The UNSW Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a three-year degree when studied full time. In this internationally recognised architecture course*, you’ll learn how to design buildings and their surroundings to meet the needs and enhance the experiences of those who inhabit them. 

You’ll recognise the practical, ethical and moral responsibilities in architecture and gain the vital skills to lead the way in a rapidly changing profession. You’ll learn how architectural design shapes the sustainability, inclusivity and connectivity of our buildings and cities and impacts our culture and economy.

Stimulating design studio sessions and lectures will see you exploring everything from architectural design to communications, history and theory, architectural science, the built environment and architectural construction.

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a powerful stepping stone on the road to becoming a registered architect. Most undergraduate students go on to complete our Master of Architecture, which has professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

Making the world a better place – from every angle – starts with you. 

Have you always wanted to create a space or place with true social and environmental value? This degree will give you the skills and knowledge to create architecture of merit and worth. Not only are our teaching staff academics and award-winning architects themselves, they’ll help you develop the design skills and technical knowledge you’ll need to build a strong career as an architect, either here in Australia or further abroad. 

Consisting of 22 courses, this program includes six design studio courses, 11 core courses, four free electives, and two general education courses (which you can choose from other faculties).

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a 3 year program consisting of 22 courses (144 Units Of Credit/UOC).

The program includes:

• 6 Design studio courses
• 11 Core courses
• 1 School of Built Environment elective course (BEIL or BENV) 
• 2 Free elective courses (choose from within UNSW School of Built Environment or other faculties)
• 2 General education courses (choose from other faculties)

Study areas

• Architectural design
• Architectural communications
• Architectural history and theory
• Architectural science and technology
• Architectural construction and structures

Go to the handbook

Studying at UNSW is your chance to shape the culture of a place, its people, and their futures – and see your vision come to life beyond just a blueprint. 

This degree will equip you with the practical and theoretical skills you need to thrive throughout your exciting architectural career. Create with design and craft the future you want. Your qualifications will give you a unique advantage in the job market and allow you to explore various positions. 

Potential careers

• Architect
• Draftsperson
• Architectural technician
• Interior design architect
• Consulting architect in private practice
• Specialist architect in areas such as heritage
• Building scientist
• Environmental consultant 
• Architect within multidisciplinary design practices
• Roles within large commercial architectural firms
• Architectural critic, academic or researcher

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is an undergraduate pathway to the professionally accredited postgraduate Master of Architecture, which has professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). To become a registered architect, you must also complete two years of professional work experience and undertake the professional practice exam.

There are several admission pathways to an undergraduate degree at UNSW including high school qualifications, UNSW Foundation Studies, UNSW Diploma, recognised prior study or university trans

IELTS: 7.0 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest); TOEFL IBT (Internet Based): 94 overall (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking); Pearson (PTE - Academic): 65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest); C1 Advanced Cambridge: 185 overall (min. 169 in each subtest); C2 Proficiency Cambridge: 185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest); UNSW Global University English Entry Course (UEEC): Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component.