Design goes far beyond the visual. It responds to possibilities and limits, to hopes and needs. It’s equal parts creative and calculated. 

Architectural design is about understanding landscapes and the way humans create places within them. Architecture, landscape architecture and urban design share the purpose of aiding society while creating structural works of art. We are ranked #1 in South Australia for Architecture and Environment.^*

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Architectural Design hones concrete skills and encourages big picture thinking. You will:

• visit notable building sites, landscapes, gardens and exhibitions
• gain high-level practical design and model-making skills
• practise computer and hand based drawing techniques
• explore relevant theory, history, tradition and innovation
• consider issues of ecology and environment
• learn how to formulate effective proposals.

Where could it take you?

Our graduates apply design skills in all sorts of rewarding careers, and take on specialised roles through postgraduate study. You might restore beautiful old buildings or be a micro-home master. You could create and preserve natural landscapes and life cycles. Perhaps you’ll design the next iconic skyscraper or opera house.

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Architectural Design, students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units, comprising:

• Core courses to the value of 72 units

The multi-disciplinary core courses in the Bachelor of Architectural Design foster intellectual development, critical thinking and creative action. The program is intended as a framework within which to develop these skills for those individuals who have an interest in the environment and design and who wish to enhance buildings and human modified places with creative environmental design solutions.

The majority of the teaching activities are based around the design studios, where topics are developed and discussed with studio leaders. These studio sessions are supplemented by courses in various other topics such as representation, construction, environment and history and theory.

Representation introduces students to the latest computer and hand based drawing techniques. Construction uses specialist equipment for modelling and experimentation and the Environment course includes issues of ecology. History and theory engages with the traditions of the discipline to consider frameworks for contemporary design.

Students can also apply for entry to an additional Honours year.

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.

What is the pathway to becoming an architect or landscape architect?

The career paths of architects and landscape architects are many and varied. High levels of skill and flexibility are needed in professions that are responding to global and local needs. To prepare for these exciting possibilities, the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Adelaide delivers one undergraduate Bachelor of Architectural Design program that leads to two professional graduate degrees – Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Architectural Design program provides a study pathway for students who wish to undertake the School’s graduate Master of Construction Management program or the Master of Property.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by the Master of Architecture is recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects  and accredited by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia . These two programs can be completed in five years of study. A total of two years practical experience, at least one of which must be taken after graduation, and an examination by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia are prerequisites to registration as an architect.   

A similar pathway applies for aspiring landscape architects, with the Master of Landscape Architecture being recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects  (AILA) and examined by the Registered Landscape Architects Board for registration.

The Master of Construction Management is available to graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design program and is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) . This degree has a focus on project management as applied to the construction industry, covering from property development to project management, project planning and leadership. With the option to take a full semester research dissertation or a half a semester project and electives from entrepreneurship, architecture, property and project management.

The Master of Property is available to graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design with a credit average or above and is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This degree is located in the School of Architecture and Built Environment but draws extensively on expertise from across the Faculty of The Professions with input from economics, law, finance and project management.

It is important to note that while many Bachelor of Architectural Design graduates continue in either architecture and/or landscape architecture others follow a variety of career directions. The Bachelor of Architectural Design leads to careers which require skills in analysing and interpreting situations, the use of creative decision making approaches, and the formulation of proposals for change or conservation.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design are well equipped to continue on to a broad spectrum of future studies in other fields because of the program's emphasis on critical thinking, creative action, communication skills and digital technologies. These pathways could include teaching, health sciences, environmental law, international development, urban and regional planning, marketing and business.

Study Overseas opportunities
Study Overseas opportunities are available for the Bachelor of Architectural Design. Students in this program have previously completed study tours or exchange programs in Italy and South Korea. Further information.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Teamwork and communication skills
Professionalism and leadership readiness
Intercultural and ethical competency
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Digital capabilities
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Professional Accreditation
Please note that to practise as an architect or landscape architect, you must complete a professionally accredited combination of degrees in your chosen discipline.

We offer the following choices:

Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Architecture recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects and accredited by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia.
Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Landscape Architecture recognised and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Planning (Urban Design) recognised and accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Property recognised and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by Master of Construction Management recognised and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Asset Manager;  Construction Manager;  Draftsperson;  Environmental Designer;  Project Manager;  Project Officer;  Environmental Project Officer;  Planning Officer / Urban Planner;  Landscape Architect;  Architect

Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject.

IELTS: Overall 6.5 (Reading 6, Listening 6, Speaking 6, Writing 6); TOEFL: Internet-based: Total score of 79 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking and 13 in Reading and Listening; TOEFL Paper-based: Total score of 577 with a minimum of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE); Pearsons: Overall 58 (Reading 50, Listening 50, Speaking 50, Writing 50); Cambridge: Overall 176 (Reading 169, Listening 169, Speaking 169, Writing 169).