Our rankings
Ranked first in Australia for Architecture/Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings 2021 by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by 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 Bachelor of Architecture and Environments (BAE) provides a uniquely broad overview of the built environment through studies in design and architecture, urban planning, sustainability, heritage, building systems and construction and property.
You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between architects, urban planners, urban designers, heritage conservationists, property developers, engineers, construction managers and other built environment professionals. Our unique program opens the door to a wide range of professions in the field and provides the skills and knowledge to operate successfully in today's complex and globalised built environment.
Learn the latest techniques through intensive practical, laboratory and studio-based classes. The BAE draws on the full range of the school's disciplines and laboratories which include 3D laser cutting, digital fabrication and modelling facilities. Studies will also cover best practice construction techniques, structural principles and building material properties.
Core units are complemented by electives that allow you to deepen your knowledge within the school, or to explore the unrivalled breadth of study areas across the University of Sydney, and the degree culminates in a capstone design studio. Your studies will be informed by the innovative research of the academic staff and professional expertise of our visiting lecturers.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (February)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Closing dates
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 15 January 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 apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (February)
Bachelor of Architecture and Environments
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | ||||
| 1 | 1 | Design Processes and Methods Architectural History and Theory Architectural Sketching and Drawing Architectural Communications Safety Induction and Competency Unit |
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| 2 | Empirical Thinking | Architectural Technologies 1 | Living Cities | Design in Architecture | ||
| 2 | 1 | Design Integration Lab: Materials | City Form and Development | Light and Sound | Elective | |
| 2 | Design Integration Lab: Energy | Architectural Technologies 2 | Algorithmic Architecture | Elective | ||
| 3 | 1 | Architectural Technologies 3 | Design Integration Lab: Urban | Designing for Environmental Quality | Elective | |
| 2 | Property and the Built Environment | Design Integrative Lab: Capstone | Architectural Professional Practice (recommended elective) | |||
Indicative progression based on a Semester 1 enrolment.
English (Advanced) and Mathematics. The University does not require you to provide evidence of this through your subject selections in secondary school.
The Bachelor of Architecture and Environments (Honours) provides students who have qualified for, or been awarded, an undergraduate pass degree in BAE the opportunity to extend their potential in a research task under the supervision of a member of academic staff. The honours degree requires an extra year of full-time study.
It will allow you to develop a deeper level of academic thought and research in an area of particular interest, identified during your three years of study in the Bachelor Degree.
The award of honours is an avenue by which the best students can be recognised. By its nature, an honours degree carries more weight or prestige than the pass degree. It is highly regarded by employers and other universities.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Portfolio Admission Scheme for Domestic Applicants
Domestic applicants are invited to submit a portfolio of work in support of your application. The portfolio will be considered as part of your application.
For more information about the portfolio and submission visit the Portfolio admissions pathway page on the school's website.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning has a number of school-specific exchange programs available to currently enrolled students. Bachelor of Architecture and Environment students may undertake exchange in the second year or first semester of the third year of their degree. It is usually easier to obtain studio space at the start of the overseas academic year which, in the northern hemisphere, typically commences in September.
For students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Architecture and Environments (or equivalent), and wish to become a registered architect can complete the Master of Architecture, a 2-year professional program that prepares students for the complex and challenging architecture profession.
Graduates who hold the degree of Master of Architecture will be entitled to registration as architects under the Architects Act 1921 (NSW), subject to obtaining two years of approved practical experience, at least 12 months of which must be subsequent to graduation, and passing an architectural practice examination before registration.
Students are eligible for student membership of the Australian Institute of Architects. Student members receive each issue of Architecture Australia, the New South Wales chapter Bulletin, and the AIA News. They may also attend Institute functions. Admission to Associate Membership of the Australian Institute of Architects is based on two years approved practical experience.
Our graduates can be found in a broad range of careers and roles, including:
