The Master of Architecture degree provides professional education in the practice and theory of architecture. It requires full time attendance for two years. It is designed to deliver an architectural education appropriate to contemporary multidisciplinary professional practice.

Building on the solid disciplinary foundation established by Bachelor of Architectural Studies in literacy and knowledge, as well as in comprehensive skills of architectural design, the Master of Architecture provides an opportunity for students to pursue one of four specialisation streams. These are listed under the Program Structure section below.

Pursuing a specialisation stream is optional, students can elect to complete the program without a specialisation.

The Program provides students with advanced knowledge and techniques in architectural design and related technical and academic knowledge. It prepares students to work in architecture and other design-based industries, and to operate at a professional level in the practice of Architecture. It also allows students to tailor their studies towards specific interests through the large range of elective offerings they may take within the Faculty.

Admission is available to students with a first degree from a nationally accredited undergraduate program (or equivalent) in Architecture, together with evidence of a capacity to consistently achieve grades at credit level or higher.

Applicants from international universities are required to provide a portfolio of their design work. The portfolio must be in clear digital format. The portfolio must include sample works from various stages of their first degree and text should accompany all drawings/images to explain the projects. Professional work can be included, but the degree of responsibility for the work must be stated.
The portfolio must demonstrate competence and skill in:

In addition, an awareness of contemporary issues and trends in architectural design should be evident.

The different categories of eligible applicants and their specific admission requirements are outlined below:

1. 65 credit average (or equivalent) in applicant’s undergraduate architecture degree OR

2. A UNSW 70 high credit WAM across the following courses:

Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree at another institution will be assessed on the basis of the final year compulsory courses in their undergraduate architecture degree OR

3. Applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (or equivalent) but do not meet the entry requirements specified under either 1 of 2 above may be considered after they have obtained work experience in an architectural office. Work experience will be individually assessed based on the following submission:

Applicants looking to commence studies in architecture should apply for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (3261) program

1. The degree of Master of Architecture is awarded after the successful completion of a minimum of 96 units of credit.

2. To fulfil these requirements, students must complete the required stream core courses (30 UOC), core electives (48 UOC) and the Built Environment electives (18 UOC) being all those prescribed in the faculty regulations for this program.

3. The standard duration of the program is 2 years consisting of 4 semesters of full-time study (24 units of credit per semester).

4. Students are not able to enrol in two design studios concurrently.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Students may enter the program mid-year. At least one Architectural Design Studio must be completed before entering Graduation Research Studio. Graduation Research Studio and Graduation Major Design Studio must be taken sequentially and generally within the same year. Students commencing mid-year are encouraged to contact the Faculty Student Centre to ensure that their enrolled courses are correct for progression into Year 2, Final Design Studio combination.

The Master of Architecture is accredited by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) for the purpose of registration, subject to the prescribed professional experience and examination requirements.

Students enrolled in the MArch program are eligible to become Student Members of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.