About

Work in award-winning, purpose-designed facilities, including dedicated design studios and workshops that are accessible 24/7 - UniSA is ranked No.1 in South Australia for Architecture facilities¹.
Study in a creative and multidisciplinary setting with students from the related fields of architecture, interior architecture, urban planning, contemporary art, product and communication design, journalism, communication and media, film and television, animation, and the creative industries.
Learn from internationally renowned and experienced teachers with industry-leading expertise and experience and world-class leaders in research - UniSA's research in design is ranked world-class².
Pursue and develop specific areas of interest through design-based research and electives study focusing on Sustainable Design, Design and Construct, Urban and Regional Planning, and Construction and Project Management.
Have the opportunity to take part in our unique award-winning Design and Construct courses, where you will collaborate in designing and building real-world projects across Australia - the longest-running and largest practice-based teaching program of its type in Australia.
Benefit from our strong relationships with local, national and international architectural practices through experienced practitioner teachers and professional placement learning experiences. Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for Graduate Careers in Architecture³.
UniSA is home to Australia's only Architecture Museum filled with over 200,000 items, including records, drawings, and photographs of Australian architecture.
Enhance your employment prospects by also enrolling in the Master of Design after completing the Master of Architecture where you can focus on expanding a specialised career in Sustainable Design or Design and Construct.
Enhance your employment prospects by also enrolling in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning after completing the Master of Architecture where you can focus on expanding a specialised career in urban planning.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World's Top Young Universities⁴, we'll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it'll feel like you're studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Architecture and Built Environment – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
²Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
³ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Architecture and Built Environment – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

This master-level degree will provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of design principles and methods; building structures and construction systems; digital design and communication methods; sustainable design strategies; how contemporary architectural practice operates; and the social and cultural history that shapes our world, including Aboriginal and First Nations cultural practices.

This degree has a strong practical focus – in design studio classes you will design complex projects informed by contemporary architectural practice and construction, as well as undertake research and hands-on learning through industry-based professional placements and industry-led and practically-focussed coursework.

To successfully graduate from this degree, you must complete a total of eight core courses (54 units) and four electives (18 units); including advanced design studios that focus on the Environment, Construction, and Context, and integration of supporting courses focusing on design-based research and, how professional architectural practices operate.

Four elective courses offer you the opportunity to develop specific areas of interest in Design and Construct, Planning and Urban Design, Construction and Project Management, or Sustainable Design, further complimented by electives focusing on research, national and international study tours, and industry experience through professional placements.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

English Requirements

PTEMin 58
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career

Architects are creative problem solvers by nature. They immerse themselves in new design technologies and construction materials and push the boundaries of what is possible. They work collaboratively with their clients and other planning, design, and construction-related professionals to realise their clients' design imagination. A career in architecture is rewarding because you get the opportunity to shape and transform the world around you. Our graduates are also in demand, with UniSA ranked No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers in architecture¹. Careers to consider:

*Architect: combine creative design with technical knowledge to create sustainable solutions for the built environment
Urban designer: design at the urban scale and participate in educating civic leaders and the public about shaping our streets, suburbs, and cities
Heritage consultant: develop sustainable re-use practices in design to protect and maintain heritage sites of important ongoing cultural value
Project or construction manager: involves initiating, planning, and managing a team to deliver projects of varying scales and complexities.

* The professionally accredited Master of Architecture qualification is required under the Architectural Practice Act (SA, 2009) to seek future registration as an 'architect' in South Australia and New Zealand. Only those practitioners registered with architectural registration boards in each State and Territory in Australia, including the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, are entitled to use the title 'architect' by law. Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, or equivalent qualifications from other education providers, may apply for entry into the Master of Architecture.

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Architecture and Built Environment – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is professionally accredited by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, endorsing the architecture qualifications of graduates required for registration as an architect. Accreditation demonstrates the achievement of relevant competencies from the AACA National Competency Standards in Architecture.

The Australian Institute of Architects recognises the program, endorsing architecture qualifications required for membership of the AIA, including student and graduate membership. Recognition of the program demonstrates compliance with the Institute's Education Policy Performance Criteria.

Fee Information

How to Apply

Set off on a new course in life by applying to become an international student at the University of South Australia. Just follow these four steps.

The University of South Australia does not charge an application fee.

Find the best program for you

Start your search and discover the possibilities

Check entry requirements

Make sure you are aware of entry requirements for the University as well as individual program requirements.

English language requirements
Guidelines on genuine temporary entry
Guidelines on living costs and evidence of funds

Undergraduate – you must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 program or an equivalent program in your home country or a recognised Pathway or Foundation Studies Program. If you are an international student studying Year 12 in Australia you need to apply via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).

Postgraduate – At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

See if you need to apply through a registered UniSA Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through a registered UniSA education agent unless you are already onshore in Australia. View the full list of countries by citizenship here.

You will also find a full list of registered UniSA agents on our website (Find an agent).

Find an agent

Apply using our online International Application System

Once you have found the program you wish to study, from the program's home page click 'apply online' which will take you to our easy to use online International Application System. What can you expect from UniSA’s new International Application System:

A quick and easy to use online application form
Ability to track the progress of your application throughout the submission, assessment, offer and acceptance stages
Ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment through our secure online system

Accept your offer

Follow our step-by-step guide to accepting your offer, then get excited preparing for student life in Adelaide.

Important information

There is no closing date for submitting your application. Application outcomes will be advised within one to two weeks from the date we receive your application and all required supporting documentation. If you require a student visa, you will need to allow additional time to apply for a student visa.