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Master of Architecture
Admission Requirements | Core Units of Study | Electives | Honours | Applications | Fees | Student Work | Alumni | FAQ's | Useful Links | Enquiries
Master of Architecture
The Master of Architecture is a 2 year full time professional degree. Students complete four semesters of design units, each of which is vertically integrated, giving the students the opportunity to work with and learn from each other. During the first three semesters students study in the Urban Architecture Studio, the Sustainable Architecture Studio and the Digital Architecture Studio, each for one semester, and complete a substantial Graduation Project during their fourth semester.
The studios are structured to respond to critical issues facing contemporary architectural design and to draw on expertise from the Faculty’s wide ranging graduate programs. In this way, the studios both contribute to and are informed by Faculty research.
The studios are supported by taught units in Architectural History and Theory, Advanced Architectural Technologies, and Professional Practice. In addition, there are a wide range of elective units from which students may choose in order to extend their knowledge and skills into other related areas.
In its breadth and depth of expertise, our Faculty is unique. Our staff are leaders in architecture, design, acoustics, lighting, digital design, structures, environmental psychology, planning, urban design and heritage conservation.
The core knowledge of architecture is no longer as simply and narrowly-defined as in previous times. The role of the architect is increasingly to move seamlessly, and with agility and expertise, between different environmental and design disciplines in different cultural and climatic contexts, and to make sense of, and create the contemporary world. The design process is about recognising problems as the opportunity to learn from and develop better solutions for living.
Program Coordinator: Dr Lee Stickells
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed a 3 year architecture degree.
Students who have completed the Bachelor of Design in Architecture at the University of Sydney must have completed the Master of Architecture prerequisite units of study.
Students who have completed their architecture degree from another institution need a WAM of 65 or above and submit a portfolio representative of their three years of study (A4 photocopies are acceptable).
All students must complete the Architectural Experience Requirement – at least 18 weeks of documented work experience or equivalent:
- By completing the requirements for award of the degree of Bachelor of Design in Architecture with honours; or,
- by completing professional work experience as an employee in architecture (minimum of 630 hours recorded in the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) Log Book; or
- by admission to an approved University of Sydney international exchange for the first semester of enrolment;
- by completing professional work experience in an approved related industry (minimum of 630 hours appropriately recorded); or
- by completing field study in relation to architecture (including, but not limited to, international field study), appropriately documented to the satisfaction of the Faculty; or
- by a combination of methods described above.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Master of Architecture program are entitled to register as architects with the NSW Architects Registration Board, subject to obtaining approved practical experience and passing an architectural practice examination. The combined program of Bachelor of Design in Architecture/Master of Architecture is recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
Commencing in July semester
Students may begin their studies in the March or July semester.
Student Exchange
Student exchange is available for one semester within the first 3 semesters, however all students must complete the fourth semester at the University of Sydney.
Core Units of Study
Full time, 2 years: 96 Credit Points
Core 78, Options 0, Electives 18
Semester 1 core units
- Studio A Urban Architecture (12 credit points)
- Studio B Sustainable Architecture (12 credit points)
- Studio C Digital Architecture (12 credit points)
- Advanced Technologies 1 (6 credit points) - even years only
- Modern Architectural History (6 credit points)
- Advanced Technologies 2 (6 credit points) - odd years only
Semester 2 core units
- Studio A Urban Architecture (12 credit points)
- Studio B Sustainable Architecture (12 credit points)
- Studio C Digital Architecture (12 credit points)
- Graduation Studio (12 credit points)
- Contract Documentation (6 credit points)
- Modern Architectural Theory (6 credit points)
Electives
Elective units of study
Students can choose electives from any postgraduate program from the Faculty and also from our graduate Art Workshops.
Art Workshops/Tin Sheds Gallery
We offer Graduate Art Workshops as electives. These creative units give you the opportunity to work in various allied arts media under the direction of professional artists. The Tin Sheds Gallery is also housed within the Faculty of Architecture, Design & Planning. It is a beautiful space with regular exhibitions by practicing artists.
Timetables
Timetables for the subjects can be accessed online.
Students commencing in July semester should note that some units have prerequisite units offered in March semester. This may affect enrolment choice. Students should consult the student admissions coordinator () to ensure their length of candidature will not be affected.
Honours
All Master students must have a WAM of at least 75 to be admitted to the Honour program.
Applications
Local
Application for admission into a clinical Doctorate, Master's degree by coursework, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate
CSP places are limited.
March semester - local applications received before 30 November will receive first preference, applications received by 14 December will receive second preference.
July semester – local applications received before 31 May will receive first preference, applications received by 14 June will receive second preference.
International
31 October (March semester), 30 April (July semester)
Postgraduate Coursework Application Form
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) HECS Band 2
CSP places are limited and will be allocated on the basis of date of application and Weighted Average Mark.
2009 International fees - $25,200 (per annum)
More information for postgraduate coursework fees
Student Work
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Architecture and Sustainable Design
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| ESCape 2007 - graduation exhibition
ESCape was the exhibition of graduates works from the University of Sydney Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning for 2007. The exhibition included three groups of students from the Bachelor of Design Computing, the Bachelor of Design in Architecture and the Bachelor of Architecture degree programs. This represented sum 200 students whose presentations cover a diverse range of design projects, approaches and media installations. For more information: escape 2007 website. View more photos at our photo gallery. |
Emerging City - Visions for Parramatta
At the end of last year, on 6 - 19 December, the Emerging City - Visions for Parramatta exhibition was held.
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Coordinated by Marc Aurel Schnabel, the exhibition showcased architecture’s next generation of designers, exploring novel techniques to expand the horizons of human habitation.
Graduate students of the Faculty presented us with an architectural vision for Parramatta – the emerging city within the Greater Sydney Area. Exploring digital possibilities in architectural form, media and philosophy, they present a fresh and young city that allows life, culture, work and community to find a confident identity beyond its borders. 
The above image is a proposal for Parramatta Cultural Centre (from education to exhibition), by Andrew Davis: 'the design was also a social statement about sustainability and the importance of longevity of life in what we build today through flexibility and adopting change. Views light, social interaction, flexibility and ambiguity of program are key factors'. |
Here, in a proposal called 'Digitalics', Theodora Bowering examines a dialogue between the digital and the analogue. |
Paul De Sailly's 'New Urbanism' attempts to instigate a new urbanism for the city of Parramatta that will incorporate a level of infrastructure to accommodate an increasingly urban population. It attempts to break down the hierarchy between city, building and people, and facilitate a future emergence of architecture designed at a personal scale. |
Precast Reality Studio
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In the Precast Reality Studio for students in the Master of Architectural Design degree, investigated science fiction movies (Minority Report, The Matrix, Blade Runner) in search for a visionary capacity of future architecture, society, and media.
The studio aimed at integrating knowledge from selected specialists areas: psychology (medicine), virtual/animation (computer), biomechanics (medicine), robotics (engineering), laser (physics), etc. |
by Georg Ackermann. |
by Javier Duenas. |
by Ji Yuli. |
by Emmanuelle Ratazzi. |
by Tochi Suzuki. |
Alumni Profile
Louise Cox
I always wanted to go to the university. I chose to go to the University of Sydney and take a Bachelor of Architecture degree when I completed school. This was a five year course and the longest course there that I thought that I could do! I arrived in the Faculty of Architecture in March 1957 and because of the huge intake of first year students that year we were housed in the attics of the Quadrangle on the north western side opposite to the main clock tower, above the General Lecture Theatre. There were 50 of us, 10 girls and 40 boys. There had not been such a large intake since 1946 and 1947, just after the Second World War. We had a most enjoyable time at university and most of us joined in university life to the full... [keep reading at architecture.com.au
Alumni and friends...
FAQ's
Where can I park?
Most students come by bus or train. Many senior students and most international students live in the area.City Road has on-street parking which is subject to clear zones at peak hours and is heavily monitored. The Seymour Centre carpark on Shepherd Street offers parking for a reasonable daily rate and is only a few minutes walk from the Faculty.
Where can I eat?
The University Union's Wentworth Building is on City Road about 100m from the Faculty. There are lots of great cafes on campus as well as in Glebe and Newtown which are both walking distance.
Are there opportunities for STUDENT EXCHANGE while studying?
Absolutely! Go to exchange opportunities for more information.
Are there any scholarship opportunities?
Yes, have a look at the scholarships available at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning
What sort of student services does the University of Sydney offer?
The Services for Students website has information about libraries, student centres, careers centres and student organisations.
Useful Links
- Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) for information about the architecture profession.
- Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA)
- NSW Architects Registration Board
- News & Events at the Faculty of Architecture
Enquiries
Enquiries about the Master of Architecture can be made via email or telephone to:
02 9351 2686