Bachelor of Architectural Design
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$39,360 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
RMIT Architecture has an international reputation for design excellence and leads the way both in Australia and overseas by producing graduates that are design innovators.
Your first step in becoming an architect
This program is the first step to becoming an architect and will help you develop an understanding of architecture providing you with a diverse set of skills and learning experiences.
You will focus on learning the core skills required of an architect and architectural designer and intensively develop a broad grounding in design and communication skills.
You'll learn from internationally recognised and award-winning architects. alongside visiting national and international experts, consultants and specialists.
Design is at the core of your studies
Ideas-led venturous design exploration is at the core of your studies. You'll combine experimental and speculative design with real-life industry linked projects that will help you develop an innovative approach to architecture.
From first term, first semester you will be hands-on in design studios developing your drawing, 2D and 3D design skills. You'll learn in an environment that models the best practice of an innovative architectural design firm.
RMIT Architecture achieves at the highest levels
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 2017 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 Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) by the STHDI and MCR consortium (Silver Thomas Hanley, DesignInc and McBride Charles Ryan) won this year’s highest honour: the coveted AIA Victorian Architectural Medal and the William Wardell Award for Public Architecture
- Architecture Adjunct Professor Robert McBride is the Director of MCR and the fourth RMIT Adjunct 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.
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.
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.
From first term, first semester you will be hands-on in design studios developing skills in drawing, 2D and 3D design and learning in an environment that models the best practice of a local or international design firm.
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.
Design studios model 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.
Design studios typically makes up half the program each semester and are taught in small groups. You will focus on a particular theme and project each semester. After the first semester, you’ll be able to select which design studio you wish to follow from approximately 20 on offer, completing one per semester during the course of your studies.
Courses that support your studio learning
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.
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, general elective courses and supporting courses such as professional practice.
Lower and upper pool studios are vertically integrated, that means you'll be grouped with students from various year levels.
All programs are delivered in English. You will have access to online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Learn from internationally recognised and award-winning architects.
RMIT Architecture is well known for its strong, long-standing links with industry. Design studios are delivered by academic staff as well as sessional staff from innovative practices, or visiting international practitioners and academics.
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. Many public lectures are also held throughout the year, led by prominent local and international architects and urban designers.
Recent studio partners include
- RMIT Associate Lecturer Amy Muir
MUIR Architecture - RMIT Associate Professor Paul Minifie and Dr Jan van Schaik (lecturer)
MvS Architects - RMIT Professor of Architecture Carey Lyon
Lyons Architecture - RMIT Adjunct Professors Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall
ARM Architecture
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
This program 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.
Other recent design studios have included collaborations with students in Berlin, Germany and architecture practices in Shanghai, China.
This program forms part of a five year specialist degree, made up of the three year Bachelor of Architectural Design plus the two year Master of Architecture by coursework.
The Bachelor program offers a range of opportunities in which to develop a strong knowledge base in the field and experience the architectural design process.
From first term, first semester you will be hands-on in design studios developing your drawing, 2D and 3D design skills and learning in an environment that models the best practice of an innovative architectural design firm.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Architectural Design | City Campus |
3 years full time
|
3 years full time
|
BP250 | 060830J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP250
Career
The undergraduate program is a stand-alone award that provides employment options for those who seek to work in architectural practices or design more generally, in roles that do not require professional registration. Students must complete the Master of Architecture to be eligible to apply for accreditation as an architect.
Careers
• architect
• urban designer
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
Semester 2, 2019
July entry is available to advanced standing applicants only.
You must have successfully completed:
- at least one year of tertiary study in architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design
OR
- an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) or Diploma of Drafting/Building Design.
Semester 1, 2020
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
Prerequisites: VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL (or equivalent) or achieve an overall score of at least 155 in the STAT multiple choice.
You must:
- complete and submit the Architecture selection task by 5 pm Friday 31 May 2019.
The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. - attend an interview (some applicants).
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview late June. You will be contacted mid-June with your interview details.
If you have successfully completed the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) with a grade point average (GPA) of 4 out of 4 achieved in the final year, you are exempt from submitting a selection task and are guaranteed entry into the program. If you do not meet the guaranteed entry requirements you will be required to participate in an interview. You will be contacted by mid-June with the date, time and instructions for the interview.
Selection task requirements
The selection task will include:
- A CV
- A short statement outlining your motivations and aspirations for studying architecture
- A digital folio comprising 3 to 5 projects.
For each project include a brief description of the project intent, some developmental work (drawings, models, renderings, sketches etc.) and a series of images of the final outcome. You are also encouraged to include photographs of 3D models and mock-ups. You may include up to one page of projects completed in architectural work-related project experience, but this is not essential. If you choose to do this it needs to be clearly differentiated and labeled.
Your folio must be uploaded as a single PDF (maximum file size 10MB) or you may supply a URL to your single PDF if hosted online. Each project may have up to 4 pages dedicated to it (no more than 20 pages for the entire folio).
It is important to demonstrate in your folio how you have engaged in the creative process and how these efforts respond to the constraints and issues inherent in the project. The folio will demonstrate your development of creative ideas in a logical sequence. Projects can include work from previous study, as well as your own projects. Include any projects that demonstrate your potential to follow a design process. Projects that demonstrate an ability to realise a 3D outcome are encouraged.
Art and Design application tips
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must:
- complete and submit the Architecture pre-selection kit.
- VTAC applicants must register and submit the selection kit. All kits must be submitted by 5 October 2018. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- attend an interview (some applicants).
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.
- Interviews will be held between 4 December 2018 and 6 December 2018. You will be advised by 23 November 2018 of the date of your interview.
Advisory letters will be sent by mid December.
Pre-selection kit
The pre-selection kit requires:
- An applicant statement outlining your motivations and aspirations for studying architecture including details of any relevant experience such as employment, voluntary work, etc and how this strengthens your application to this program (maximum 250 words).
- A design ideas exercise. For this exercise you are required to identify an issue or major site and respond to it by presenting bold ideas and visions for its future. Your site can be a building, a street or a public space that you wish to reconsider through design. Your design vision may be informed by opportunities you identify within the site. Alternatively, you can engage with current or recurring issues facing society or the built environment as a way of expressing your ideas about design.
Your design ideas exercise submission must be in a single PDF of up to 4 pages (maximum file size 10MB) including:
- Graphic illustration of your design proposal. You are free to use any medium to communicate your ideas including: drawing, illustration, model making (submit photographs only), photomontage, collage, painting, computer modelling/rendering (hard copy printed material only) - anything that you think will express your ideas and proposal. Make sure to scan or digitise hand drawings and photographs at a higher resolution for clarity.
- Clearly identify the issue or site you are responding to.
- A concise written description of the design problem or site and your analysis of what you have identified as issues or opportunities for your design proposal (maximum 100 words).
- A clearly written description of your design proposal (maximum 100 words).
You are encouraged to be ambitious and brave in the design work that you present in response to this exercise. In preparing your response, think broadly, imaginatively and be creative. Your proposal does not have to be practical or even possible, it could be for now or a long way into the future. There is no one correct response to this exercise and you are not expected to have any substantial prior knowledge of architecture. The selection panel will be assessing your ideas and vision and not your ability to draft architectural drawings or plans. You should draw on your own experience and research to put forward your own ideas. Consider the issue or site and your design response carefully before preparing your final submission so that your ideas are clearly presented to the selection panel.
If you have successfully completed at least one year of tertiary study in a design discipline, e.g. architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design; or completed an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) or Diploma of Drafting/Building Design you are not required to complete the Design ideas exercise. Instead you will be asked to provide the following:
- Your official academic transcript/s for you previous study in design.
- Your curriculum vitae (CV).
- A folio comprising of 3 to 5 projects. For each project include a brief description of the project intent, some developmental work (drawings, models, renderings, sketches etc.) and a series of images of the final outcome. You are also encouraged to include photographs of 3D models and mock-ups. You may include up to one page of projects completed in architectural work-related project experience, but this is not essential. If you choose to do this it needs to be clearly differentiated and labelled.
Your folio must be uploaded as a single PDF (maximum file size 10MB) or you may supply a URL to your single PDF if hosted online. Each project may have up to 4 pages dedicated to it (no more than 20 pages for the entire folio).
It is important to demonstrate in your folio how you have engaged in the creative process and how these efforts respond to the constraints and issues inherent in the project. The folio will demonstrate your development of creative ideas in a logical sequence. Projects can include work from previous study, as well as your own projects. Include any projects that demonstrate your potential to follow a design process. Projects that demonstrate an ability to realise a 3D outcome are encouraged.
Art and Design application tips
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Semester 1
You must:
- Complete the Architecture pre-selection kit unless you have successfully completed the following:
- an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) or Diploma of Drafting/Building Design; or
- a minimum of one year tertiary study in a design discipline e.g. architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design
If you have completed any of the above, you are exempt from completing the pre-selection kit. Instead, you will need to submit the following with your application:
- folio
- CV
- academic transcript
- letter outlining your reason for applying
RMIT Foundation students must complete the pre-selection kit.
- record and submit a video
All applicants must record and submit a brief video addressing the questions below:
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 architecture?
- What other interests or skills do you have outside of your studies?
Part 2 (maximum time: 3 minutes)
* If you have submitted a pre-selection kit:
Please present your pre-selection kit design:
- Explain the site, opportunity or issue you have chosen to address in your design and why you have chosen this.
- Explain the ideas and concepts behind your design response. 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.
Note: We will be looking at your pre-selection kit so you do not need to show the images in your video.
* If you have submitted a folio:
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).
- 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.
Semester 2
If you have completed the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) you may be required to participate in an interview. You will be contacted by 1 May with the date, time and instructions for the interview.
If you have completed a minimum of one year tertiary study in a design discipline e.g. architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design other than the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), you must submit a folio, CV and a statement with your application. Short-listed applicants will be required to participate in an interview. You will be contacted by 1 May with the date, time and instructions for the interview.
To study this program 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
From your degree to the masters
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.
Guaranteed entry into the masters
A 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.
You’ll also have the option to study the Master of Urban Design upon completion of the Bachelor of Architectural Design.
When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Architectural Design and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5, you are guaranteed entry into 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.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate program.
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
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.
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 and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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.
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 2019 is $303.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$39,360.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$123,840.
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.