Bachelor of Architectural Design

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BARCH

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$50,500

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115676M

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) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6
IELTS Listening 6
IELTS Speaking 6
IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
Canada	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)	70%
China	Gaokao	65%
Denmark	Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma)	4 (Fair)
France	French Baccalaureate	11.5
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Norway	Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering	3.6
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
South Korea	College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)	320
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Sweden	Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate	14.0
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

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.

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.

Key features

Explore the world around you and understand how humans create spaces within it.
Develop creative and architectural knowledge based on innovative research and active partnerships with industry.
Learn essential skills like hand-drawing, physical and digital modelling, graphic techniques and programming.
Study in purpose-built studios and access the same software and digital tools used in professional practice.
Learn from highly respected educators with real-world experience.
Continue your studies through a Master of Architecture, which can lead to professional registration as an architect.

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.

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 code	Units
Course name An Ethically Rich Life	Course code COREX001	Units 6
Course name Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone	Course code COREX002	Units 6
Course name Igniting Change: Ideas to Action	Course code COREX003	Units 6
Course name Proppa Ways, Future Practice	Course code COREX004	Units 6
Course name Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry	Course code COREX005	Units 6
Course name Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing	Course code COREX006	Units 6

	Course code	Units
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 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 Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes)	Course code ARCH2004	Units 12
Course name Digital Design Communications	Course code ARCH2007	Units 6
Course name Architectural Design Studio (Communication)	Course code ARCH2011	Units 12
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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Architectural Design Studio (Tectonics)	Course code ARCH3001	Units 12
Course name Multi-storey Technologies	Course code ARCH3003	Units 6
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
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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete one Major from the following:

Major name
	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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 18 units comprising:

12 units from Program electives, and
6 units from University-wide electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Design Construct on Site	Course code ARCH1013	Units 6
Course name Design Construct in the Workshop	Course code ARCH1014	Units 6
Course name Study Tour	Course code ARCH3016	Units 6
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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	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 Core course	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 Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Career outcomes

You’ll graduate with the ability to develop and professionally implement design ideas. You might design eco-friendly social housing for a growing community. You could engage in public policy, sparking new ideas and strategies to ensure heritage sites are kept intact and their cultural significance valued. Perhaps you might help build the next landmark building or design a world-class concert hall.

Your career pathways may include:

Architect (with further study)
Landscape architect (with further study)
Architectural graduate
Draftsperson
Urban designer
Environmental designer
Architectural technician
Heritage consultant.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design is a recognised pathway to the Master of Architecture. A Masters qualification (or equivalent) is required to seek future registration as an ‘architect’. Only those practitioners registered with the relevant registration authority are entitled to use the title architect by law.

Industry trends

Living harmoniously with nature has never been more crucial as we see the impacts of climate change on communities in Australia and abroad. Environmental concerns are a driver for many industries, with architects deemed critical to the transition to a clean energy workforce (Jobs and Skills Australia, April 2024). As the world’s population continues to grow, people with the skills to support shifting societal needs will be in-demand to create homes, buildings and community spaces. Increased demand for housing has seen Australia experience a national shortage of architects, and significant future demand is expected (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).

Ready to apply?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

Ask Adelaide University

When is the last date to apply?

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When will my studies commence?

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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)

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Bachelor of Architectural Design