Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

Swinburne University of Technology

CRICOS Institution Code 00111D

Duration

156 weeks

Delivery

On Campus

Study Load

Full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1: 01-March-2027 (Hawthorn)

Course Overview

About This Course

Architecture shapes the ways we live and connect. In our Bachelor of Design (Architecture), you'll study design, construction, cultural contexts, and more – all under the guidance of world-renowned academics. Get more than just theory, gain the hands-on experience the industry desires. Design, create, and make in our ProtoLAB with 3D printers, laser cutters, robots, and more. Along the way you'll build skills in areas like Strong communication skills, Concept generation, Design promoting health and wellbeing, Knowledge of construction technology, Digital analysis and fabrication skills. Graduates typically move into roles such as Building designer, Building project management, Design coordination, 3D architectural modeller, Structural drafter.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

John St, Hawthorn, VIC 3122

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

9537

Duration

156 weeks

Intakes

Semester 1: 01-March-2027 (Hawthorn)

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
Completion of a related Diploma or completed or partial completion of a related Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree or Degree.
Guaranteed Entry ATAR 75.0 Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 [after adjustment factors] 72
A study score of 25 in Product Design and Technologies, Media, any Mathematics, Art Making and Exhibiting, Systems Engineering or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study.
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) 2 years full-time, 7 units max credit Find out more (Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural))
Diploma of Design (UniLink) 8 months full-time, 8 units max credit Find out more (Diploma of Design (UniLink))

International students:

Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.
IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
Or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Diploma of Design (UniLink) 8 months, 8 units max credit Find out more (Diploma of Design (UniLink))

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Building designer
Building project management
Design coordination
3D architectural modeller
Structural drafter
Architectural consultant or designer

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 Units19 units

ARC10003

Contexts of Architectural History

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

DDD10006

Introductory Design Studio

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

DIA10001

Construction 1: Building Systems and Materials

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

DIA10005

Interior Architecture Communication

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

ARC10001

Architectural Design Studio 1 (Communication)

Core unit, 25.0 credit points

ARC20003

Cross-cultural Contexts

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

DIA20003

Interior Architecture Digital Documentation 1

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

ARC20001

Architectural Design Studio 2 (Socio-economic Contexts)

Core unit, 25.0 credit points

DIA20001

Construction 2: Building Services and Documentation Packages

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

ARC20002

Architectural Design Studio 3 (Construction)

Core unit, 25.0 credit points

DIA30001

Construction 3: Sustainability

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

WEI20001

Work Experience in Industry A

Practical unit, 25.0 credit points

DDD20031

Integrated Professional Placement A - Design

Academic unit, 25.0 credit points

WEI20002

Work Experience in Industry B

Practical unit, 25.0 credit points

DDD20032

Integrated Professional Placement B - Design

Academic unit, 25.0 credit points

ARC30001

Architectural Design Studio 4 (Construction)

Core unit, 25.0 credit points

ARC30003

Architectural Communication 2

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

ARC30002

Architectural Design Studio 5

Core unit, 25.0 credit points

ARC30004

Professional Practice 1: BIM (Building Information Management)

Core unit, 12.5 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of hands-on facilities and equipment will I have access to in this course?

Students in the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) have access to the ProtoLAB, which is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, robots (including KUKA robots), CNC machines, and more, allowing you to design, create, and make real projects throughout your studies.

Is there any industry experience built into the Bachelor of Design (Architecture)?

Yes, Work Integrated Learning is a guaranteed part of all bachelor degrees at Swinburne. In this degree, you'll learn from industry specialists in custom created studio and professional practice focused units, and the program can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects.

Do I need to submit a portfolio to apply, and if so, what should it include?

Non-year 12 applicants or those seeking advanced standing must submit a digital portfolio of up to eight pages via Slideroom and respond to four design-related questions. The portfolio should show evidence of your ability to think spatially, critically and creatively. Acceptable works include product design, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, visual art, graphic design or other visual media, as well as concept sketches or working drawings that display your thinking process.

What ATAR do I need to be guaranteed a place in this course?

You are guaranteed a place in the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) if you meet or exceed the Guaranteed Entry ATAR of 75.0 and meet the course prerequisites. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 (after adjustment factors) was 72. If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you may still receive an offer as your ATAR can be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.

What career outcomes can I expect after completing this degree?

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) can pursue careers as a building designer, in building project management, design coordination, as a 3D architectural modeller, structural drafter, or as an architectural consultant or designer. Swinburne is also ranked #1 in Melbourne for graduates found in full-time employment 4 months after completing their degree.

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.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$55,000 – $75,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$75,000 – $95,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$95,000 – $120,000/yr

Career Paths

Graduate Architect
Architectural Designer
Architectural Drafter
Project Architect
Associate Architect

Key Skills

Architectural design and spatial thinking
Technical drawing, drafting, and documentation
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and software proficiency (Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD)
Sustainable and environmentally responsive design
Structural systems and construction technology knowledge

Full course overview

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Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

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

Hear From the Students