Master of Architecture

Master the art of architecture in the national capital

This course has a unique status as the only postgraduate architecture program in Canberra – one of the world’s most internationally recognised and fascinating model design cities. This professionally accredited two-year course focuses on the contemporary issues informing urban architecture and promotes the processes of urbanisation in architectural research.

Accredited under a process administered by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, the course will arm you with the professional and intellectual knowledge and skills needed to practice architecture nationally and internationally. You will even fine-tune your expertise in related careers, such as urban design and heritage, and can choose to pursue additional studies leading to a PhD in a range of topics, including architectural history, urban planning or digital architecture.

Study a Master of Architecture at UC and you will:

• understand analytical and theoretical approaches to site, context, program and technologies
• propose formal, spatial and programmatic resolutions for major urban scale projects
• demonstrate an understanding of the complex and challenging social, ethical, environmental, political and regulatory contexts within which architectural practice is carried out
• display an advanced ability to respond to and develop a client brief, scope of work and detailed design proposals up to the start of construction
• debate the importance of the interconnections of architecture with its cultural, theoretical, technical and historical contexts.

Work Integrated Learning

A large proportion of the Master of Architecture course is delivered in collaboration with the local architecture industry – particularly through the degree’s advanced studio units which are taught in collaboration with local practitioners. You will study ‘live’ projects and will have opportunities to network with industry leaders and emerging architects from national and local architecture firms and government agencies who will be invited to assess interim and final studio reviews of your architectural work.

Career opportunities

• Architect
• Architectural technologist
• Architectural heritage specialist
• Building designer
• Building scientist
• Urban designer
• Policymaker
• Architectural journalist, researcher or educator
• BIM modeller
• 3D renderer
• Project manager

Course specific information

To undertake the Master of Architecture, students are required to have an Australian Bachelor of the Built Environment (Architecture) or equivalent and a credit-or-above grade average in Architecture Design Studios in the second and third year of the undergraduate degree. Other students with an Architecture degree or equivalent may be admitted with permission from the course convener, as Recognition of Prior Learning applies to this course. Alternatively, because of the design-based nature of the degree, a portfolio that indicates the design ability of the candidate may be used to determine admission eligibility.

Successful completion of both the Bachelor of the Built Environment (Architecture) and the Master of Architecture will enable you to pursue steps leading to professional registration as an architect in Australia.