Master of Architecture

The process for the Initial Accreditation of the Master of Architecture course has commenced between the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), the Northern Territory Architects Board (NTAB), and Charles Darwin University (CDU). This process is being undertaken in accordance with the Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure and is subject to the outcome of the Accreditation Review Panel. The Initial Accreditation Review is scheduled to occur during Semester 2, 2027.

Once accreditation has been successfully achieved, graduates who have completed a minimum of 3,300 hours (approximately two years, at least one year of which must be postgraduate) of practical experience under the supervision of an Architect, will be eligible to undertake the Architectural Practice Examination (APE). A successful pass of the APE will enable graduates to be eligible for Professional Registration with any Architects Board in Australia.

Applicants must have successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree in architecture or equivalent international qualification, and either a GPA of at least 4.5 from the eligible bachelor degree in Architecture, or at least six months post-degree employment experience in professional architectural fields within Australia. Applicants using the work experience pathway must upload a CV detailing their experience to their SATAC application.

A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points. This includes 10 core units worth 140 credit points, covering architectural design studios, professional practice, technology, environmental and research units. Students also complete one specialist elective worth 20 credit points, choosing between an Architecture Practice Placement (ARC591) or an Architecture Research Project (ARC823), both worth 20 credit points.

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $37,672.00. This equates to $4,709.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year. CDU also offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.