Architecture graduate, Jennifer McMaster
Our rankings
Ranked first in Australia for Architecture/Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings 2021 by Subject.
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
The Master of Architecture provides a dynamic studio-based learning environment that produces graduates who are forward thinking, collaborative and at the forefront of the changing architectural profession. You will be challenged to expand your conceptual and creative skills while being grounded in the requirements essential for professional registration and practice after graduation.
This degree operates around a series of studios with projects that emphasise research, design and vision. The work that you’ll undertake will be defined by industry practice, surveying the social, environmental, practical and aesthetic needs of the brief while working within the wider context of architectural theory and philosophy.
The Master of Architecture is a 2-year full-time program (part-time option available on request), consisting of 96 credit points. It is taught by some of the world leaders in architecture education and on graduation, you will join distinguished alumni who have gone on to become major figures in the architecture world both in Australia and internationally. You will have a dedicated Master of Architecture studio space that you may access 24 hours a day. Students also have access to 24-hour computer labs, the latest digital fabrication equipment, wood and metal workshops as well as a number of design studios. There are also opportunities for international exchange in the first three semesters of the program with a number of prestigious institutions worldwide.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
Offers are made on a rolling basis and places are competitive. We strongly encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. Recent graduates should include their graduate project in their portfolio. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
The following is an indicative progression for the Master of Architecture:
Year 1
| Unit code. | Unit of sudy | Sem | CP |
MARC5000 |
Induction Studio |
1 |
12 |
MARC5300 |
Architectural Technologies |
1 |
6 |
MARC5400 |
Professional Practice |
1 |
6 |
MARC5010 |
Architectural Studio 1 |
2 |
12 |
Elective |
2 |
6 |
|
Elective |
2 |
6 |
Year 2
| Unit code | Unit of Study | Sem | CP |
MARC5020 |
Architectural Studio 2 |
1 |
12 |
MARC6102 |
3D Computer Design Modelling |
1 |
6 |
|
Elective |
1 |
6 |
MARC6000 |
Thesis Studio OR |
2 |
24 |
MARC6010 |
Architectural Studio 3 AND |
2 |
12 |
MARC6020 |
Thesis |
2 |
12 |
For admission to the Master of Architecture, you need to hold a Bachelor of Design in Architecture, or a Bachelor of Architecture and Environments or equivalent from another university.
Students who have completed the Bachelor of Design in Architecture at the University of Sydney need to have completed the Master of Architecture prerequisite unit of study BDES3025 (Architectural Professional Practice) and have a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65.
Students who have completed the Bachelor of Architecture and Environments at the University of Sydney need to have completed the Master of Architecture prerequisite unit of study BDES3025 (Architectural Professional Practice), have a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65, and are required to submit a portfolio.
Students who have completed an equivalent undergraduate architecture degree at another university will need a credit average (65 percent or equivalent) over the final two years of their degree, and must submit a portfolio of work to the school and/or demonstrate practical experience.
Portfolio submission
Your work should include the best projects created during your undergraduate degree (English translation, if required), to display your skills as a designer, as well as design communication skills.
Please submit a portfolio showcasing your academic work and/or work experience. Your work should include the best projects created during your undergraduate degree (English translation, if required), to display your skills as a designer, as well as design communication skills. Students who have current work experience can include group projects on which they have contributed, ensuring they clearly outline the tasks and input they had in the work.
Please submit one portfolio for review and title the documents with labels that indicate their contents.
Portfolios should be no longer than 15 digital A3 or A4 pages, saved in PDF format under 10Mb in file size, and clearly labelled ‘Portfolio’ with your University of Sydney application number and full name.
Subscribe to our list to receive more information about submitting a portfolio.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Graduates may apply to register as an architect with the NSW Architects Registration Board and pursue a range of fields including architecture, design and the wider built environment. The Master of Architecture, preceded by the Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture and Environments or another equivalent degree, is recognised by both the Australian Institute of Architects and the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
Becoming a registered architect will open the world to graduates as the work of architects is no longer confined by geography. Opportunities for graduates lie both within Australia and overseas with a number of our past students having great successes internationally. By engaging with the environment, community and needs of clients and stakeholders, work as an architect can have a profound effect on people's lives around the world.
