Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture

POSTGRADUATE

Become a professionally accredited architect with this internationally renowned masters degree. 

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$48,000 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

With a strong focus on ideas-led venturous design exploration, RMIT’s Master of Architecture will assist you to develop a sophisticated understanding of architecture, while providing you with a diverse set of advanced skills and learning experiences.

You’ll continue to develop the core skills of architectural design learnt in the degree to an advanced level. You will enhance your understanding of architecture and design-based research, acquire diverse skills, undertake a wide variety of learning experiences and gain critical awareness of your own work.

RMIT Architecture and its graduates continue to achieve at the highest levels and are acknowledged by the national and international architectural profession.

At the annual 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards run by the Australian Institute of Architects, RMIT’s architecture community featured prominently across the 58 awards and 16 categories, receiving a number of key and prestigious awards.

Key achievements

  • The New Academic Street (NAS) by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects won this year’s highest honour: the coveted AIA Victorian Architectural Medal and the Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture.
  • RMIT Professor Carey Lyon is the Director of Lyons and the fifth RMIT Professor in a row to lead prestigious Victorian Medal-winning projects
  • M@ STUDIO Architects, a research-led practice lead by RMIT Professor Vivian Mitsogianni and Dean Boothroyd with staff, alumni and current students was awarded the 2017 AIA Melbourne Prize for their NGV 2016 Architecture Commission win. 
  • RMIT Lecturer Ben Milbourne was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects 2017 Victorian Emerging Architect Prize.
  • Graduate Ton Vu was one of 10 students worldwide shortlisted for The Architectural Review’s “Global Architecture Graduate Awards“, and the only candidate to make the list from an Australian or New Zealand university.

The Master of Architecture is the next step on the path to becoming a design architect with professional accreditation.

Why study the Master of Architecture at RMIT?

Real-world projects

Study in design-focused, hands-on studios that model industry best practice.

Award-winning academics

Learn from leading local and international architects in small classes and design studios.

Global opportunities

Participate in international work, exchange and study experiences, making contacts and building a worldwide portfolio.

Text And Media Video

Studying Architecture at RMIT

Discover everything the Master of Architecture has to offer: design studios, research, extensive alumni and industry connections, world class facilities, and more.

 

Details

It’s all centred around learning through design studios

RMIT Architecture’s highly celebrated design studios are situated within an urban campus, which means you will be immersed a laboratory of design exploration and at the centre of innovation.

Studios are located across the city campus and within the multi award-winning RMIT Design Hub designed by RMIT architecture alumni Sean Godsell. Design studios are one of the major reasons that makes RMIT Architecture and its graduates so highly regarded by industry.

What is a Design Studio?

Design studios provide a unique way of exploring ideas by challenging future designers. Studios are run by academics and practicing design leaders from local and international architectural and design firms.

The design studio model emulates the best practice of local and global design firms. The studios allow you to explore design, connect with your peers, industry and integrate with other disciplines.

Studios make up the majority of this program and are taught in small groups. You select which design studio you wish to follow from approximately 20 options, completing one per semester during the course of your studies.

Each design studio focuses on a particular theme and project per semester. In your final year you will complete a design thesis project of your choice, which is referred to as your ‘major project’. This project will develop on the research outcomes reached at the conclusion of your architecture studies.

You can undertake studios and seminars in other programs such as landscape architecture, interior design and industrial design, as well as in the urban design and digital design research areas. This will foster pathways into our postgraduate Master of Urban Design.

Recent Studio Partners:

  • RMIT Associate Lecturer Amy Muir – MUIR Architecture
  • RMIT Professor of Architecture Carey Lyon – Lyons Architecture
  • RMIT Associate Professor Paul Minifie and Dr Jan van Schaik (lecturer) – MvS Architects
  • RMIT Adjunct Professors Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall – ARM Architecture
  • Sandra Manninger & Matias del Campo – SPAN Architects Vienna, Detroit, Shanghai
  • Tom Verebes – OCEAN CN Studio, Beijing.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Architecture is renowned for its strong, long-standing links with industry through our teaching staff, many of whom are internationally recognised award winning practicing architects.

In the design studio context you will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with local and international communities and industry partners. Public lectures are held throughout the year, led by prominent local and international architects.

RMIT Architecture has a huge range of international exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Europe and Asia.

You’ll also have the opportunity to choose design studios that require overseas travel, to work with students from international universities.

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

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

In this degree, you will deepen your design practice through multidisciplinary design studios, in which you will work towards major projects in small groups.

You will also build specialised and transferrable skills in professional practice subjects that will prepare you for work in industry.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Architecture
Program code: MC163

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Architecture
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC163
060829B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC163
CRICOS
060829B
Master of Architecture
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC163
060829B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC163
CRICOS
060829B

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Our graduates find work in architecture, design and building practices in the private and public sector.

In small to medium-sized practices, graduates are engaged in a broad range of activities from design to project management. In large architectural firms, graduates may work across a number of disciplines and often pursue international work opportunities.

Completion of this 2-year Master program, following the 3-year Bachelor of Architectural Design program, meets the academic requirements for registration as an architect under the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and for membership of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. Professional experience is required for registration.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian architecture specific bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification). You will be selected competitively based on your grades and selection task.

If you are applying for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) you must submit your application including the selection task by 31 May 2024. Selection for Commonwealth Supported Places is competitive, based on your selection task.

Applications submitted by 31 May 2024 will receive an outcome in early July.

If places are still available, applications received after 31 May will be considered in July. 

Applications will be accepted until Friday 19 July unless places are filled earlier.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 2, 2024

You must complete and submit the Architecture selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Timely applications

31 May 2024

Late applications 19 July 2024

Selection task requirements

Outline your motivation for applying for the program (maximum 300 words).

Upload your curriculum vitae that includes your personal details, academic achievements and professional experience (including any work experience you are currently undertaking).

Your folio should comprise 5-10 pieces of your own work, including final pieces, development work and thinking. Within the program, students will undertake independent and ideas-led design experimentation in the medium of architecture.

Your folio should evidence your capacity to demonstrate and articulate design ideas through an iterative and considered design process, to resolve ideas from concept formation through to design development.

You may include up to one page of projects completed in your work experience within an architectural or design practice, but this is not essential. If you choose to do this, it needs to be clearly differentiated and labelled with an indication of your role in the project.  

Submission instructions

You must collate your work into a single PDF. You may upload your PDF (maximum 10MB) or supply a URL if it's hosted online (provide the username and password if applicable).

Please name your PDF file: (First Name)_(Surname)_Design Folio.pdf. 

Your folio should comprise 1-2 pieces of your own work, including final pieces, development work and thinking. Within the program, students will explore how ideas-led architectural experimentation and innovation can be realised in the world.

Your folio should provide examples of where you have explored the planning and construction of architectural projects, and have prepared architectural documentation for regulatory approval and construction.

Any work that is completed in your work experience within an architectural or design practice must be clearly identified.   

Submission instructions

You must collate your work into a single PDF. You may upload your PDF (maximum 10MB) or supply a URL if it's hosted online (provide the username and password if applicable).

Please name your PDF file: (First Name)_(Surname)_Tech Folio.pdf. 

Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants will be asked to bring a printed folio for discussion.

Semester 1, 2025

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2024.

You must complete and submit the Architecture selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Timely applications TBC
Late applications
TBC

The selection task requires:

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2024.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian architecture specific bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification). You will be selected competitively based on your grades and selection task.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 160kb) along with your application. 

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

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

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

If you have successfully completed the BP250 Bachelor of Architectural Design at RMIT with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (out of 4.0), you will be exempted from submitting the selection task  and guaranteed entry into this master program.

Students with a GPA lower than 2.5 (out of 4.0) may still apply and will be assessed on merit based on their selection task.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Completion of this two-year Master degree meets the academic requirements for registration as an architect in Australia. Additional professional experience and the completion of the registration examination through a State Architect’s Registration Board is required for registration.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Architectural Design and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5, you are guaranteed entry to the Master of Architecture.

If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply and will need to attend an interview. You will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2024 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2024 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*. 

Full-fee places

  • AU$43,200 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024

Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$48,000.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$96,960.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.