Bachelor of Architectural Design

Name: Bachelor of Architectural Design
Price: <a href='#fees-and-scholarships'> Commonwealth supported place </a> AUD

VU course code: NBAD | Level of study: Undergraduate

ATAR

Not required

Duration

3 years full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

In Person

Fees

Commonwealth supported place

Location

Footscray Park

Next start date

24 February 2025

Application closes

16 February 2025

View all start dates

An architecture design student draws a building.

Overview

Learn to create sustainable designs that respond to community needs, with the Bachelor of Architectural Design at Victoria University (VU).

This design degree focuses on using sustainable design methods. It incorporates ideas from the circular economy, such as reusing, repurposing, refurbishing, recycling, and repairing to reduce waste and pollution.

During your studies, you will apply these methods to real projects, which include visiting sites, taking measurements, and collaborating with local communities. You will also participate in design studio classes to develop practical skills and industry knowledge by addressing real-world challenges faced by professionals in architecture and construction.

When you graduate from the Bachelor of Architectural Design, you will have the versatile skill set needed to work as a building designer in both government and private planning and construction sectors. You will also have the option to continue your studies by pursuing a Master of Architecture, which is necessary if you would like to become a registered architect.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Devise and manage the delivery of innovative and effective architectural design strategies that integrate culturally responsive and environmental sustainability principles and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to address diverse contemporary design issues;

Generate creative solutions to complex architectural design problems that comply with relevant standards and codes of practice;

Critically evaluate information including international architectural design perspectives and demonstrate proficiency in the use of the latest architectural digital tools;

Articulate architectural design objectives and outcomes and effectively advocate for sustainable architectural design principles and practices to both specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using various professional forms of communication;

Engage with and value cultural diversity and community-focused approaches inclusive of First Nations Peoples’ perspectives; and

Exemplify collaboration, interpersonal, and supervisory skills required for working within Australian and global cultural contexts and exhibit responsibility for their own learning and professional practice.
: The Bachelor of Architectural Design teaches methods that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You will discover sustainable and socially aware architectural practices, while making good use of evolving digital technology.
By focusing on these important aspects, the program equips you with valuable skills in sustainable design. This can improve your job opportunities in a sector where green development is a top priority – as well as honing your ability to work creatively in today’s complex architectural landscape.
: You will receive feedback on your design projects from a panel of experienced architects to help you improve your design skills continuously.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to showcase your work at design expos, where you can meet industry professionals and demonstrate that your projects meet the expectations of industry and community clients.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your educational achievements and work experience, as well as your skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

ATAR requirements

No minimum ATAR required

This course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry. Read the entry criteria for this course below.

Why ATAR is not applicable

You do not need an ATAR score to apply for this course. Instead, you need to have successfully completed secondary school and to meet any requirements outlined below. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their ATAR, age, education or socioeconomic background.

Entry criteria

Minimum entry criteria include:

English-language requirements
academic requirements.

Your work and life experience will also be considered.

To find specific entry requirements for this course, please select the section below that is most relevant to you.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

: This information is relevant if, in the 2 years prior to studying with us, you have completed (or will complete) one of the following:

Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE)

an Australian or overseas equivalent to VCE

an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
Any Maths Units 1 and 2 except Foundation Maths or Foundation Maths Unit 3 or 4 with a study score of 20.
: This information is relevant if you have completed an accredited award (such as a certificate or diploma) at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (usually a TAFE, polytechnic or other registered VET institute).

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
: This information is relevant if you’ve previously completed all or part of a university or other higher-education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies in Construction, Environmental Sustainability or similar.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent with a focus on mathematics.
: This information is relevant if you left secondary school more than two years ago and haven’t studied since.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Construction, Environmental Sustainability or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
Any Maths Units 1 and 2 except Foundation Maths or Foundation Maths Unit 3 or 4 with a study score of 20.

Special entry programs

Special admission programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

VU Early Entry

If you're currently in Year 11 or 12, our exclusive VU Early Entry program comes with a Conditional Offer to the course of your choosing*, a personalised course plan, special events, exclusive discounts and access to one-on-one course advice.

*Conditions apply.

Learn more about VU Early Entry

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain The Bachelor of Architectural Design, students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:

96 credit points First Year Core studies;
192 credit points Professional Core and Capstone studies.

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is subsidised by the government, reducing it to the amount listed here. Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place. If your course is not Commonwealth supported, or you don't qualify, you'll pay full fees.

Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

You will graduate from the Bachelor of Architectural Design program with a versatile skill set for diverse career paths across the private and public sectors.

You will be well-positioned to work as building designer. You will also have the skills and knowledge to effectively collaborate with architects, urban designers, interior designers and sustainability consultants.

You may seek roles in governmental bodies, consultancy practices, and corporations with extensive building portfolios as a:

building designer
building proprietor
contractor
developer.

Or you may choose the path of self-employment as an entrepreneur.

VU stories

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