Bachelor of Design (Architectural Studies)

Overview

• Learn to create environments with positive impacts on human health, environmental quality, social relationships and urban systems.
• Study sustainable systems using advanced digital design tools.
• Undertake architectural design projects in practical studio settings.
• Progress onto a Master of Architecture and gain the required practical experience to become an architect.

Details

Architecture engages with the design, theory and practice of making spaces and environments for human activity. The profession of architecture has an extensive history as a practice and academic discipline. Developed from an apprenticeship model of professional education, workplace experience is still a requirement for professional registration and recognition of architects. This historic relationship with workplace learning still strongly informs architectural education at QUT.

Architecture strongly relates to built environment and urban planning disciplines such as civil and structural engineering, quantity surveying, and property economics and management. If you are interested in creating things, buildings and spaces, technology, art and design, a career in architecture may be for you.

Why choose this course?

Your architecture and design degree at QUT focuses on sustainable systems and the application of advanced digital design tools to address sustainability. Your study is supported by the integration of teaching, practice and research.

Architecture at QUT is increasingly recognised internationally for its service to the advancement of the discipline, and its focus on innovation in design and sustainable development. To address the sustainability imperative, entirely new approaches to constructing and retrofitting cities are necessary. We inspire and empower you to create environments with positive impact on human health, environmental quality, social relationships and urban systems.

Architectural education at QUT is also supported by active and cooperative learning between the University and the workplace. The course prepares students with necessary knowledge and skills for professional life, while integrating aspects of practical workplace experience.

You will undertake architectural design projects with a practical edge, which will require you to think logically about how buildings function and are constructed. Designers learn and develop these skills in synthesis with innovative and creative thinking.

Project-based architectural design units, conducted in a studio setting, are a feature. Attitudes, theories, philosophies and practices associated with this learning environment align well with recognised good practice in teaching and learning in higher education.

Career outcomes

Graduates can find employment in the fields of architecture and building design. Upon completion of the Master of Architecture and the required period of practical experience, graduates are eligible to sit for registration as an architect in Australia.

Professional recognition

This course, along with the following Master of Architecture course, has received full accreditation from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, and full recognition from the Australian Institute of Architects.

Units

Your course

Year 1

Your foundation year sets the groundwork for architecture design and theory units. Five units are common to the design degree or Faculty and these cover design, design history, design and sustainability and digital communications. You undertake two units of introductory core architecture design studios and the first unit dealing with place making.

Year 2

You participate in two design studios covering process of design, dwelling, tectonics and public spaces. Further design units which integrate technology (climate) and history/theory (culture and space) are covered and lecture-based units address history/theory (architecture in the twentieth century) and architectural technology (building construction). You complete the first two units for your second major or first minor.

Year 3

Design studios address course focus areas of digital tools and sustainability. Design units continue, integrating specific knowledge of technology (structure). Additionally there is a collaborative design unit where you work with students in other disciplines of design. Two lecture-based units address history/theory (architecture and the city), and architectural technology (building services). You complete a further two units for your second major or first minor.

Year 4

Core design studios are of an advanced level, addressing the context of buildings in the urban setting, and culminating with a design project that demonstrates the integration of knowledge accumulated through the course. You also complete two common units in design research and professional practice. You complete a further four units of your second major or four units of your second minor.

Second majors and minors

You will be able to select from two 4 unit approved minors or one 8 unit approved second major to enhance and broaden your knowledge in a related field or area of interest.

ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES Second Major and Minor Options

Second Major:

A 2nd major from anywhere in QUT.

Minors:

A minor from anywhere in QUT.
*Please remember that one minor must be from outside of your course.
**Design students interested in enrolling in the Applications minor, must first consult and obtain approval from the Subject Area Coordinator/Course Coordinator

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

These scholarships are available for this course:

View all scholarships