Bachelor of Architectural Studies

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is an undergraduate pathway to the professionally accredited postgraduate Master of Architecture, which has professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and is accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). The Bachelor of Architectural Studies alone does not qualify you for registration — to become a registered architect, you must also complete the Master of Architecture, two years of professional work experience, and undertake the professional practice exam.

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies contains a total of 144 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 3 years with full-time study or 4–6 years with part-time study. Students must complete 7 design studio courses (54 UOC), 11 core courses (66 UOC), 2 free elective courses (12 UOC) from within the School of Built Environment or other faculties, and 2 general education courses (12 UOC) from other faculties.

For 2026, the lowest selection rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) that received an offer was 92.0, and the lowest ATAR before adjustment factors were applied was 78.15. International applicants require an International ATAR of 87.0. Students who do not meet direct entry requirements may be eligible to apply via Portfolio Entry, the University Preparation Program, or other admission pathways, as well as adjustment factor schemes such as HSC Plus, Elite Athletes Performers and Leaders (EAPL), and the Educational Access Scheme (EAS).

Students in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies gain access to professional tools and software including a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and advanced design studios like the Design Futures Lab. The program provides hands-on experience in digital fabrication, 3D modelling and spatial analysis, and students study at UNSW's world-leading School of Built Environment, which is ranked #33 globally for architecture & built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies covers a broad range of areas including architectural design, architectural communications (drawing, digital tools and model-making), architectural history and theory, architectural science and technology, and architectural construction and structures. The curriculum also integrates environmental sustainability, construction principles, digital design, climate-responsive architecture, housing, cultural safety, and First Nations knowledge systems and inclusive design principles.