Course overview

Description

The Master of Architecture is the professional degree in Architecture accredited in Australia by the Architects Board of Western Australia. The degree is validated internationally by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and, through the Canberra Accords, by other international registration agencies. The course prepares students for a professional career in architecture or in an allied field, providing the knowledge and skills central to success in practice.

The course is characterised by a strong emphasis on design expertise; a significant focus on technical and environmental proficiency; and the development of professionally relevant research skills. It comprises a core program in conceptual and detailed design, technology and professional practice. Students have the opportunity to choose option units from across critical studies, technical studies and design streams to increase their knowledge in a range of areas of architecture. Alternatively, students may choose to complete a specific Focus Area of study from amongst a list provided; or to undertake a Research Pathway.

Course title
Master of Architecture (coursework or coursework and dissertation)
Award abbreviation
MArch
Course code
25520
Course type
Master's degree by coursework or by coursework and dissertation
Status
Current / 2024
Administered by
UWA Design School
CRICOS code
084738G

Course details

Intake periods
Beginning of year and mid-year
Attendance type
Full- or part-time (Student visa holders should read Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 for more information.)
Credit points required
168
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester.
Standard course duration
2 years (for students with an architectural background) full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising 96 points of taught units and 72 points of admission credit, as recognised and granted by the School
Maximum course duration
3.5 years (for graduates of other disciplines) full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising up to 168 points of taught study (see Rule 5 for further information)
Professional accreditation
Master of Architecture (coursework or coursework and dissertation) is accredited by: AACA / Architects Board of Western Australia.
Time limit
7 years
Delivery mode
Internal
Locations offered
UWA (Perth)
Domestic fee type
Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP
Available to international students
Yes. For information on international student fees see 'Student Procedures: Fees'. (Enquiries: https://www.uwa.edu.au/askuwa)
Course Coordinator(s)
Dr Beth George
Fees
Visit the fees calculator.

Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.

No study plans found for this course. See study plans for more information.

Specialisations

FA-BDIMD Building Information Modelling
FA-LNDSN Landscape Design
FA-SIDSN Social Impact Design
FA-UBDSN Urban Design

Course structure

Key to availability of units:
S1
Semester 1
S2
Semester 2
N/A
not available in 2024 – may be available in 2025 or 2026
NS
non-standard teaching period

All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.

For students in Course by Coursework without a Focus Area, take all Core units (42 points) and 54 points of Option units, consisting of 12 to 36 points from Option Group A, at least 6 points from Option Group B, and at least 6 points from Option Group C.

For students in Course by Coursework with a Focus Area, take all Core units (42 points), all required units from the selected Focus Area (24 points), and 30 points of Option units as specified by the Focus Area.

For students in Course by Coursework and Dissertation, take all Core units (42 points), all units from the Dissertation (24 points), and 30 points of Option units from Group A, B, or C.

Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Architecture or equivalent as recognised by the faculty, must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 72 points.

Take all units (42 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1ARCT4430Architectural Technology, Structures and Services
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
25520 Master of Architecture (ID 6)
lectures face-face and online; site visits: 2 hours per week every alternate week; seminars: 2 hours per week
S2ARCT4440Project Implementation and Documentation
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
25520 Master of Architecture (ID 6)
3 hours seminar per week x 11 weeks; lectures: 1.5 hour per week x 11 weeks)
S1ARCT4461Architectural PracticeNoneface-to-face tutorials: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks (in preparation for these seminars students are required each week to do 1-2 hours prior study of resources which is available on the Learning Management System). Plus face to face lectures for 6 weeks.
S1, S2ARCT5101Architecture Studio (12 points)
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
25520 Master of Architecture (ID 6)
studio: up to 4 hours per week
S1, S2ARCT5201Detailed Design Studio (12 points)
Prerequisites
ARCT5101 Architecture Studio
studio: 4 hours per week

Students without a focus area or dissertation must complete units from Group A to the value of at least 12 points to a maximum of 36 points.

Group A
AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2ARCT5102Architecture Studio 2 (12 points)
Prerequisites
ARCT5101 Architecture Studio 1
studio: up to 4 hours per week
S1, S2ARCT5202Detailed Design Studio 2 (12 points)
Prerequisites
ARCT5201 Detailed Design Studio 1
studio: up to 4 hours per week
NSARCT5301Intensive Architecture Studio 1 (12 points)
Prerequisites
ARCT3000/3001 ARCT3030
studio: 12 hours per week
NSARCT5302Intensive Studio 2 (12 points)
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
ARCT5301 Intensive Architecture Studio (ID 5301)
studio: 12 hours per week
S1, S2ARCT5502Independent Design Research (12 points)
Prerequisites
ARCT5101
and ARCT5201 and the submission of a design proposal to the satisfaction of the unit coordinator.
the completion of at least 48 points of study.
and a current weighted average mark in the Master of Architecture of at least 70 per cent.
Generally one hour per week during the semester, through individual supervision.
S2URBD5802Urban Design Studio 2 (12 points)None6 hours studio per week

Students without a focus area or dissertation must complete units from Group B to the value of at least 6 points. For these students the total units completed from Groups A, B and C must equal 54 points.

Group B
AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
N/AARCT5511Utopia/Disaster and Imagining the CityNonelectures and seminars: 3 hours per week for up to 11 weeks
S2ARCT5513Near Future Scenarios for a New Architectural EraNone3 hour seminar each week
S2ARCT5528Delivering Good DesignNoneup to 3 hours per week for up to 12 weeks
S1ARCT5529Forensic ArchitectureNoneseminars: 3 hours per week for up to 12 weeks
N/AARCT5531Suburban CulturesNoneseminars: 3 hours per week for up to 12 weeks
S1ARCT5576Introduction to Architectural Conservation
Incompatibility
ARCT5583 Introduction to Architectural Conservation
Lectures: 24 hours; tutorials/site visits: 11 hours
N/AARCT5577Conservation in Cultural Landscapes, Historic Towns and Urban Precincts
Incompatibility
ARCT5505 Conservation in Cultural Landscapes, Historic Towns and Urban Precincts
Introductory lecture: 1 x 2 hours; lectures/field work exercises/seminars: 3 hours per week
N/AARCT5578Building PicturesNoneseminars: up to 3 hours a week for 12 weeks
N/AARCT5586Australian Architecture in a Global SettingNoneseminars: up to 3 hours per week
N/AARCT5595Digital Design JournalNone1 hour per week and 1 hour online per week
S2ARLA4506Research Strategies in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Architecture
Incompatibility
ARCT4470 Architectural Research Seminar.
LACH4506 Research Methodologies: New Directions in Landscape Architecture.
URBD5820 Urban Design Research Methods
1 hour lecture; 2 hours tutorial
S1LACH4505Critical Theory: 'isms and 'ologies in Landscape ArchitectureNoneseminars: 3–4 hours per week
S1URBD5803Sustainability and CitiesNone1 hour lecture; 2 hours tutorial per week
S2URBD5805Contemporary UrbanismNone1 hour lecture; 2 hours tutorial per week
S1URBD5807The Forces that Shape Cities
Incompatibility
URBD8807 Evolution of the City
1 hour lecture and 2 hour tutorial per week

Students without a focus area or dissertation must complete units from Group C to the value of at least 6 points. For these students the total units completed from Groups A, B and C must equal 54 points.

Group C
AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S2ARCT5510HousingNoneseminars: 2 hours per week for 11 weeks; lectures: 1 hour per week for 11 weeks
N/AARCT5518BIM Workflows
Prerequisites
BLDG5000 BIM Authors
or BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
lectures: 1 hour per week; tutorials: 2 hours per week
S1ARCT5520Drawing ResilienceNoneLectures and tutorials 36 hours: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks from week 1
S1ARCT5521Empowering Communities Through DesignNone3 hours per week
S2ARCT5536Photo Real RenderingNoneworkshops: 3 hours per week
N/AARCT5555Graduating Portfolio
Prerequisites
Within the last 48 points in the Master of Architecture.
ARCT4430, ARCT4440, ARCT4461 Architectural Practice, ARCT5101, ARCT5201
up to 3 hours per week—students access online lectures and attend seminar presentation sessions each week
S2ARCT5575Practical Building Conservation
Incompatibility
ARCT5508 Practical Building Conservation
Introductory lecture: 1 x 2 hours; lectures/field work exercises/tutorials: 3 hours per week
N/AARCT5580Advanced Architectural AnimationNone36 (workshops: 12 x 3 hours per week)
N/AARCT5581Key TextsNone36 (lectures/seminars: 12 x 3 hours per week)
S1ARCT5589Furniture DesignNonelectures: 12 hours; seminars/workshops: 24 hours
S2ARCT5590Architectural StudiesNone36hrs lectures/seminars
S2ARCT5593Furniture: from prototype to productionNonelectures: 12 hours; seminars/workshops: 24 hours
N/AARCT5595Digital Design JournalNone1 hour per week and 1 hour online per week
N/AARCT5885Bio-Based Materials in Global SettingsNonelectures: 1 hour; workshop/practical classes; 2 hours for up to 12 weeks
S1BLDG5000BIM Authors
Prerequisites
To take this unit students must be enrolled in the Master of Building Information Modelling course 25540
or 25560 Master of Building Information Modelling (Online) (coursework)
or Master of Architecture
or Graduate Diploma in Building Information Modelling (25340)
Incompatibility
Successful completion of
or Unit(s) BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
Enrolment in
Unit(s) BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
3 hours per week.
S1BLDG5300BIM Sustainability
Prerequisites
Students must be enrolled in 25540 Master of Building Information Modelling (coursework)
or 25560 Master of Building Information Modelling (Online) (coursework)
or Master of Architecture
or Graduate Diploma in Building Information Modelling (25340)
Co-requisites
Enrolment in
Or Unit(s) BLDG5000 BIM Authors
Enrolment in
Unit(s) BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
Incompatibility
BLDG5301 BIM Sustainability Online (ID 7087)
3 hours per week.
NSLAWS5398Construction Law
Co-requisites
enrolment in
Master of Mining and Energy Laws (20550), Master of International Commercial Law (21510), Graduate Diploma in Mining and Energy Law (20370), Graduate Diploma in Law (20320), Master of Commercial and Resources Law (20560)
or Master of Laws (20500)
or Master of Architecture (25520)
Incompatibility
LAWS5208 Oil and Gas Project Development Law
This unit will run 25-27 September 2024. Please refer to the timetable website for session times and venues. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
NS, S1, S2WILG5001Work Integrated Learning Internship Program
Prerequisites
Completion of 24 points of post graduate units and approval from the unit coordinator.
Industry experience: 100 hours Online sessions with Unit Coordinator: 1-2 hours

For students completing the course by coursework and dissertation, take all units in this group (24 points) and select additional unit(s) from Groups A, B and/or C to the value of 30 points.

Dissertation

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2ARCT5010Independent Research Part 1
Prerequisites
Completion of at least 48 points of study and a current weighted average mark in the Master of Architecture of at least 70% and a mark of at least 70% in ARLA4506 Research Strategies in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Architecture
meetings with supervisor: approx 1 hour per week; presentations: through semester
S1, S2ARCT5011Independent Research Part 2 (12 points)
Co-requisites
ARCT5010 Independent Research Part 1
meetings with supervisor: approx 1 hour per week; presentations: through semester
S2ARLA4506Research Strategies in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Architecture
Incompatibility
ARCT4470 Architectural Research Seminar.
LACH4506 Research Methodologies: New Directions in Landscape Architecture.
URBD5820 Urban Design Research Methods
1 hour lecture; 2 hours tutorial

Building Information Modelling (focus area)

Take all units from this specialisation group (24 points) and select 1 additional unit from Group A (12 points) and 3 additional units from Groups B and C (18 points), with at least 1 unit from Group B (6 points).

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1BLDG5000BIM Authors
Prerequisites
To take this unit students must be enrolled in the Master of Building Information Modelling course 25540
or 25560 Master of Building Information Modelling (Online) (coursework)
or Master of Architecture
or Graduate Diploma in Building Information Modelling (25340)
Incompatibility
Successful completion of
or Unit(s) BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
Enrolment in
Unit(s) BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
3 hours per week.
S1BLDG5300BIM Sustainability
Prerequisites
Students must be enrolled in 25540 Master of Building Information Modelling (coursework)
or 25560 Master of Building Information Modelling (Online) (coursework)
or Master of Architecture
or Graduate Diploma in Building Information Modelling (25340)
Co-requisites
Enrolment in
Or Unit(s) BLDG5000 BIM Authors
Enrolment in
Unit(s) BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
Incompatibility
BLDG5301 BIM Sustainability Online (ID 7087)
3 hours per week.
S1, S2BLDG5800Major Project (12 points)
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
or Unit(s) BLDG5000 BIM Authors
Successful completion of
Unit(s) BLDG5001 BIM Authors Online
Co-requisites
BLDG5100 BIM Dimensions
or BLDG5101 BIM Dimensions Online.
BLDG5200 Digital Site
or BLDG5201 Digital Site Online.
BLDG5300 BIM Sustainability
or BLDG5301 BIM Sustainability Online.
BLDG5500 BIM Network Teams
or BLDG5501 Network Teams Online.
BLDG5700 BIM Manager
or BLDG5701 BIM Manager Online.
Incompatibility
BLDG5801 Major Project Online (ID 7089)
3 hour studio per week

Landscape Design (focus area)

Take units from this specialisation group (24 points) and select 1 additional unit from Group A (12 points) and 3 additional units from Groups B and C (18 points), with at least 1 unit from Group B (6 points).

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1LACH4423Landscape and Urban EcologyNoneseminar (lectures: 1 hour per week and seminars: 3 hours per week)

Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S2LACH4421Australian LandscapesNoneseminars: 3–4 hours per week
S1LACH4505Critical Theory: 'isms and 'ologies in Landscape ArchitectureNoneseminars: 3–4 hours per week

Take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S2LACH5422Design Studio—Making (12 points)
Incompatibility
LACH4422 Design Studio—Making
up to 9 hours per week
S1LACH5424Design Studio—Complexity (12 points)
Incompatibility
LACH4424 Design Studio—Complexity
studio: up to 9 hours per week

Social Impact Design (focus area)

Take all units from this group (12 points).

Note: Please note in 2024 students should take ARCT5590 Architectural Studies instead of ARCT5885 Bio-Based Materials in Global Settings. Contact your Student Office.

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1ARCT5521Empowering Communities Through DesignNone3 hours per week
N/AARCT5885Bio-Based Materials in Global SettingsNonelectures: 1 hour; workshop/practical classes; 2 hours for up to 12 weeks

Take one unit from this group (12 points) to complete a studio with an approved Social Impact topic; and select additional units from Groups A, B and C to the value of 30 points, including at least 6 points from Group B.

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2ARCT5102Architecture Studio 2 (12 points)
Prerequisites
ARCT5101 Architecture Studio 1
studio: up to 4 hours per week
S1, S2ARCT5202Detailed Design Studio 2 (12 points)
Prerequisites
ARCT5201 Detailed Design Studio 1
studio: up to 4 hours per week

Urban Design (focus area)

Take all units from this specialisation group (24 points) and select 1 additional unit from Group A (12 points) and 3 additional units from Groups B and C (18 points), with at least 1 unit from Group B (6 points).

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1URBD5803Sustainability and CitiesNone1 hour lecture; 2 hours tutorial per week
S1URBD5804Urban Design Studio 1 (12 points)None6 hours studio per week
S1URBD5807The Forces that Shape Cities
Incompatibility
URBD8807 Evolution of the City
1 hour lecture and 2 hour tutorial per week

See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.

Rules

Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures

1.(1) The Student Rules apply to students in this course.

(2) The policy, policy statements and guidance documents and student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

Academic Conduct Essentials and Communication and Research Skills modules

2.(1) A student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module) and the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module).

(2) A student must successfully complete the ACE module within the first teaching period of their enrolment. Failure to complete the module within this timeframe will result in the student's unit results from this teaching period being withheld. These results will continue to be withheld until students avail themselves of a subsequent opportunity to achieve a passing grade in the ACE module. In the event that students complete units in subsequent teaching periods without completing the ACE module, these results will similarly be withheld. Students will not be permitted to submit late review or appeal applications regarding results which have been withheld for this reason and which they were unable to access in the normally permitted review period.

English Language competency requirements

3. To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework.

Admission requirements

4. To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;

and

(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 60 per cent.

Admission ranking and selection

5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

Articulations and exit awards

6. This course does not form part of an articulated sequence.

Course structure

7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 168 points (maximum value) which includes conversion units to a value of 72 points, course core units and focus area units. The course comprises the following focus areas :

  • FA-BDIMD Building Information Modelling
  • FA-LNDSN Landscape Design
  • FA-SIDSN Social Impact Design
  • FA-UBDSN Urban Design

(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.

(3) Students who have completed a Bachelor of Arts with co-requisite majors in Architecture, or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty are granted credit for conversion units up to a value of 72 points.

Satisfactory progress

8. To make satisfactory progress a student must pass units to a point value greater than half the total value of units in which they remain enrolled after the final date for withdrawal without academic penalty.

9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.

Progress status

10.(1) A student who makes satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 8 is assigned the status of 'Good Standing'.

(2) Unless the relevant board determines otherwise because of exceptional circumstances—

(a) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the first time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'On Probation';

(b) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the second time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'Suspended';

(c) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the third time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'Excluded'.

11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.

Award with distinction

12. To be awarded the degree with distinction a student must achieve a course weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 80 per cent which is calculated based on—

(a) all units above Level 3 attempted as part of the course that are awarded a final percentage mark;

(b) all relevant units above Level 3 undertaken in articulating courses of this University that are awarded a final percentage mark;

and

(c) all units above Level 3 completed at this University that are credited to the master's degree course.

Deferrals

13. Applicants awarded admission to the course are entitled to a deferral of up to 12 months, as per the University Policy on: Admissions (Coursework).

Additional rules
Time limit

14.(1) Unless the University approves an extension, the time limit is seven years from the beginning of the semester in which the first unit is credited towards the course.

[Approved exception to University Policy]