Architecture A major
Architecture provides a rich experience in creative thinking across a broad set of studies bridging the humanities and the sciences. In this major, students engage with the ideas and processes involved in making interventions within built and natural environments. Practical application is supported by consideration of relevant theoretical and ethical aspects of architecture. Units in technology, science, history, theory and communication provide core knowledge of the architecture discipline. In these, students learn how to think and communicate through analytical, critical and representational modes. Running in parallel are the design studio units which offer an immersive and integrative experience. In these units, project-based learning develops students' propositional capacities in relation to a range of contextual concerns: theoretical, environmental, technical, material and spatial. Students learn how to conceptualise and design single buildings, urban configurations and landscapes in response to existing and emerging economic and social needs and desires. Manual and digital technologies and production methods are used to generate drawings, models and prototypes.
The major Architecture A includes an emphasis on discovery through drawing in both digital and analogue forms; grounding in cultural landscapes and integration of culturally diverse content; engagement with contexts that are local, regional and international; and an embedding across learning areas of a deep appreciation for sustainability. Students who wish to progress to the Master of Architecture must successfully complete the co-requisite Architecture majors and associated complementary units.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate capacity for analytical, critical and propositional modes of thought; (2) respond creatively to local, regional and international contexts, issues and practices; (3) engage critically with the history and theory of architecture and allied disciplines; (4) integrate technical knowledge and skill in resolving design proposals ranging from simple to moderate complexity; (5) demonstrate advanced understanding of the implications for architecture of sustainability; (6) work productively in collaborative and transdisciplinary situations; and (7) communicate at a sophisticated level through a range of manual and digital media.
Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.
Architecture A can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
BP011 Bachelor of Environmental Design
BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Architecture B is a co-requisite of the Architecture A major.
Overview of unit sequence
Architecture A is a degree-specific single major comprising:
- four Level 1 units
- three Level 2 units
- three Level 3 units
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2; NS = non-standard teaching period |
Level 1
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | ARCT1001 | Architecture Studio 1 |
|
| S2 | ARCT1010 | Drawing History | |
| S1 | ARCT1011 | Art, Technology and Society |
|
| S1 | ARLA1040 | Techniques of Visualisation |
|
Level 2
Take all units from this group (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ARCT2000 | Architecture Studio 2 |
|
| S1 | ARCT2010 | Parallel Modernities in Architecture | |
| S2 | ARCT2050 | Environmental Design |
|
Level 3
Take all units (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2, NS | ARCT3001 | Architecture Studio 4 | |
| S1 | ARCT3010 | History and Theories of the Built Environment |
|
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | ARCT3040 | Advanced Design Thinking |
|
| S1 | ARCT3050 | Active Matter |
|
Choosing your degree-specific major
Specialised degrees – Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours), Bachelor of Automation and Robotics, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Music
You must satisfy the requirements of the degree-specific major in your degree before you complete your course.
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This comprehensive degree does not allow you to choose a double major.
General degrees
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how the Architecture A degree-specific major can be included in the Bachelor of Environmental Design course.
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .