Our rankings
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2017.
We’re 1st in Australia and ranked in the top 15 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment by the 2017 QS World Rankings by Subject.
This program offers strong technical education in human visual perception, methods for quantifying light, lighting technologies and sustainability. Using biology and physics, the coursework gives you a deep appreciation of the ways that light shapes the human experience of the built environment. This is complemented by a practical curriculum to prepare you for a career in the lighting industry.
All Illumination Design core units are taught in block mode intensives over several full days rather than weekly lectures.
Part-time study is available for Australian citizens and permanent residents.
You may take individual subjects as continuing professional development short courses without enrolling in a degree.
Indicative course progression
| Unit code | Unit of study | Sem | CP |
| DESC9200 | Introduction to Architectural Science | 1 | 6 |
| DESC9167 | Light and Vision | 1 | 6 |
| DESC9166 | Photometry and Colorimetry | 1 | 6 |
| Elective | 1 | 6 | |
| DESC9201 | Indoor Environmental Quality | 2 | 6 |
| DESC9164 | Lighting Technologies | 2 | 6 |
| DESC9154 | Lighting Design Software | 2 | 6 |
| DESC9198 | Subjective Analysis in Lighting design | 2 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit of study | Sem | CP |
| DESC9152 | Practice of Lighting Design | 1 | 6 |
| Elective | 1 | 6 | |
| Elective | 1 | 6 | |
| Elective | 1 | 6 |
Credit points required per semester: 24
Indicative progression based on a 72 credit point master’s degree with a Semester 1 enrolment.
A successful applicant for admission to the Master in Architectural Science will have a bachelor's degree or possess experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the course.
Students who complete the Graduate Diploma with a WAM of 70 or higher are able to apply to continue into the Master in Architectural Science in the same course stream.
This program can be taken with a secondary stream in combination with another Architectural Science Program. To undertake a double degree, the core units from the secondary degree are generally taken as the electives in the primary degree. Please see the Faculty Handbook for enrolment advice for secondary stream structure, and apply through the specific double specialisation course page.
Masters students may also opt to graduate with a lower level of certification once the required units are complete. Please note that students may commence studies in Semester 2, however some courses are only available in part-time capacity due to the units on offer.
Career pathways for graduates include employment in lighting design practices, engineering firms, lighting equipment manufacturers, architectural and design of offices, lighting distributors and independent consultancies.
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
