Bachelor of Architectural Studies

This course is no longer offered. Current students should consult with a Course Adviser for enrolment advice.

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) is a three-year, full-time course of 300 points. It is the pre-professional degree leading to entry into the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). On completing the BAS degree students who wish to pursue a career in architecture are required to undertake a period of practical work experience before enrolling in the two-year BArch course. The BArch is the professional degree recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies course may choose to pursue professional careers in building, landscape architecture, urban design or urban planning by enrolling directly in the MPC, MLArch, MPD or MUP degree courses. These professionally recognised courses are generally of two years duration (and may require further preliminary studies). BAS graduates may also choose to undertake the BArch followed by the MUP or the MLArch, completing the second professional degree with as little as one year of additional academic study.

Students are considered to be in a particular year level of the course until they have completed all the compulsory and elective points requirements for that level of study.

• have an architectural knowledge base consisting of an integrated system of concepts, principles, theories, technical data and skills relating to the design and practice of architecture;
• have a sound grasp of problem-solving techniques, such that they are able to synthesise and apply this knowledge base in the planning and design of medium-scale, energy-efficient buildings;
• understand the social context of their discipline and have an appreciation of the socioeconomic implications and tectonic and cultural significance of architecture in history;
• have developed critical techniques that enable them to take a professionally responsible role in the community through the formulation of independent evaluations of those social, economic and political institutions, existing conventions, and new ideas that inform the practice of architecture and its professional ethics;
• are introduced to the wider professional context of architectural practice, and have an appreciation of building, engineering, planning, landscape and design as related professional disciplines;
• are competent designers, able to understand, develop and successfully apply design tactics that are responsive to clients' needs with regard to the formal and functional organisation of the program;
• are able to engage confidently in the self-directed study and research necessary for their subsequent professional degree studies and their continuing professional development;
• understand the extent to which teamwork underscores the design and production of building, and have acquired an appreciation of the interpersonal, communication and management skills necessary for the successful practice of architecture;
• are technically competent and are able to demonstrate the acquisition of those professional and technical skills necessary to gain employment as an architectural draughtsperson/technical assistant.

First Year

Second Year

Semester 2

Students take two core subjects, and one history elective subject.

Thrid Year

Semester 2

Students should take two core subjects and one 12.5 point elective

Applicants from other institutions may be required to present to the Selection Committee a portfolio of their design work that convincingly demonstrates the ability to complete the BArch course. Such applicants may then be required to attend an interview. Applicants from other institutions may also be required to undertake preliminary studies.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability