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
If you are a dedicated learner and aspire to be an innovator in the practice of architecture, this five‑year double degree will help you to realise your ambitions.
This double degree combines the undergraduate Bachelor of Design in Architecture (BDesArch) with the postgraduate Master of Architecture (MArch). You will additionally attain undergraduate Honours, which otherwise requires an additional full year of study. This course is available to students who have already completed their studies in this study area.
As a graduate, you will be highly regarded in the architectural profession for your rigorous, critical thought, and for your creativity. The double degree advances these attributes, and further empowers you to become a leader in your profession. You will master the array of skills required in current architectural practice, and just as importantly, the research focus of the embedded Honours component will equip you with the intellectual rigour and dexterity to challenge current orthodoxy and drive the profession forward in innovative ways.
Future career pathways for graduates could include employment in world renowned architectural practices, related built environment sectors or academia and research.
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 - 31 October of the preceding 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)
Double degree students undertake all subjects in the areas of architectural design, history and theory, communications, technology and professional practice that are core to the stand-alone BDesArch and MArch degrees. At the same time you will undertake a select suite of research-rich subjects that lead to undergraduate Honours.
Critical Thinking in Architecture cultivates key skills and cultural competencies relating to the important role of critical inquiry in architecture. Research Methods in Architecture advances students’ working knowledge of the different modes of research employed in architecture – from the humanities to the sciences to research by design.
The culmination of the Honours component is the Architecture Dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of research on a topic in architecture of your own choosing under the individual supervision of an academic with expertise in the area. The dissertation may take the form of a traditional thesis, or of a scientific report, or a studio design supported by a textual exposition that theorises and contextualises the work.
1. Progression to the fourth year Honours component requirements:
2. Progression to the Master of Architecture requirements:
Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours) and Master of Architecture
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Architectural History/Theory 1 | Architecture Studio 1A | Elective | |
| 2 | Architectural Technologies 1 | Architecture Studio 1B | Honours Intensive Studio 1 | ||
| 2 | 1 | Architectural Technologies 2 | Architectural Studio 2A | Elective | |
| 2 | Art Processes | Architecture Studio 2B | Honours Intensive Studio 2 | ||
| 3 | 1 | Architectural History/Theory 3 | Architecture Studio 3A | Critical Thinking in Architecture | |
| 2 | Architecture Professional Practice | Architecture Studio 3B | Architecture research areas: 1. Design 2. History and Theory 3. Technologies |
||
| 4 | 1 | Digital Architecture Research Studio | Advanced Technologies 1 | Research Methods in Architecture | |
| 2 | Urban Architecture Research Studio | Architecture Dissertation | |||
| 5 | 1 | Sustainable Architecture Research Studio | Modern Architectural History | Advanced Technologies 2 | |
| 2 | Graduation Studio | Modern Architectural Theory | Contract Documentation | ||
Indicative progression based on a Semester 1 enrolment.
As the Honours program is a compulsory part of this degree, students will not need to make a separate application for entry. Students will however be expected to maintain marks of a commensurate level to qualify for Honours.
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.
Becoming a registered architect will open the world to you as the work of architects is no longer confined by geography. As a graduate, opportunities 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.
When you graduate from this program, you will be entitled to registration as an architect 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.
As a student, you are eligible for student membership of the Australian Institute of Architects. Here you will receive each issue of Architecture Australia, the New South Wales chapter Bulletin, and the AIA News. You may also attend Institute functions. Admission to Associate Membership of the Australian Institute of Architects is based on two years approved practical experience.
*Subject to completing further requirements. See Professional Accreditation.
