Bachelor of Applied Architecture
Overview
3 years full time / 6 years part time
3 years
February, July
February, July
Reshape the world around us with a Bachelor of Applied Architecture
Dive into the fundamentals of Architectural design, technology and practice, while blending foundational theory with real-world skills.
Designed to deliver the essential skills required by students of architecture at undergraduate level, this course opens the door to careers in Building Design, Planning, Technical Architectural Support and many more opportunities. After graduating, you’ll also be perfectly placed to study a master's degree in architecture to pursue a career as an Architect.
Our course will teach you to use a range of architectural software and create innovative design solutions that respond to client briefs, the principles of environmental sustainability, and to the natural and built environments.
Career Pathways
Where will the Bachelor of Applied Architecture take me?
Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Architecture may work for architects, building designers and interior designers and related professions.
To qualify as an architect graduates must also complete a masters of Architecture degree as well as meet the requirements of the state architects registration board.
- Building Design Draftsperson
- Building Design Assistant
- Architect Assistant
- Building Planner
- Architectural Technician
- Building Designer
- Architect (on completion of Master of Architecture)
Study Pathways
On successful completion of the Bachelor of Applied Architecture you may be eligible for entry into postgraduate Master of Architecture study at other institutions.
Course Details
Delivery methods
Semester 2 commencement available to applicants with credit. Enquire now to find out more.
Course delivery continues at Melbourne Polytechnic during the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation the world is facing right now. Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our community.
Class Schedule
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Semester 2 commencement available to applicants with credit. Enquire now to find out more.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods will include a blend of design presentations ('pin-ups' and oral presentations), model making, portfolios, essays, reports, reflective journals, case studies and analyses, projects, tests and exams.
Regular attendance and class participation is a critical part of architectural education.
Units of Study
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at Melbourne Polytechnic are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters; full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part-time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Description | Year | Semester |
| ARC111 | Architectural Design 1 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Design 1 introduces you to the basics of design through a series of introductory design exercises. You will learn to communicate design ideas through a variety of media, in individual and group projects. You will explore form, mass, light and the fundamentals of human occupation of physical spaces and develop a folio of design work over the semester. Above all, Architectural Design 1 aims to engage your imagination and encourage the exploration of architecture as an art form. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
1 | 1 |
| ARC121 | Architectural Design 2 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Design 2 is taught with other design levels as part of a vertically integrated design studio. It builds on the skills you acquired in Architectural Design 1 and expands the scope of your design folio. You will work in groups on introductory exercises, exploring precedents and the selected construction site. You will then develop an individual project design in response to an architectural brief, under the guidance of tutors and external critics. The design will incorporate passive solar design principles. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
1 | 1 |
| ARC112 | Architectural Technology 1 | Core | Subject content and structure: This unit introduces you to the fundamentals of building technology. Using observation, experimentation, analysis and review, you will examine examples and applications in both natural and artificial structures. Alternative structural systems are studied in relation to the design process, and you will develop an understanding of how elements of the built form come together. Ideas relating to shelter and the properties of materials are developed through research and activity-based exercises. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
1 | 1 |
| ARC113 | Architectural Communications 1 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Communications 1 introduces you to the fundamentals of architectural communication and representation methods. Visual modes of communication such as drawing and model making are learned and practiced using digital and non-digital methods. You will establish a folio of work, which will be developed into a work ready professional folio in subsequent semesters. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
1 | 1 |
| ARC322 | Architectural Practice | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Practice prepares you to be work ready through a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program. You will be placed in architectural offices to learn about professional practice, apply the architectural skills you acquired during the course and learn important new skills in a workplace environment. To support transition into employment, you will also develop a professional resume and portfolio, practice interview techniques and learn routine office documentation and communication. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
1 | 1 |
| ARC122 | Architectural Technology 2 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Technology 2 consolidates the principles of architectural technology gained in first semester. Through research and analysis, you will examine appropriate and relevant construction systems and materials for various site contexts relating to ‘dwellings’. You will encounter service installation principles, codes and practices and apply this knowledge in the context of the ‘dwelling’. Domestic construction techniques and knowledge in relation to structural mechanics and material properties are developed in this subject. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
1 | 2 |
| ARC123 | Architectural Communications 2 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Communications 2 builds on the drawing and presentation skills you learned in Architectural Communications 1. You will use Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to document a simple architectural project and prepare a town planning application. You will also expand on the folio work you established in Architectural Communications 1. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
1 | 2 |
| ARC211 | Architectural Design 3 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Design 3 is the second vertically integrated design studio. You will work in mixed level groups on introductory exercises and then develop an individual project design in response to an architectural brief, under the guidance of tutors and external critics. Student projects in Architectural Design 3 consider precedents, the surrounding context and incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles, and designs are developed to a level of resolution that responds to the scale of the project. Architectural Design 3 will expand on the design folio you have built up in earlier semesters. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
2 | 1 |
| ARC221 | Architectural Design 4 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Design 4 is the fourth of the vertically integrated design studios.You will work in mixed level groups on introductory exercises and then individually develop a basic design concept and architectural project in response to a brief, guided by the advice of tutors and external critics. Student projects in Architectural Design 4 critically examine the project brief, respond creatively to site and context, and adopt active and passive environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles. Designs demonstrate an awareness of architectural precedent and are developed to a level of design resolution that responds to the scale of the project. Architectural Design 4 will expand on the design folio you have built up in earlier semesters. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
2 | 1 |
| ARC212 | Architectural Technology 3 | Core | Subject content and structure: In this subject students will examine the benefit of using repetitious and pre-fabricated elements and components. The selection and installation of services relevant to community living and the integration of active sustainable systems are explored through research, site visits and analysis. You will also investigate appropriate and relevant construction systems and materials for various site contexts relating to community living. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
2 | 1 |
| ARC213 | History of Architecture | Core | Subject content and structure: This subject introduces you to the history and theory of Western architecture and its influence and impact on Australian and Melbourne Architecture. You will explore the influence of historical forces on architecture through specific buildings and the work of key architects. You will also engage with influences such as construction technology and building materials, industry, politics, and religion. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
2 | 1 |
| ARC222 | Architectural Technology 4 | Core | Subject content and structure: Further expanding on the content of Architectural Technology 3, you will encounter building methods and technologies suitable for larger and more complex public buildings. Wide-span construction systems, the uses of pre-cast and in-situ concrete, alternative building materials and specific services requirements are major components of this subject, and you will gain firsthand experience of these processes through observational site visits. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
2 | 2 |
| ARC223 | History of Modern Architecture | Core | Subject content and structure: History of Modern Architecture explores ideas, movements and key individuals in the development of architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries against the dramatic and unprecedented social, political, scientific and technological changes of the past two centuries. In contrast to the chronological approach adopted in BAA213 History of Architecture, History of Modern Architecture takes a thematic approach to the subject matter and extends your academic research and writing skills. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
2 | 2 |
| ARC311 | Architectural Design 5 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Design 5 is the fourth vertically integrated design studio and is taught with other design studio levels. Students work in mixed level groups on introductory exercises. Over the semester, you will develop an individual project and design concept, in response to a brief and input from tutors and external critics. Projects in Architectural Design 5 consider architectural composition, context integration, precedents and environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles, and apply a level of design resolution which considers the project scale. In Architectural Design 5 you will prepare a ‘work ready’ design portfolio ahead of a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
3 | 1 |
| ARC321 | Architectural Design 6 | Core | Subject content and structure: Architectural Design 6 is the final vertically integrated design studio and is taught with other design studio levels. You work individually on introductory exercises, exploring precedents and the selected site in depth, and develop a design concept and project design in response to an architectural design brief, under the guidance of tutors and external critics. Student projects in Architectural Design 6 display ability in architectural composition and project integration. You will respond creatively to site and context, adopt environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles and develop the design to a level of resolution appropriate to the scale of the project. In Architectural Design 6 you will complete a ‘work ready’ design portfolio for employment purposes that represents your learning and achievements in the course. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
3 | 1 |
| ARC312 | Architectural Technology 5 | Core | Subject content and structure: In this final Architectural Technology subject, you will encounter building methods and technologies suitable for larger and more complex public buildings. You will learn about wide-span construction systems, the uses of pre-cast and in-situ concrete, alternative building materials and specific services requirements and have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of these processes through observational site visits. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
3 | 1 |
| ARC313 | Architectural Communications 3 | Core | Subject content and structure: In Architectural Communications 3, you will explore the use of advanced modelling software in architectural design. The subject will give you a grounding in rendering and presentation software, develop your verbal and written communication skills and refine the folio of work you created in earlier Architectural Communications subjects. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
3 | 1 |
| ARC323 | Architecture and Urbanism | Core | Subject content and structure: This subject introduces you to the history and theory of urbanism and its relationship with architecture in the broader context of the built environment. You will explore the influence of historical, social, cultural and economic forces on the growth of towns and cities, with a focus on Melbourne and its development as a metropolis since its founding in 1835. You will engage with both visual and narrative methods to develop a heightened awareness of the emerging issues of urban growth and change, as they relate to the development of contemporary urban environments. At completion of this subject, students will be able to:
|
3 | 2 |
Fees & Costs
Fee-paying Places
| Per year | $19160 |
| Per semester | $9580 |
| Per year | $22640 |
| Per semester | $11320 |
When you are studying higher education courses you may qualify for FEE-HELP payments for part or all of your tuition fees. FEE-HELP loans do not cover materials costs.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Architecture and Building Design at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
Year 12 (or equivalent)
- Minimum score of 20 in any English VCE Units 3 and 4 subjects or equivalent.
- Minimum score of 20 in any Maths.
- Selection interview.
VCAL Students:
- Selection interview
- Folio of work
Semester 2 commencement available to applicants with credit. Enquire now to find out more.
Applicants with higher education:
- A complete or incomplete higher education qualification.
- Participate in a selection interview.
Applicants with work and life experience:
- Minimum of 2 years relevant industry experience.
- Participate in a selection interview.
In addition, any prior study is supposed to have taken place in the past 10 years.
Higher Education Admissions Criteria
As well as the specific entry requirements above, Melbourne Polytechnic admits students on the basis of the following categories:
If you have already studied higher education: Y ou may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree.
If you have studied a VET course: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a vocational education and training (VET) course.
If you have recent secondary education: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you are a recent secondary education student whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the past two years.
If you have work and life experience: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you have work and life experience and left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalencyEnglish: Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0 or equivalent as outlined in Melbourne Polytechnic's English Proficiency Policy. Pearson PTE Academic 58 overall with no individual communicative skill below 50, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other: you must submit a folio of work. If you are shortlisted, you will be required to attend an interview Add the following to the admissions requirements: Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study Completion of the Melbourne Polytechnic Advanced Diploma of Building Design or equivalent at another institution. Applicants with qualifications in related (e.g. Interior Design) fields to be assessed individually. Participate in a selection interview and presentation of a folio of work.
Applicants with higher education:
- A complete or incomplete higher education qualification.
- Participate in a selection interview.
Applicants with work and life experience:
- Minimum of 2 years relevant industry experience.
- Participate in a selection interview.
Next Steps
Melbourne Polytechnic 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 future studies.
Find out more about Melbourne Polytechnic’s commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
You may also be required to attend an interview to discuss your career plans, aptitude and understanding of your chosen course of study and the requirements of tertiary study. (This may be conducted face-to-face or by through a video conference call using Skype or other application).
During your interview, you may be asked to provide:
- Your CV outlining your relevant work and life skills and experience
- Any letters of reference from employers
- Documents relating to prior study including course transcripts and subject outlines from other Higher Education Providers if you wish to apply for credit
- Your portfolio of work
Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Details will be provided by telephone or mail to applicants selected to attend an interview.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.