repurposing, refurbishing, recycling, and repairing to reduce waste and pollution. During your studies, you will apply these methods to real projects: visiting sites, taking measurements, and collaborating with local communities. You will also participate in design studio classes to develop practical skills and industry knowledge. Studio classes are focused on solving real-world challenges faced by professionals in architecture and construction. When you graduate from the Bachelor of Architectural Design, you will have the versatile skill set needed to work as a building designer in both government and private planning and construction sectors. You will also have the option to continue your studies by pursuing a Master of Architecture, which is necessary if you would like to become a registered architect.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design teaches methods that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You will discover sustainable and socially aware architectural practices, while making good use of evolving digital technology. By focusing on these important aspects, the program equips you with valuable skills in sustainable design. This can improve your job opportunities in a sector where green development is a top priority – as well as honing your ability to work creatively in today’s complex architectural landscape. You will receive feedback on your design projects from a panel of experienced architects to help you improve your design skills continuously.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative fees for full-time student (2026): AU$9,537 per year | Indicative fees for full-time student (2027): AU$9,880 per year

Duration

3 years full time or longer for part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Applicants with recent secondary education: Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English. PLUS: Any Maths Units 1 and 2 except Foundation Maths or Foundation Maths Unit 3 or 4 with a study score of 20.
Applicants with vocational education & training (VET/TAFE) study: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). OR: Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study: Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR: Completion of two units of Higher Education studies in Construction, Environmental Sustainability or similar. OR: Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent with a focus on mathematics.
Applicants with work & life experience: Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Construction, Environmental Sustainability or similar. OR: Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago. PLUS: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent). PLUS: Any Maths Units 1 and 2 except Foundation Maths or Foundation Maths Unit 3 or 4 with a study score of 20.

International students:

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent). PLUS: Any maths Units 1 and 2 except Foundation Maths or Foundation Maths Unit 3 or 4 with a study score of 20 (or equivalent). OR: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). PLUS: IELTS (or equivalent): An overall score of 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). OR: Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent with a focus on mathematics.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

building designer
building proprietor
contractor
developer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AACA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units20 units

NBC1111

Fundamentals of Building Construction

Core unit — 12 credit points

NBD1100

Built Environment Communication and Skills

Core unit — 12 credit points

NBC1101

Maths for Builders

Core unit — 12 credit points

NBC1112

Building Science

Core unit — 12 credit points

NBC1103

Basic Structural Mechanics

Core unit — 12 credit points

NBC1104

Structural Principles in Construction

Core unit — 12 credit points

NBC1113

Measurement and Estimating

Core unit — 12 credit points

NAD1001

Introduction to Architectural Design

Core unit — 12 credit points

NBD2001

Architectural History and Analysis

Year 2, Semester 1 — 12 credit points

NBD2002

Building Contract Documentation

Year 2, Semester 1 — 12 credit points

NAD2001

Architectural Design Studio 1

Year 2, Semester 1 — 24 credit points

NEA2201

Building Development and Compliance

Year 2, Semester 2 — 12 credit points

NBC2003

Building Systems and Services

Year 2, Semester 2 — 12 credit points

NAD2002

Architectural Design Studio 2

Year 2, Semester 2 — 24 credit points

NAD3001

Professional Architectural Practice

Year 3, Semester 1 — 12 credit points

NBC3204

Complex Construction

Year 3, Semester 1 — 12 credit points

NAD3002

Architectural Design Studio 3

Year 3, Semester 1 — 24 credit points

NBD3001

Risk and Safety Management

Year 3, Semester 2 — 12 credit points

NBD3200

Urban Design and Development

Year 3, Semester 2 — 12 credit points

NAD3003

Architectural Design Studio 4

Year 3, Semester 2 — 24 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a registered architect after completing this degree?

The Bachelor of Architectural Design alone does not qualify you as a registered architect. However, you will have the option to continue your studies by pursuing a Master of Architecture, which is necessary if you would like to become a registered architect.

How much does the Bachelor of Architectural Design cost per year?

For eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, this course is offered as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), with indicative fees of AU$9,537 per year for a full-time student in 2026. This fee is a guide only, based on a typical full-time study load, and does not include materials such as textbooks or the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). You may be able to get a HELP loan to pay for your studies.

How many credit points do I need to complete the Bachelor of Architectural Design?

To attain the Bachelor of Architectural Design, students are required to complete 288 credit points, consisting of 96 credit points of First Year Core studies and 192 credit points of Professional Core and Capstone studies.

What sustainable design principles will I learn in this course?

The Bachelor of Architectural Design focuses on sustainable design methods incorporating ideas from the circular economy, such as reusing, repurposing, refurbishing, recycling, and repairing to reduce waste and pollution. The program teaches methods that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and you will discover sustainable and socially aware architectural practices while making good use of evolving digital technology.

Are there guaranteed entry pathways into this course from other VU qualifications?

Yes, if you have completed any of the following VU courses, you will be guaranteed a place in the Bachelor of Architectural Design: Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) (144 credit points), Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying (96 credit points), Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (96 credit points), Foundations at VU, or International Foundations at VU. Note that the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) pathway will be available from Semester 2, 2026.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate ArchitectArchitectural DesignerArchitectural DrafterProject ArchitectAssociate Architect

Key Skills

Architectural design and spatial thinkingTechnical drawing, drafting, and documentationBuilding Information Modelling (BIM) and software proficiency (Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD)Sustainable and environmentally responsive designStructural systems and construction technology knowledge

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Architectural Design

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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