Bachelor of Architectural Design
Overview
Take your first steps towards becoming an architect with the Bachelor of Architectural Design. Work in design studios with some of the best teachers in Australia, and use drawings, models, prototypes and structures to express your design ideas.
UQ's Bachelor of Architectural Design is all about practical and creative learning through design studios. You'll do hands-on construction at multiple scales, using progressively more complex materials and forms.
Design studios mimic what it's like to work at local and international design firms. They're also a lot of fun. Studios are usually organised around a project, and you'll investigate and present your design concept in front of your peers and experts at the end of semester.
Working hands-on with paper, card, clay and foam will give you the confidence to experiment with architectural form. You’ll also have opportunities to make models using laser cutters and 3D printers, construct furniture and prototypes, and even work on small buildings using our workshop facilities.
You'll gain a rich understanding of international cultures and develop skills in communication, teamwork and leadership. You'll learn about built environments and communities, construction documentation, people and places, and environmental factors.
Our teachers can offer links with local industry and international perspectives, and aim to strike a balance between creative and practical learning. When you graduate, you can progress into the Master of Architecture to finish your training.
Program highlights
- Access the latest design technologies, innovative processes and a wealth of architectural resources.
- Receive advice and guidance from real architects working in the field and go on industry and site visits.
- Impact communities through international study tours and learn how to address the challenges facing tomorrow's cities.
- Progress into the Master of Architecture, which is accredited by all state and territory architect registration boards.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Overseas study
- Laboratory work
- Studios
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Architectural Design 1: Form and Space
- Architecture in the Western Tradition
- Buildings in History and Culture
- Building Materials: Properties, Principles and Applications
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Architect
- Interior designer
- Environmental graphic designer
- Furniture designer
- Urban designer
- Property developer
- Product designer
- Wayfinding designer
- Change manager
- Fashion designer
Graduate salary
Architecture & building (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Mid-career salary
Urban Designer
payscale.com
Next steps after graduation
On completion of the Bachelor of Architectural Design, you will be able to start your career as a junior designer in an architectural practice, draftsperson, building designer or 3D visualisation artist.
Following the completion of your Bachelor of Architectural Design, your next step to becoming a registered architect is with UQ’s Master of Architecture.
To be able to practice architecture in Australia, you must join a state or territory registration board. To be eligible to register, you first have to:
- Progress into the Master of Architecture.
- Complete 2 years of professional experience.
- Pass the Architectural Practice Exam.
Professional memberships
When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.
- Australian Institute of Architects
Professional registration
When you graduate, you may be eligible for registration with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to register.
- Board of Architects of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Architects
“I would recommend future students take risks and have the courage to explore new and different avenues, whether it be doing things differently to others in their projects, or following a unique career path or even taking the opportunity to travel overseas.”
Julia ZinGraduate, Bachelor of Architectural Design
“The design ethos at UQ was the biggest attraction for me. I really wanted to be immersed in design and absorb as much as I could. This has been the basis for my growth and career progression over many years.”
Madonna LockeGraduate, Bachelor of Architectural Design
“I loved the studio-based learning element of my study at UQ. I met lifelong friends there and we had so much in common that we became pretty much inseparable. Working together in that creative and practical environment helped us learn to collaborate.”
Nick FlutterGraduate, Bachelor of Architectural Design
“I would recommend future students take risks and have the courage to explore new and different avenues, whether it be doing things differently to others in their projects, or following a unique career path or even taking the opportunity to travel overseas.”
Julia ZinGraduate, Bachelor of Architectural Design
“The design ethos at UQ was the biggest attraction for me. I really wanted to be immersed in design and absorb as much as I could. This has been the basis for my growth and career progression over many years.”
Madonna LockeGraduate, Bachelor of Architectural Design
“I loved the studio-based learning element of my study at UQ. I met lifelong friends there and we had so much in common that we became pretty much inseparable. Working together in that creative and practical environment helped us learn to collaborate.”
Nick FlutterGraduate, Bachelor of Architectural Design
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Entry score threshold
| OP | Rank | IB |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 84 | 30 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2020. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR scores: See QTAC's OP to ATAR conversions (PDF) for a rough guide to equivalent ATARs.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Additional application information
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Architectural Design are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Architectural Design for Semester 1, 2020
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 2 / 97 | 1 / 99 |
| Median | 6 / 91 | 6 / 91 |
| Lowest | 10 / 79 | 8 / 84 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2020:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | 30 | 29.41% |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
(C) Work and life experience | 0 | 0% |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 39 | 38.24% |
| 0 | 0% |
| <5 | <5 |
International students | 29 | 28.43% |
Total | 102 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
AUD $45,120
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Bachelor of Architectural Design for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $7,941
Indicative annual fee 2021 Commonwealth supported place
This indicative annual fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) in the Bachelor of Architectural Design for one academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units over two semesters).
Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses and their unit value. The Australian Government indexes fees each year.
Additional costs
- Books, technical notes etc (approx $150)
- Consumables, paper, pens etc (approx $100-200)
- Drawing board and equipment (approx $600-700)
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of Architectural Design are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
How you apply depends on what type of applicant you are.
Your senior schooling is from Australia or New Zealand
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you are an international student who is currently:
- completing Australian Year 12 (either in Australia or offshore) or
- studying the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Architectural Design is 711202.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
All other international applicants
Submit your application to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of Architectural Design is 2293.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Architectural Design is 711202.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Express yourself. And your interest.
They say choosing a degree is hard, which is why we've made it easy. Register your interest in the Bachelor of Architectural Design and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying to UQ.