Our rankings
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Ranked top 20 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings 2020 by Subject.
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 that require students to engage at a graduate level with projects that emphasize research, design and vision. Student work is defined by the rigours of industry practice and surveys the social, environmental, practical and aesthetic needs of the brief while working within the wider context of architectural theory and philosophy. You will develop expertise across design, technology and theory that will form the basis of your approach and response to architectural projects and practice. There is one studio per semester as follows:
The first three studios lead to the Graduation Studio in the final semester of study that is based around a largely self-driven project. Students also undertake subjects that explore the historical, technological and theoretical aspects of architecture and investigate the critical issues facing contemporary architectural design.
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.
The following is an indicative progression for the Master of Architecture, for students seeking an emphasis on Digital Architecture:
| Unit code | Unit of study | Sem | CP |
| MARC400* | Research Studio* | 1 | 12 |
| MARC4201 | Modern Architectural History | 1 | 6 |
| MARC4101 | Advanced Technologies | 1 | 5 |
| MARC400* | Research Studio* | 2 | 12 |
| MARC4102 | Modern Architectural Theory | 2 | 6 |
| MARC5101 | Advanced Technologies 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit of study | Sem | CP |
| MARC400* | Research Studio* | 1 | 12 |
| MARC6102 | 3D Computer Design Modelling (or other elective unit of study) |
1 | 6 |
| Elective | 1 | 6 | |
| MARC5001 | Graduation Studio | 2 | 12 |
| MARC5102 | Contract Documentation | 2 | 6 |
| Elective | 2 | 6 |
Credit points required per semester: 24
Total credit points required to complete degree: 96 Indicative progression based on a Semester 1 enrolment.
* You will undertake the Research Studio unit of study in Semester 1 and 2 of Year 1, and Semester 1 of Year 2. Each time, you will choose one of the following:
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.
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.
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.
