Master of Architecture

POSTGRADUATE

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

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Student type:

Domestic International

Learning mode:: On campus

Entry score:: Not applicable

Duration:: Full-time 2 years

Fees:: Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:: February, July

Location:: Melbourne City

Learning mode:: On campus

Entry score:: See admissions

Duration:: Full-time 2 years

Fees:: AU$47,040 (2023 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.

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.

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.

Transcript

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (00:03):
Hello everyone and welcome to the information session for RMIT Architecture. But before we begin I'd like to acknowledge the people of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung language groups of the Eastern Kulin Nations, in whose unceded lands we conduct the work of the university. I'd like to respectfully acknowledge their ancestors and elders past and present.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (00:28):
I'm Professor Vivian Mitsogianni. My title is Associate Dean and Head of Architecture at RMIT. And it's an absolute pleasure to present to you today some information about RMIT Architecture, what we do, who we are, what we stand for, and particularly the type of learning environment that you will find yourself in and be part of if you choose to join us here at RMIT. Now we work together with students and many of the staff here are practitioners so we work together on projects. This is an example of one of my little research projects from a few years ago where I worked with some staff and students, and it was built, some of you may have visited at the National Gallery of Victoria a few years ago.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (01:32):
Before we begin just a little bit of information about becoming an architect in Australia. In order to become an architect you need to have completed an accredited degree. The accredited degree is the Master of Architecture. And in order to do the Master's of Architecture you have to do the Bachelor of Architectural Design. So you need a bachelor's degree which is a three-year degree generally, and a master's degree. Then there's a couple of years of work experience, one of those years of work experience you can actually do while you're studying and then you can sit the Registration Board of Victoria exam and if you pass you can register, call yourself an architect and provide architectural services. You can work as a student and a graduate in architectural practice but you can't call yourself an architect.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (02:26):
The RMIT architecture degree is two degrees, so it's a three-year Bachelor of Architectural Design Degree and a two-year Master of Architecture. And we consider RMIT Architecture as one culture, one very diverse culture so all of our staff teach across the bachelors, the master's, our PhD programs, and also do research. We place quite a lot of attention to vertical integration throughout all of our degrees, rather than separating the bachelor's over here, which some people do the master's which others do so we are one diverse culture.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (03:11):
And throughout this presentation what I'm going to do is show you in the background like this, some of the work from our students as well as the staff that teach here at RMIT. We see it in the Multidisciplinary School of Architecture and Urban Design. So architecture also has the Master of Urban Design in our unit and we also share space with our colleagues in Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, our PhDs, and also research clusters.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (03:46):
In terms of our difference we say that we're primarily focused on design and we have a international reputation for design excellence. We also say that we value ideas-led venturous design exploration and design innovation. We are very much focused on designing, we're very future-focused, we have developed skills to really push the boundaries of our understanding of what architecture is, we're always looking to what will come next in our disciplines and in our cities. And importantly, we've developed ways of teaching students how to adopt those skills.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (04:34):
The future of the profession will be very, very different in 10 years, time in 20 years time, in five years time even. What's important for our students to understand is how to be critical thinkers, how to be entrepreneurial, how to be independent, to understand the changing nature of new technologies, and it's these skills that will make sure that they are a fit for the work that will come that we don't necessarily currently understand the shape of, although we do a lot of work in trying to predict what that is. One of our other key things at RMIT key values is our links to industry. We have a incredibly high critical mass of practitioners that are very venturous practitioners, that are very future-focused and innovative that come and work here at RMIT Architecture, both locally and internationally.
Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (05:42):
Here's some examples from our staff. Another key difference, I suppose at RMIT is that we have many staff that are actually practicing, that have practices, and that work with us as a practitioner academics, is the term we use, and also who very actively teach students in design studios and other courses. Here's some we've produced earlier. This is Associate Professor Paul Minifie and Dr. Jan van Schaik, both looking very happy. This is some of their work in their practice called MVS. Paul is very interested in digital tools, mathematics and new geometries so he sets up design studios and teachers studios that look at how you might incorporate new mathematical concepts and discussions about geometry into architecture. One of their buildings there is the VCA College of Ideas, Victoria College of the Arts Center for Ideas and the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary down the bottom there.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (06:59):
Amy Muir is another one of our staff. Amy is currently the President of the Australian Institute of Architects. Amy has a practice called Muir, she also teaches into our technology stream and teachers coordinates the graduating students semester. Amy is able to bring the work that she's doing with the Australian Institute of Architects very directly in professional practice to the shaping of our curriculum and also to the work she does with our students.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (07:35):
And here's a couple of our adjunct professors. This is Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall, they teach the IRM Studio which is their practice studio. Runs every semester more or less at RMIT and has been doing so for a very long period of time. They have done quite a lot of civic projects in this city and in Australia, some of you may be familiar with the Melbourne Theater Company on your right and also the extension, a very delicate extension to the Shrine of Remembrance there.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (08:14):
Something we are very, very proud of and I suppose this is sort of a little bit of evidence of the way that the profession has recognized our staff, the Australian Institute of Architects Silver Medal, which is the Victorian chapter's highest honor has gone to RMIT staff and alumni and adjunct professors for the last seven years, so that's something we're terrifically proud of. The 2018 example is for the New Academic Street project which you can see just across the road, that was a project by some of our adjunct professors and alumni.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (08:58):
And also McBride Charles Ryan, our adjunct Professor Rob McBride's practice, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Center which is a very interesting building that some of you may have seen received it in 2017. And also we're very proud that Peter Elliot Architects who also did quite a lot of work at RMIT and is also an alumnus received the Silver Medal for this building, some of you may have seen it on Open Day, the Parliament of Victoria Members Annex which is a terrific way to put a building in that area in a very non-intrusive way. We are also absolutely stoked that the Emerging Architect prize has gone to our staff and alumni again, eight out of the last nine years. There's Amy in 2016, Ben who are our staff members, Rodney and also Monique in 2018.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (10:09):
I suppose all of that I hope paints a picture of the mission here at RMIT which is, highly experimental, highly future-focused exploration. We want to design the future, we want to experiment, but also we want to make sure that those ideas are currently relevant in practice and that they are really leading and directly embedded in the profession and the work of the profession. Which also of course speaks to employability for our graduates and relevance of the work that we do here at RMIT. All of these guys teach design studios and other courses with us. And this idea of researching by doing, researching by designing is something that we've done a lot of work, over 30 or more years in understanding. This is some of the work of one of our professors, Leon van Schaik, who's worked in understanding innovation and has written a lot about procuring innovative architecture and what designers actually do.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (11:27):
Research through design, we do do a lot of research on the staff that is more conventional research, which is about writing but really a lot of what we do is by making and through doing. This is just one example, Roland Snooks, one of our associate professors, he's PhD. Roland is very much interested in digital technology, new digital tools and how we might use them to inform architectural design and architectural space. This is an example of Roland's PhD, some of the highly experimental work he was doing for pretty much close to a decade. And then some of Roland's bulk work with as a sort of, again, a struggle to make that realizable in the world.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (12:22):
We all learn from each other and the type of culture of learning that we are immersed in much of what we learn at university, much of what we learn is not necessarily written down in the curriculum, it is about having access to a culture of ideas in which you can look over your shoulder, see what's happening, and also learn from your environment. In terms of where we are in the RMIT Design Hub which is just down the end of the axis there. It was designed by one of our alumni, Sean Godsell. We also have lectures in this building called the Swanston Academic Building, it's actually the business building. It was designed by Lyons, one of our professors, the practice of Carey Lyon. And of course we have access to all of RMIT University which is a very, very large section of the campus in the city, as well as going up close to Lygon Street. we have campuses in Bundoora and Brunswick, which we don't currently use and of course we have a site in Barcelona, which we do use and also Vietnam.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (13:42):
In terms of our programs this is the course map. What you see here is year one down the bottom, semester one semester two, and then year two and three up the top. One of the key characteristics of our program is a focus on design, so Design Studio is the largest course that you do every semester all the way up into the master's stream. When you come into the first semester you will do Design Studio as you will every other semester. You will do throughout the degree courses in communication so that means how do you communicate your designs? Often that's 3D modeling, 3D rendering, drawing. Now it also is scripting and coding and various other things, we teach you all of that. You'll do courses in technology, so that's building construction, how buildings don't fall down. You are not learning the work of engineers but you are learning what you need to know to be able to brief other allied professionals. You'll do history subjects so 20th century history, a portfolio subject, and also some electives.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (15:10):
All of our design studios are vertically integrated so after the foundation semester we have a pool. We have a pool of studios where all the levels are mixed and students get to choose the studio that they want to do every semester based on interests. The last Design Studio is completed so Design Studio six with the master's pool of studios. The idea there is to give you a seamless transition into the master's.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (15:50):
When you come into RMIT Architecture it's our intention to keep the student at RMIT and to offer you where as best we can entry into the master's program. If you achieve a particular GPA you will automatically be offered a place in the master's program, if you do not achieve that GPA you will be interviewed along with everyone else that would like to enter the master's program.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (16:21):
RMIT is a bit different, we're not like some schools that have a very gigantic bachelor's and then try and kind of slim it down. Shall we say to the master's it's our intention that as our students we try and help you become architects by completing the master's degree. Once you get into the master's again you'll be doing Design Studios, I'll explain what they are in a second, but also courses in professional practice, how to stop yourself from getting sued, everything you need to know about running a practice as well as an independent graduating project. So that's the major project where you will under the supervision of one supervisor within a very big cohort of people design a project that will be your entry into the profession that really speaks to your ideas.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (17:19):
The Design Studio is a very big thing. What is a Design Studio? Before the semester starts studio leaders like myself will stand in this lecture theater and we will present the project that we are doing as a Design Studio for that semester to the student cohort. We have around about 20 studios in the master's and we have around about 20 studios in the bachelors. Not at all... In fact we are quite rare in offering choice in the bachelor's not many schools have a year structure, we don't do that, we encourage independence from the very early years. The thinking is if you're doing something you're passionate about, you're interested in, you're going to do well in that and the knowledge will be transferable somewhere down the line.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (18:17):
We all do posters and make presentations about the type of studio that we're going to do in that given semester. In the very foundation semester, so when you've come from high school we ease you into the studio process by giving you a foundation semester that has three different mini studios based on three very diverse positions, research positions we hold at RMIT.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (18:49):
You don't need any skills other than a pass in English to enter RMIT Architecture. We teach you everything you need to know to be successful in our program in the course, so don't be alarmed if you think you don't have spatial skills or viscom, but if you are interested and passionate about pursuing architecture we would welcome your application. Here's an example, this is the foundation semester. So two months into the first year from our technologies and techniques cluster, they have produced a mini-project for a site on the city. There's a number of 3D visualizations that they're presenting and also they've made some models. And they're also learning how to draw plans elevations sections in another subject, they're learning technology in another subject and history so they're consolidating all of that in the Design Studio. This is a very different studio from our culture stream where they're looking at film, art, culture, wider ideas, and starting to incorporate those into their projects.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (20:08):
A couple of weeks ago another insight into our studios, this is the Terminal Drive Studio by NH Architecture. It's the second week, or it was last week of our semester, so these students were given a task to do. They're looking at office buildings, they've been on a tour of a very innovative office building and have had an induction, various readings, and they were asked to come up with a study model which they're doing. What they're doing here is there's a map of the area on the ground and they're starting to locate their office buildings. And then they'll have a discussion about that over four hours or so in the studio, they'll get other tasks and it'll work back and forth as a project.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (21:02):
In terms of our exams, so an exam in RMIT Architecture for studio looks a bit like this. This is an end of semester presentation which is very public, all the students are welcome to attend. For this particular studio the students are working in a pair. They have drawings on the wall, they've also made some prototypes, there's a concrete one there, and they're starting to do some animations and fly-throughs of their projects and they'll receive critique from a panel that includes their tutors, people from the profession and other experts.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (21:42):
And of course, diversity is very important. At RMIT we run some very diverse and competing positions, it's our view that to have a robust culture of ideas we need to have a certain level and acceptance of diverse ideas. And I suppose this slide is just showing our graduating students' final project and the very different positions that they've pursued. Katarina's is a very poetic project, she's interested in writing and she's interested in art and making various spaces in that realm. Chris, he did an augmented, sorry, a VR project and he's presenting it on those three screens best seen with a VR headset. And Simon Robinson took on the project of what happens when you remove the Melbourne's Railway Crossing Removal Project and what happens when you have leftover space from that project? How can you stop it being anything but just leftover waste space? They've taken some topical questions that are out there in the world, with their tutors they've been developing those projects and then they'll go out into the profession with a portfolio of work that they are hopefully proud of to show.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (23:08):
And of course we do a lot of stuff out in the profession. These are some students on a research placement at NH Architecture that we run every semester, NH where the architects that did QV Redevelopment, the Melbourne Convention Center, and they come to do some more exploratory work with us in the university. March Studio, they're an exciting young practice, Rodney, that I showed you the Emerging Architect 2019, that's his practice, and here's some of our students in his office doing one of those studios. And of course along with a gigantic exchange program we have many studios every semester that will travel to various places. Last semester some students and I went off to TU Delft in the Netherlands to work with MVRDV who are quite an exciting practice. Here's some students from the semester before having a celebratory drink, they can do that because they're over 18.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (24:14):
At the end of semester we have an all-school exhibition that you're welcome to attend, it's open to the public, and along with all of that we have a range of electives and other subjects that we do. Here's the robot in our basement working with Kam on a project that ended up looking like that and we also have workshops and various other things. There's an augmented reality display that you can see on level five and here our students are trying to work on some form work for concrete, they're making these facades through their project.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (24:53):
And now for some information on application and our selection process, please don't be concerned if you don't find all the information you need from this session, please visit rmit.edu.au and search for architecture and there'll be lots more information available there.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (25:18):
Application into the Bachelor of Architectural Design. That is the degree that you will enter upon completing secondary education, is a three-step process. Step one for all local applicants is to apply through VTAC as normal. RMIT Architecture has no prerequisites other than the university requirement of a study score of at least 30 in English. The second part of the process or step is that you'll be completing a pre-selection kit. Please note that the pre-selection kits are due relatively early or earlier than most people would expect. This year they're due on the 2nd of October and the kits are available now. The reason for the early date is we've tried to keep them away from peak exam period. There are some exceptions to the pre-selection kit if you've completed a year in another tertiary degree and these are listed on this slide.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (26:31):
The pre-selection kit is not a test. There's no right answer, we're not trying to test how much you know about architecture. In the pre-selection kit you'll be asked to respond to a question and come up with a design and written response. Through the kit we're looking for a demonstration of innovative thinking, creative thinking, adventurous thinking, and the ability to communicate an idea in both visual and written form. As you can imagine we get quite a few applications to the architecture program. So spend quite a bit of time on your pre-selection kit, try to explore and show us something that not everybody will be showing. Try and find a creative response and draw on your own individual experience and knowledge and skills, which will make you stand out inevitably when submitting the kit.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (27:50):
We short list from the pre-selection kits and if you're short listed you will be invited to an interview in mid-December. We're very committed to this process, we spend three whole days with all hands on deck interviewing prospective students to RMIT Architecture, we want to meet you, we're very interested in hearing your ideas and seeing your perspective and we spent a lot of time on this process, which results we think in a very diverse, engaged student body. There is no folio requirement for application or an entry into the Bachelor of Architectural Design. Step one apply through VTAC unless you're a part of the exemptions noted. Step two, complete the pre-selection kit due relatively early, and step three, if you are shortlisted you will be invited to an interview.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (29:07):
Entry into the Master of Architecture is a two-step process. A prerequisite for the Master of Architecture is a dedicated architectural discipline bachelor's degree. All applicants submit an RMIT online application. You're required to submit a folio and a range of other material. Shortlisted applicants only will be invited to attend an interview in early December. If you are an international applicant into Bachelor of Architectural Design or the Master of Architecture you must apply through RMIT international, except if you're a current student of a standard Australian Year 12 VCE or international baccalaureate program in Australia or New Zealand in which case you apply through VTAC.

Professor Vivian Mitsogianni (30:03):
In terms of how successful applicants are decided, places in both the bachelors and master's are offered in terms of a ranking. And we look at the pre-selection kit and interview, for master's applicants we look at the folio, interview, and academic results. Thank you all, I hope you've enjoyed finding out a little bit more about RMIT Architecture. If you want to see more projects I'd also like to invite you to our first virtual exhibition at rmitarchitecture-exhibition.net. The exhibition features projects from all students across all programs at RMIT Architecture. Thank you all and goodbye.

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Details

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How you will learn

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.

Learn more about learning at RMIT

Industry connections

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.

International opportunities

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.

Explore global opportunities

Learning outcomes

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.

Electives and course plan

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

View plan

Master of Architecture

City Campus

2 years full-time

MC163

060829B

Location

City Campus

Duration

2 years full-time

Plan code

MC163

CRICOS

060829B

View plan

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.

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Professional recognition and accreditation

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.

Academic requirements

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 2023. Selection for Commonwealth Supported Places is competitive, based on your selection task.

Applications submitted by 31 May 2023 will receive an outcome in early July.

If places are still available, applications received after 31 May will be considered in July 2023. 

Applications will be accepted until Friday 14 July 2023, if places are still available.

Prerequisites

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

Selection tasks

Semester 2, 2023

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.

Applications submitted by 31 May 2023 will receive an outcome in early July.

If places are still available, applications received after 31 May will be considered in July 2023. 

Applications will be accepted until Friday 14 July 2023, if places are still available.

Selection task dates

Applicant type	Register and submit the selection task by
Timely applications	31 May 2023
Late applications	14 July 2023

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

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

Curriculum vitae (CV)

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

Design folio

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 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).

Technology or construction folio

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.

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).

Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

Semester 1, 2024

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2023. 

Selection task dates

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

English language requirements

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.

Academic requirements

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.

Prerequisites

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

Selection tasks

If you have successfully completed the Bachelor of Architectural Design from RMIT University with a GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 or above, you are guaranteed entry into Master of Architecture. You do not need to submit a selection task.

If you have completed the Bachelor of Architectural Design from RMIT University with a GPA less than 2.5 out of 4.0 or another architecture specific Bachelor degree from a different institution, you will be required to submit the following with your application:

A Design folio: Your design 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 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).
A technology or construction folio: Your technology or construction 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. 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).
Personal statement: You are required to submit a one page statement outlining your motivation for applying for the program (maximum 300 words).
Curriculum vitae: You are required to submit a CV including your personal details, academic achievements and professional experience (any work experience you are currently undertaking).
Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

Selection video questions

Part 1 (maximum time: 1 minute)

Please tell us about your motivations and interests:

Introduce yourself and tell us what you are doing currently (studying, working, travelling).
Why do you want to study the Master of Architecture at RMIT University?

Part 2 (maximum time: 3 minutes)

Describe the projects in your folio.

Explain the ideas and concepts behind the projects. Please include any references or projects which have influenced your design ideas.
Explain how you have developed these ideas into your final submission. Please include any references or projects which have influenced your design ideas.

Video upload requirements

Videos must be no longer than 4 minutes. For reasons of equity we will stop watching the video after 4 minutes so please adhere to the time limit.
We will not be scoring or judging the quality of the video so you can record this video using your phone or other suitable devices.
Please upload your video to an external site (e.g. Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google Drive, WeChat, Weibo, Youku or Tudou). If you apply an expiry period on your video, please ensure that it is at least 6 months from the date of submission.
Send message via the online applicant portal with the username and password to access your video if applicable. Please use your application number as part of your username.

English language requirements

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

Pathway options

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.

Advanced standing and credit

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.

Find out if you might be eligible

To work as a registered architect

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.

Further study

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.

Explore postgraduate research degrees

Pathway options

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.

Advanced standing and credit

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.

Further study

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

Explore postgraduate research degrees

Fees

Expand all sections

Fee summary

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.

2023 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

2023 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Full-fee places

AU$42,240 (2023 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
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.

Learn more about fees for postgraduate study

Commonwealth supported places (CSP)

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 2023. 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 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)	Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture	$4,124 per standard year $515 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	$8,301 per standard year $1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science	$11,800 per standard year $1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture	$15,142 per standard year $1,892 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.

Full-fee places

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.

Additional expenses

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 2023 is $326.

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.

Fee assistance

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.

Income support

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.

Income tax deductions

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.

Scholarships

Irana Turynska Scholarship

For students who identify as a woman in their third year of the Bachelor of Architectural Design or first year of the Master of Architecture; worth up to $10,000.

Carey Lyon Scholarship

For full-time Architecture students who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth $7,500.

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

Explore scholarships

Expand all sections

Fee summary

The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$47,040.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$95,040.

View tuition fees for future years

Other costs

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

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
Some programs incur additional expenses.

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

Important fee information

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.

Scholarships

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

Explore scholarships

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

More information

Acknowledgement of Country

More information

Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture

Overview

Key achievements

Why study the Master of Architecture at RMIT?

Real-world projects

Award-winning academics

Global opportunities

Studying Architecture at RMIT

Details

How you will learn

It’s all centred around learning through design studios

What is a Design Studio?

Recent Studio Partners:

Learning at RMIT

Industry connections

International opportunities

Global work, exchange and study experiences

Learning outcomes

Electives and course plan

Course structure

Career

Professional recognition and accreditation

Admissions

Semester 2, 2023

Selection task dates

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

Curriculum vitae (CV)

Design folio

Technology or construction folio

Interview

Semester 1, 2024

Selection task dates

Selection video questions

Part 1 (maximum time: 1 minute)

Part 2 (maximum time: 3 minutes)

Video upload requirements

Pathways

Fees

Fee summary

2023 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

Full-fee places

Additional expenses

Annual fee adjustment*

Defer your payment

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

Commonwealth supported places (CSP)

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

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023

Student Learning Entitlement

Full-fee places

Additional expenses

Fee assistance

HECS-HELP Loans

FEE-HELP loans

SA-HELP Loans

How does a HELP loan work?

Income support

Income tax deductions

Scholarships

Irana Turynska Scholarship

Carey Lyon Scholarship

Fee summary

Other costs

Important fee information

Applying for refunds

Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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