Bachelor Of Design in Architecture

More on the Master of Architecture

Units of Study

• List of Core Units of Study and Electives
• Timetables

Lisa Merketsyn
A year in the life of Lisa, now a second year student
You can also view her whole diary.

Here are some extracts!

I’m Lisa and I’m studying B Design (Architecture)/B Architecture.

I grew up in Albury and for all those who don’t know, it is a town on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, 6 hours drive from Sydney.

I have always wanted to study Architecture and after a bit of decision making, I decided the degree at Sydney Uni was the one for me. Unfortunately the UAI for the course was slightly higher than I got, so I went along to Sydney Uni’s Courses and Careers Day and spoke to the Dean of Architecture about the Faculty’s Flexible Entry Scheme. I submitted a portfolio and was accepted!

I wanted to live on campus but decided college life wasn’t for me, so I applied to the Sydney Uni Village (SUV).

In January I arrived at SUV, collected my keys, opened the purple door and stepped into my new home. I was happily surprised to see the bright orange couches, the green feature wall, a comfortable bed, great shower, and most importantly, nice house mates.

It was somewhere I could see myself enjoying for my first year at uni.

...Well that was one stressful month! I had to present my final design. It was huge! But the worst is over and I’m happy to say I only have one exam at the end of semester, so I can sit back and enjoy my holidays, only one more month to go.

Today we were briefed on an excursion we go on next semester. There are about 130 people studying architecture, the same number as in my grade at school, all the lectures, studios and most electives are with this same small group. You end up being familiar with everyone and making friends quite easily, which I like, it’s more personal.

It's different to school in the work and the way you work. The decision is yours, if you want to work hard you do, if you don’t you don’t. It is all a matter of what you want to get out of it.

Working closely with your peers makes this process interesting because you learn from other students’ work and develop ideas together. I think it is a really successful atmosphere for the type of course it is. You are nurtured by this close learning environment, and at the same time responsible for what you get out of it.

Joshua Morrin

The study of architecture has taught me to look at life – our daily practices and social structures, nature and the environment, and consequently the built environment – differently. It has taught me to challenge convention. Studying architecture is about a lot more than completing a set of assigned tasks, it is a time for the development of critical thinking. Inquisitiveness is encouraged and peer learning esteemed. As with most other disciplines, architecture involves a great degree of self-discipline and making the most of opportunities.

The University of Sydney provides the sort of environment which encourages such a journey. Studying here equips one with the necessary knowledge for beginning an investigation into architecture, as it is the sort of profession where there is always more to learn.

A few other impressions of this faculty: it is a nice place to be; the people are friendly and the building is the envy (perhaps not externally, but certainly internally) of at the very least the other architecture schools in NSW. The facilities, in particular the studios, art workshops and library, are of high quality.

The Honours program, in which I am currently enrolled, offers a great deal of flexibility, and working independently provides a degree of freedom (a good and a bad thing) not present in the coursework years of the BDes(Arch). For example, this is how I spent last week:

• Monday: Morning spent as assistant tutor to second year communications, then a quick hop to North Sydney to retrieve some material from a print company, before flying to Melbourne for the opening of people, places, situations:response, a touring exhibition curated by Genevieve Blanchett, a fellow student from the University of Sydney. The exhibition examines multidisciplinary responses to the various humanitarian crises of the 21st century.
• Tuesday: Early flight to Canberra, then a full day session in Media Training.
• Wednesday & Thursday: Two full days sitting as a member of the National Council of the RAIA, representing the interests of architectural students around the country. Return to Melbourne.
• Friday: Full day spent strategising, making phone calls in response to national issues of architectural education.
• Saturday: Very early flight to Sydney, then collaborating to discuss an installation for the national architectural conference. Then some time spent writing my thesis.
• Sunday: Day off + soccer (yes, there’s time for these too...).

Such a week is a rarity, it’s not always like this.

As the President of SONA, the national student membership arm of the RAIA, and which includes all accredited schools of architecture in Australia, I can attest that the facilities offered by the University of Sydney are among the best, but the overall quality of the all-round education is what, for me, satisfies most.

Andrew Burns
Neeson Murcutt Architects, BArch graduate

I chose architecture because I like the fact that it combines the technical side with creativity. It was a pretty important thing for me to do something creative.

The course seemed to be more creative in the earlier years. It is a really good general architectural education – the history of architecture, climate studies, a subject about the way people experience architecture and also computing and the design subjects. Another good thing is that the design groups are small with one tutor to about 15 people, so you get a lot of one to one contact.

The big lesson we were constantly being taught at uni is that a building should be designed according to an idea; this idea might be something like an understanding of the place, an understanding of the people using it, an understanding of the context and the type of buildings in the area.

I have had the benefit of a lot of work experience while at uni. I found a good job in first year and took it right through, so by the time I graduated I had a lot experience and it was a natural thing to be working full time. People may get work through their tutors, who are practicing architects, not academics. Tutors will often offer their students some work experience or to come through and be part of their firm.

Since uni I have been working for Neeson Murcutt architects, as an assistant. My job involves many things as it is a small practice; this means that I get involved in all parts of the process – drawings for council, working up the design, drawings for the builder, talking to the builder, meeting with engineers, getting to site and making sure the building happens according to the drawings, all the things are a part of the process of realising the building. What’s also very nice is that we have a number of projects happening simultaneously, all at different phases. This means that every day is different; you might spend the morning out at site, then spend the afternoon doing some drawings for council, talking to the builders as they might need some more information about how a window might work with a wall.

I have begun to build a good working relationship with a stack of builders, engineers and building suppliers, so I can see this being the beginning of a network that I hope to broaden over the years as I hope to build a business of my own. It would be nice to think that over the next thirty years I will still be working with some of these people.

Winston Chu
Artivia Architects, Chartered Architect and Director, BArch graduate

Why did I choose to study architecture at Sydney? Well, after completing High School at James Ruse, I attended the Open Day at Sydney University and spoke to staff and students at the Faculty of Architecture and was quite impressed by the design program and the variety of art electives offered in the Tin Sheds Gallery. Being the first Australian university to offer architectural courses, I was confident that Sydney would provide me a creative environment and a solid foundation to build on my architectural education.

In 1996, I was fortunate to be offered a travelling scholarship by Sydney University to take on a student exchange program at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. It was an eye-opening experience for me to study architecture with the Viennese and to see marvelous European architecture.

I completed the Bachelor Architecture in 1998 and worked a number of years for Peddle Thorp Architects and Kann Finch Design Group on many local and international projects.

My working experience in China with Kann Finch during the last 2 years was invaluable in the sense that the architectural training at Sydney University allowed me to adapt and adjust to the different cultures.

Recently, I have come back to Sydney to establish my own architectural practice. It is a small practice of 5 staff and we are currently working on residential, interior and industrial projects in Sydney and Shanghai. As a chartered architect and director of the company, I am responsible for the design, business development and management issues.

The employment opportunities in architecture are still very strong. Since July 2002, the State Government introduced a new law to ensure that any new residential buildings that are three storeys and above must be designed by an architect, thus ensuring stable residential work for the architectural profession. Moreover, there are still good possibilities for architects to be involved in commercial, interior and industrial projects. Due to our proximity to many Asian countries, I believe we are in a good position to export our architectural expertise to other countries such as China, Cambodia and Thailand.

The architecture degree at Sydney University is one of the best. Having experienced other schools in Europe and Asia, I believe that Sydney has excellent facilities and staff. The employment of practising architects as tutors for the design studios allow greater interface between the academic and architectural practice which will ultimately benefit both the students and practitioners.
Moreover, the increased number of scholarships on offer at the Faculty of Architecture plays an important role in rewarding talented students and pushing the boundary of design education.

The Art Workshops/Tin Sheds Gallery
The Art Workshops/Tin Sheds Gallery give you the opportunity to work in various allied arts media under the direction of professional artists. If you want to continue your studies in painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, video, screen printing, sculpture, etching, web/graphic design etc, come and do an art workshop! You can also do a specialisation in architecture and allied arts as part of your degree. More information on Art Workshops/Tin Sheds Gallery

Design Computing Labs
Our computer labs are open 24 hours/7 days per week for enrolled students and are a great resource for teaching computer-aided design and computer-aided presentation. Our servers include web servers, database servers, a virtual campus and various virtual worlds. The labs contain networked multimedia computers and workstations with high-end professional software. The labs have both Mac and PC and are linked to university and external computer networks for access to the internet.

Denis Winston Architecture Library
The Denis Winston library is a branch of the University Library and is acknowledged as the largest and best architecture, architectural science, design science, planning and allied disciplines library in Australia. Explore the specialised resources of the library, located on Level 4 of the Wilkinson Building.

Architectural and Technical Services Centre
Here you can test your models to see if you've created a windtunnel, test your own concrete slab till it breaks and find out if your design puts its neighbours in the shade! There are laboratories for audio and acoustics, illumination design, materials, ventilation, building services, mechanics, psychophysics, natural lighting, photometry, thermal environment, acoustics including anechoic and reverberant rooms, a heliodon, a wind tunnel and an urbanscope.

Audio-Visual Centre
The Audio-Visual Centre has an extensive video, audio, thesis and slide collection and a wide range of equipment to borrow including digital cameras.

Key Centre of Design Computing & Cognition
The Key Centre of Design Computing and Cognition is a collection of people within the Faculty whose main interests lie in design computing, virtual architecture and design cognition. The vision of the Key Centre is to improve the quality of design through the application of the latest developments in computing.

Planning Research Centre
The PRC furthers research in planning and development as well as sponsoring seminars, undertaking research and consultancy projects and running professional development courses.

AHURI centre

Ian Buchan Fell Housing Research Centre

What does university study cost for students?
Most of the students who study at the University of Sydney are Commonwealth supported. These students have most of the cost of their education paid by the government but must also contribute towards this cost themselves.

For architecture the annual contribution is $6,979. Each student has a seven year full time period during which they can remain commonwealth supported. This seven year period is called their ‘learning entitlement’. Australian citizens and humanitarian visa holders can pay their contribution up front at the start of each semester and receive a 20% discount, or can get a HECS HELP loan which is paid back as a levy on income tax after they are earning over a certain amount. Partial payments are also possible.

Permanent residents and New Zealand citizens must pay their contribution up front and do not receive a discount. For more info see the Commonwealth Supported Places website.

The University of Sydney also offers full fee paying places. These fees are advertised in the UAC guide and on the University’s website. Full fee paying students may apply for a Commonwealth government Fee-Help loan. Further information is available on the Fee-paying places webpage.

What will the UAI be this year?
The Faculty does not preset its UAIs and so it is impossible to answer this question. Last year’s UAI gives a good indication of what this year’s will be. In 2008 it was 93.15.

How long is the architecture course at Sydney University?
The course is 5 years. It is divided into two degrees: the 3 year Bachelor of Design in Architecture and you may then apply for the 2 year Master of Architecture.

What is the advantage of having two degrees?
Two degrees gives you increased flexibility. Not all students find that architecture is their vocation, so the BDesArch allows for changes in career direction.
Students may decide to enter one of the Faculty's graduate programs such as Urban Design, Urban and Regional Planning, Heritage Conservation, Facilities Management, Illumination Design or Digital Media. Alternatively, students might pursue something from another faculty.

Can I just do the first degree?
Yes, many students complete the first degree and go on to do further study in related areas. The first degree is focused on the built environment and design.

Do I need both degrees to be an architect?
Yes. The 5 year program is fully accredited and recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. To be registered as an architect requires completion of a recognised program – which means both degrees!

I’m not going to get the marks to get into architecture but I really want to be an architect. What should I do?
Please see If You Missed Out On A Place and also see the UAC guide.

What subjects should I choose in Year 11?
There are no prerequisites but there are two subjects which are 'assumed knowledge'. These are Maths and Advanced English. Interpretive subjects such as History, Visual Arts and Geography are also recommended.

Where is the Faculty Located?
The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning is in the Wilkinson Building at 148 City Road, Darlington as are the Tin Sheds Gallery and Art Workshops.

What textbooks do I need?
Textbooks are really not needed as we have the largest specialised architecture library in Australia located in the architecture building. Some course notes are purchased throughout the program.

What equipment do I need?
On orientation day, you will be issued with a list of recommended equipment, along with prices and addresses of where to buy at a 10% student discount.

What sort of areas can I work in as an architect?
Architectural employment, like most other professions, is affected by the economic climate. At present the job market for architects in Sydney and surrounding areas is very good. Architecture graduates specialise in heritage and conservation, public buildings (sports buildings, museum buildings, health buildings), housing, computers, interiors, restaurant design, project management, design management, information technology, planning and urban design, among others.

Do I have to be good at maths?
Mathematics is assumed knowledge, but it is not a prerequisite. This means you can get into our program without studying 2 unit maths. A maths elective is available in 1st year for students wishing to catch up.

Do I have to be able to draw - I have not done art or any technical drawing before?
You don’t need to have been taught drawing at school – we'll do that for you. Drawing is one of the design communication skills that is taught in first and second year.

Will I be able to continue doing art?
One of the great things about our Faculty is that we have the Art Workshops and Tin Sheds Gallery. They offer many subjects which can be taken as electives or as a specialised stream in your degree: painting, screen painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, web design etc.

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?
We have a great new cafe, Artos, in our building for coffee and food, otherwise you can eat at Wentworth Building 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 in walking distance.

Are there opportunities for Student Exchange while studying?
Absolutely! Go to the StudyAbroad website for more information. Generally we suggest to think about exchange in 4th year.

Are there any scholarships in the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning?
Yes! Faculty scholarships are available.

• News & Coming Events
• How To Find Us (Maps)
• Services for Students
• Why Study With Us?
• International Office
• Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA)
• Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA)
• NSW Architects Registration Board

Careers in Urban Design & Planning
Studying at the University of Sydney to become an urban planner requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning. By studying the Bachelor of Design in Architecture, with a specialisation in Urban Design and Planning, students can fast track their Planning masters and complete the two degrees in four years. This means students will graduate with: BDesARch(Urban Design and Planning)/Masters of Urban and Regional Planning.

This qualifies graduates to registration with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) as a registered professional planner. As urban and regional planners, graduates will be at the forefront of the sustainable management of our cities and regions. You will be working in government and the private sector and will guide urban and regional change and manage the social, environmental and economic impacts of development.

Handbook reference: A graduate of the Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Urban Design and Planning) at the University of Sydney may be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of unspecified credit from coursework undertaken in that degree, towards the elective requirements of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning.