MArch - Master of Architecture

MArch

PROGRAM DETAILS

The Master programs are built around required academic core courses plus a selection of related elective courses geared to individual academic interests or desired specialisations.

Architectural Design

This course is suitable for recently graduated design-orientated architects from Australia and overseas, as well as professionals who wish to enhance their conceptual abilities and refine their design skills. The first semester design studio offers studies of architectural precedents and theoretical projects, sometimes via a competition, and the second sesmester studio offers a current or topical project, usually a complex urban project based in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Architectural History and Theory

This specialisation provides scope for students and professionals in various disciplines to develop skills in thinking and writing about architecture. Several themes are addressed, including the history of architectural theory, the relationship of architecture to cities, and current concepts of design. Although students need not be trained in design, they will have the opportunity to consider and comment on the progress of the studios, which run in parallel with the courses dedicated to Architectural History and Theory.

Architectural Computing

This specialisation focuses on the development of knowledge, expertise and skills in the use of computing technology to support design practice. Though the emphasis is on architectural design, the principles and skills can be applied across a range of design disciplines. Some of the courses have more of a theory base, addressing basic principles in the areas of computer graphics programming, design computation and theory, CAD management and the wide range of technologies related to the management and dissemination of information. These are supplemented by a range of courses that have a more hands-on approach to developing advanced skills in the use of computer graphic tools such as multimedia, web design, visualisation, animation, modelling and simulation.

General Program Information

Students undertaking the MArch Program are required to nominate their program of study before commencement. They must then complete a set of prescribed core courses in that area of study, supplemented by elective courses to bring their total units of credit (UOC) to 48 for the degree. This is normally undertaken as two full-time semesters of 24 UOC but may be taken over a longer period at a lower UOC rate.

The degree may be commenced in either semester of the academic year subject to the availability of places in the Program as well as appropriate courses being offered at that time. In general, candidates are required to complete as many core courses as possible before undertaking their elective options.

For each MArch program of study, candidates are required to take each of the prescribed core courses as listed on the program schedules. These generally make up the bulk of the requirements of the degree. The remaining UOC are then earned by taking electives, generally selected from the recommended list provided for each Program.

Notwithstanding any of the above, whether courses are offered in any one academic semester will depend on student numbers. Students must therefore plan their programs in consultation with the Program Director or Coordinators.

MArch (Arch Des) Program Structure

Students in the MArch (Arch Des) Program must undertake Core courses totalling 36 UOC and Electives totalling 12 UOC, in one of the two Tracks listed on the program schedule. In special cases, students may take another combination of courses towards their Core with the agreement of the Program Director.

The MArch (Arch Des) Program requires the completion of two studio-based Architectural Design Projects totalling 24 UOC. Note that, except for these higher value Project courses all other core courses are of 6 UOC and elective course are either of 3 or 6 UOC.

Candidates wishing to undertake the MArch (Arch Des) program on a part-time basis must note that the studio-based design courses (Architectural Design Project 1 & 2) are semester specific courses and must be completed in the semester in which they are scheduled.

MArch (Arch Comp) Program Structure

Students in the MArch (Arch Comp) Program must undertake Core courses totalling 36 UOC and Electives totalling 12 UOC. All students must complete a Graduate Research Project as part of the core, but are able to select the remaining core courses (4 courses at 6 UOC each) from the prescribed list of postgraduate computing courses shown on the program schedule. Elective courses (2 courses at 6 UOC) may be selected from the same list, or from any graduate course offered in the Faculty (except for 'BENV7142 CAD and Visualisation' which embodies assumed knowledge for this program and is only available as a non-award course), or with the permission of the Program Director, from any postgraduate course offered by the University or appropriate course offered by another institution.