Master of Architecture

Architecture is a creative and exciting design-based profession concerned with virtually all aspects of the built environment. It combines art, science and technology with business, social and environmental concerns.

The Master of Architecture is a professional program which prepares graduates for employment as architects. The ethos of the program emphasises the central role of design in the studio. Students take a research subject which may enable progression to further studies as a PhD candidate.

The Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne is a two-year fully-accredited professional program, entered after a 3-year undergraduate program with an architecture major. With over 30 full-time academics and a broad range of leading architectural practitioners, the program has a depth and breadth of teaching and research performance unmatched within the SoutheastAsian and Australasian regions. Graduates will be equipped with the creative and critical thinking skills to push the envelope of architectural change in terms of the design and production of buildings as well as critique of their technical, aesthetic, social and environmental performance. By 2010 the Master of Architecture will become the primary professional degree in Architecture (replacing the Bachelor of Architecture).

A three-year pathway for students without an architecture background will be available from 2010.

• offer advanced education in architectural design in conjunction with critical understanding of aesthetic, socio-political and environmental implications of architectural form, space and expression;
• enable students to explore an understanding of cross cultural issues in the planning, design and construction of the built environment;
• offer academic opportunities to address contemporary concerns in local and international communities through architectural design;
• encourage debate about the theoretical and practical aspects of architectural culture and production; and
• provide a vehicle to meet the continuing professional development requirements of the architecture profession in Australia and internationally.

Master of Architecture (200 points)

Option 1:

For students entering with a Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture) or a Bachelor of Architecture Studies, or equivalent.

• Students undertake 137.5 points of core subjects,
• select 37.5 points of electives, with at least 25 points of electives from the same specialisation, and
• select an additional 25 points of electives from subjects offered in the Graduate School, or from graduate subjects in other faculties with the approval of the course coordinator.

Please note that not all subjects are available each year.

Course Plan Restrictions: Students who enter the M Arch under Option 1 with a weighted average of less than 65% in the final two years of their undergraduate degree must have their course plan approved by the Head of Program prior to enrolment.

Option 2:

For students entering with a Bachelor of Environments (Architecture), or equivalent (cohort expected to commence in 2011).

• Students undertake 137.5 points of core subjects,
• select 37.5 points of electives, with at least 25 points of electives from the same specialisation, and
• select an additional 25 points of electives from subjects offered in the Graduate School, or from graduate subjects in other faculties with the approval of the course coordinator.

Please note that not all subjects are available each year.

Option 1 Core Subjects

Option 2 Core Subjects

Electives: Asia/Pacific Architecture

Electives: History & Conservation

Electives: Production & Practice

Electives: Society & Culture

Electives: Digital Architecture

Electives: Sustainable Architecture

Master of Architecture (200 points)

Applicants will need:

• Completion of the Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies at the University of Melbourne between 2005 and 2010; and
• Completion of at least 16 weeks of documented relevant full-time professional work experience.

• Submission of a design portfolio of no more than five A3 pages; and
• Submission of a personal statement of no more than 1000 words outlining relevant prior study and work experience, and motivation to undertake the course; and
• A three-year undergraduate degree in a cognate area with a weighted average of at least 65% in the final two years, or equivalent.

NB: The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Master of Architecture (300 points)

2010 will be the first planned intake of the 300 point MArch. Applicants will need to provide:

• Submission of a design portfolio of no more than five A3 pages; and
• Submission of a personal statement of no more than 1000 words outlining relevant prior study and work experience, and motivation to undertake the course; and
• A three-year undergraduate degree in any area with a weighted average of at least 65% in the final two years, or equivalent; and
• Completion of one design studio subject and one history subject, or equivalent.

Students who have completed relevant prior study additional to the entry requirements may be eligible for advanced standing.

Application Closing Dates

• 30 November for commencement in Semester 1 (March)
• 31 May for commencement in Semester 2 (July)
• International applicants should apply by 30 April for commencement in Semester 2 (July)

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

Graduates find employment in private architectural firms where they work on residential, commercial and institutional projects. They may also work in government departments where they assist in the development of major projects.

Some graduates run their own architectural practice while others move into related careers (further study may be required), such as: industrial design, furniture design, interior design, landscape design, urban design, urban planning, facility management, project management and development, conservation and heritage management, and public art.

Graduates of the MArch will have completed their academic requirements for membership of:

• Royal Australian Institute of Architects
• Architects Registration Board of Victoria
• Commonwealth Association of Architects