Bachelor of Architectural Design

3 years full-time

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

Design studio typically makes up half the program each semester and is taught in small groups. You will focus on a particular project and theme each semester. After the first semester, you will be able to select which design studio you wish to follow from approximately 20 on offer.

Supporting courses such as technology, communication and history comprise the remainder of your program and give you an understanding of the social and physical contexts of the built environment, as well as teaching you drawing skills.

You will complete a design studio each semester during the course of your studies.

In your first semester, you will complete a structured, foundational design and communications course. Subsequent semesters include four lower pool design studios. In the final semester of study, you will move into upper pool and complete an upper pool design studio working with Master of Architecture students. Study in the master degree consists of three additional upper pool design studios and supporting courses such as professional practice and general elective courses.

Lower and upper pool studios are vertically integrated, i.e. grouped with students from various year levels.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

RMIT architecture is well known for its strong, long standing links with industry. You will have the option of selecting from numerous design studios each semester that are run by leading practitioners.

In the design studio context you will also have the opportunity to work on real world projects with local and international community and industry partners. In addition there are often many guest lectures by leading local and international architects.

Graduates will be employed by architecture, design and building practices in the private and public domain.

In small to medium-sized practices, graduates will be engaged in a broad range of practice activities, from design to project management. Large architectural firms often encompass a number of disciplines and have offices or projects occurring overseas.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Graduates may be employed in an architectural practice or a related design field, but in order to be professionally recognised as an architect graduates are required to complete the Master of Architecture. Completion of the Master of Architecture will allow you, following two years professional experience, to sit the Architects Registration Board examination and register as an architect in Australia.

Architecture has a huge range of international exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Europe and Asia. You will also have the opportunity to choose design studios that travel overseas to work with students from international universities.

One such recent collaborative design studio, run with the University of Innsbruck in Austria, was called Matchpoint, Innsbruck. The studio had a four week residency in Innsbruck with a focus on sport, leisure and urbanism in the contemporary city.

Other recent design studios have included collaborations with students in Berlin, Germany and architecture practices in Shanghai, China.

Program entry requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 80%.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed Pre selection kit (PDF 289 KB 4p) along with your application.

Folio: If you have completed at least one year of a diploma or degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or Landscape Architecture, you may be considered for exemptions. In this case, the Pre selection kit is not required however you must submit a folio, course syllabus, CV and a letter outlining your reason for applying. The folio must demonstrate your breadth of talent in design and drafting. Foundation studies students are also required to submit a folio.

English language requirements:

To study this program you will need to complete 1 of the following English proficiency tests:

• Academic IELTS (minimum scores) overall band of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0
• TOEFL (Paper-based): minimum score of 580 (with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5)
• TOEFL (Internet-based): minimum score of 92 with a minimum of 20 in each section
• Cambridge English (Advanced CAE): CAE Grade B
• Pearson: Minimum score of 58 (no band less than 50).

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Ensure you have your supporting documents ready - this includes certified copies of all academic transcripts.

3. Complete and submit your application using 1 of the following options:

• Apply online. Please read these important notes before proceeding.
• Print and complete the Application form for international students (PDF 315 KB 4p) and submit following the instructions on the form.
• Use a registered RMIT representative in your country.

There are no application deadlines for international students; however, we encourage you to apply early as acceptance into programs is subject to the availability of places. An application fee may apply.

Learn more about the International application process.

View tuition fees for international students.

Other fees

• In addition to tuition fees you are required to pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
• All international student visa holders are required to maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the total duration of their visa.

Additional fees

• Some programs incur additional expenses.
• Here is an estimate cost of living you can expect to pay each year.

View the schedule of program fees for international students.

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) may be eligible to apply for exemptions of up to one-and-a-half years (three semesters).

A grade point average (GPA) of 4 (80-100/HD) or greater achieved in final year will guarantee a place in the Bachelor of Architectural Design, while those students with a GPA of less than 4 will be granted an interview.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design provides a pathway into the Master of Architecture, and is also portable into professional programs in architecture with a similar structure agreement.

A grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater will guarantee a place in the Master of Architecture, while those students with a GPA of less than 2.5 may apply for a place.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

Architecture & Design

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