Bachelor of Architectural Design

Undergraduate | 2026

Hero banner - Bachelor of Architectural Design
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study is primarily delivered on campus
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load.
3 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
BARCH
Study as icon
Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
Entry scores icon
Entry scores
Entry scores
The level of attainment required (including any rules or values) to qualify for consideration for admission.
2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):70 Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):B,B,B
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

  • Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

  • Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

  • Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
  • A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
  • Qualify for special entry
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Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Architectural Design?

Architects are big thinkers, pairing design ability with technical innovation to shape the built environment of tomorrow.

Working with clients and organisations, architects bring human and community needs, aesthetics, technology, ethics and the environment together to create enjoyable and functional buildings and spaces for living, working, and other uses. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or eager to contribute to the future built environment, an architectural design degree will set you up for a variety of diverse and fulfilling careers. An ever-evolving profession that is constantly in demand, there’s no limit to where architectural design could lead you.

program overview

Overview

Make an impact with your creative problem-solving abilities in the broad ranging field of architecture, where you could do anything from helping to preserve treasured heritage sites to designing inclusive and sustainable architecture of the future.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design will equip you with the problem-solving skills and creative expertise needed to tackle design challenges through an ethical understanding of culture and the natural environment.

You’ll learn how to design projects of varying scales and complexities, overcoming obstacles to deliver sustainable solutions. You’ll become an effective communicator, understanding how to co-design projects that realise your client’s vision.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Architectural Design is your entry into the study of architecture. You’ll study coursework that will develop your skills and understanding of design principles and methods; building structures and construction systems; digital design and communication methods; sustainable design strategies; and the social and cultural history that shapes our world.

Through this degree, you’ll study Undergraduate Core courses that are common to all architecture degrees.

You’ll study tailored subjects in areas such as:

  • Architectural Design Studios
  • Design and Digital Communication
  • Environmental Design
  • Architectural Construction and Technology
  • Architectural Design History, Theory and Cultures.

You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your thinking through cross-disciplinary electives in areas like design and construct, construction management, graphic and communication design art, and animation. This will enable you to work with diverse teams, build communication skills, and realise the integral relationship between architectural design and other creative disciplines.

A selection of architectural design studios embed work integrated learning with real world projects. Led by experienced practising architects, you’ll consolidate your learning by applying contemporary design thinking, strategies, and practices in activities you’d be expected to complete in your future workplace.

This degree will also help you to enhance your employability by developing essential interpersonal, communication, cultural literacy and professional collaboration skills that can be applied to any industry.

Master pathways

Looking to take the next step in your architecture studies? The Bachelor of Architectural Design is the primary pathway to a Master of Architecture, which leads to future registration as an architect.

Your stepping stone to an architecture career

Did you know you can apply for the Bachelor of Architectural Design in a combined pathway with a master’s degree? Studied in sequence, your choice of combined degrees will streamline your entry to careers in either architecture or landscape architecture.
  • Earn qualifications leading to professional registration. 
  • The most direct path to becoming an architect. 
  • Perfect for students focused on their future career. 

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

  • 90 units for Core courses, and
  • Either:
  • 36 units for one Major from Major, or
  • 36 units for all Discipline courses, and
  • 18 units for Electives

Complete 90 units for either of the following:

  • Both of the following:
  • 18 units from Common core, and
  • 72 units for all Program core, or
  • 90 units for all Program core [packaged with Master of Landscape Architecture]

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
UG Common Core 1
Course code
AUXX1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
UG Common Core 2
Course code
AUXX2000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
UG Common Core 3
Course code
AUXX3000
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Design Studio (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Design Communication (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Design Construction (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Home)
Course code
ARCH1004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Architectural Design Cultures
Course code
ARCH1005
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Environmental Design and the Sensory Body
Course code
ARCH1006
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes)
Course code
ARCH2004
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Digital Design Communications
Course code
ARCH2007
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Communication)
Course code
ARCH2011
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Contemporary Architectural Theory
Course code
ARCH2000
Units
6

Course name Course code Units

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Design Studio (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1000
Units
6
Course name
Design Communication (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1002
Units
6
Course name
Design Construction (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Home)
Course code
ARCH1004
Units
6
Course name
Architectural Design Cultures
Course code
ARCH1005
Units
6
Course name
Environmental Design and the Sensory Body
Course code
ARCH1006
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes)
Course code
ARCH2004
Units
12
Course name
Digital Design Communications
Course code
ARCH2007
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Communication)
Course code
ARCH2011
Units
6
Course name
Contemporary Architectural Theory
Course code
ARCH2000
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Tectonics)
Course code
ARCH3001
Units
12
Course name
Multi-storey Technologies
Course code
ARCH3003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Context and Cultures)
Course code
ARCH3013
Units
12
Course name
Environmental Ecologies and Systems in Architecture
Course code
ARCH3014
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Tectonics)
Course code
ARCH3001
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Multi-storey Technologies
Course code
ARCH3003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Context and Cultures)
Course code
ARCH3013
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Environmental Ecologies and Systems in Architecture
Course code
ARCH3014
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Design Studio (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1000
Units
6
Course name
Design Communication (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1002
Units
6
Course name
Design Construction (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Home)
Course code
ARCH1004
Units
6
Course name
Architectural Design Cultures
Course code
ARCH1005
Units
6
Course name
Environmental Design and the Sensory Body
Course code
ARCH1006
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes)
Course code
ARCH2004
Units
12
Course name
Digital Design Communications
Course code
ARCH2007
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Communication)
Course code
ARCH2011
Units
6
Course name
Contemporary Architectural Theory
Course code
ARCH2000
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Tectonics)
Course code
ARCH3001
Units
12
Course name
Multi-storey Technologies
Course code
ARCH3003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Context and Cultures)
Course code
ARCH3013
Units
12
Course name
Environmental Ecologies and Systems in Architecture
Course code
ARCH3014
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6

Complete one Major from the following:

Major name
course icon
Major
Urban Planning

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Design Studio (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1000
Units
6
Course name
Design Communication (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1002
Units
6
Course name
Design Construction (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Home)
Course code
ARCH1004
Units
6
Course name
Architectural Design Cultures
Course code
ARCH1005
Units
6
Course name
Environmental Design and the Sensory Body
Course code
ARCH1006
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes)
Course code
ARCH2004
Units
12
Course name
Digital Design Communications
Course code
ARCH2007
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Communication)
Course code
ARCH2011
Units
6
Course name
Contemporary Architectural Theory
Course code
ARCH2000
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Tectonics)
Course code
ARCH3001
Units
12
Course name
Multi-storey Technologies
Course code
ARCH3003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Context and Cultures)
Course code
ARCH3013
Units
12
Course name
Environmental Ecologies and Systems in Architecture
Course code
ARCH3014
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6

Complete 18 units comprising:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Design Construct on Site
Course code
ARCH1013
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Design Construct in the Workshop
Course code
ARCH1014
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Study Tour
Course code
ARCH3016
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Urban Regeneration
Course code
ARCHX305
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Design Studio (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1000
Units
6
Course name
Design Communication (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1002
Units
6
Course name
Design Construction (Principles)
Course code
ARCH1003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Home)
Course code
ARCH1004
Units
6
Course name
Architectural Design Cultures
Course code
ARCH1005
Units
6
Course name
Environmental Design and the Sensory Body
Course code
ARCH1006
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes)
Course code
ARCH2004
Units
12
Course name
Digital Design Communications
Course code
ARCH2007
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Communication)
Course code
ARCH2011
Units
6
Course name
Contemporary Architectural Theory
Course code
ARCH2000
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Tectonics)
Course code
ARCH3001
Units
12
Course name
Multi-storey Technologies
Course code
ARCH3003
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Architectural Design Studio (Context and Cultures)
Course code
ARCH3013
Units
12
Course name
Environmental Ecologies and Systems in Architecture
Course code
ARCH3014
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6

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How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

Not sure if you'll meet the entry requirements? Adelaide University offers a range of pathway options to help you start your study journey.

Explore Pathways

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university. 

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus. 

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

  • Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
  • Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities. 
  • Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
  • Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
  • Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
  • On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
  • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
  • An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
  • Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
  • Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
  • A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
  • A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission. 

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

  • February for Semester 1  
  • July for Semester 2. 

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

  • Career advice and mentoring services
  • Personal counselling
  • LGBTQIA+ support
  • Academic support
  • Fees and finance help
  • Security services
  • Accommodation services
  • Common rooms
  • Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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