Architecture is concerned with the conceptualisation and design of individual buildings, urban configurations and landscapes in response to existing and emerging economic, technical and social needs and desires.
Introduction
An undergraduate major in Architecture serves as a preparation for postgraduate studies by exposing students to a range of technologies and production methods carefully conceptualised in a manner that encourages students to imagine a range of design outcomes and their applications.
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Course description, features and facilities
Majoring in Architecture provides you with a rich combination of experiences in creativity, the humanities and the sciences. As a student you will learn about the conceptualisation and design of individual buildings, urban configurations and landscapes in response to existing and emerging economic, technical and social needs and desires.
Within this major you will use a range of different technologies and production methods, both manual and digitally based, to create drawings, models and prototypes. Your practical studies will be supported by investigating design communication, sustainable design and considerations of relevant historical, theoretical and ethical aspects of architecture. You will learn how to use creative and rational inquiry to analyse and provide solutions to design problems, integrating emerging aesthetic, technical, social and ethical concerns. Design studios form the backbone of the Architecture major. Studio teaching is supplemented by studies in the history and theories of the built environment and construction.
UWA has invested heavily in cutting-edge model-making and prototyping technologies including laser cutters and a three dimensional model maker. The Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts (ALVA) also has a well-equipped workshop and students have the benefit of the Cullity Gallery to exhibit their work.
The Faculty brings together the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, visual arts and urban design. This grouping represents a substantial breadth and depth of design experience that can inform and inspire new design students.
Please note: This major can only be taken by Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) students concurrently enrolled in the Integrated Design major.
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Student profile
Student profile – Thomas O'Brien
Studying Architecture at UWA has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I enrolled as a mature age student after working in the industry for a couple of years. At first it was pretty daunting, but the studio co-ordinators were very supportive and I quickly developed a passion for the study and practice of Architecture. I also developed an interest in student politics and held the office of President for the ALVA Faculty Society for one year, organising events and meeting with members of faculty regarding student issues.
As studies progressed I have had the opportunity to participate in competition with members of staff and develop closer relationships with fellow students and members of faculty. Studying architecture at UWA is not just a university course, but a big part of my life.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
Majors in Architecture and Integrated Design provide a range of employment opportunities including work as an:
- Architect (with further study)
- Urban Designer (with further study)
- Architectural Draftsperson
- Architectural Educator/Academic
- Government Policy Advisor
Working in:
- Architectural and urban design practice
- City and regional planning
- Government agencies
- Higher education
- Property development
- Architectural illustration & modelling
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students who complete an Architecture major and Integrated Design major at a sufficiently high level may proceed to the Master of Architecture by Coursework. The MArch is accredited by the Architects' Boards in each state and territory and recognised by a number of international accreditation bodies. Completion of an Architecture major to a sufficiently high level may also lead to further studies in a postgraduate Urban Design course.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and International students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
| Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) | 80 |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
French Baccalaureat
| 12 |
International Baccalaureate
| 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
| 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
| 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
| 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
| 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
| 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
| 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
| 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
| 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
| 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
| 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
| 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
| 15.70 |
German Abitur
| 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
| 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
| 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
English competency
To be eligible for admission to a program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and International students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre. Applications open Monday 13 August 2012.
Closing dates:
- On-time closing date - Friday 28 September 2012
- The deadline for adding preferences for Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry is Friday 28 September 2012, and late applications will not be accepted.
- Late applications for other courses will be accepted, with a late fee, until Friday 4 January 2013.
- Students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2011 can add preferences (except for Medicine and Dentistry Assured Entry Pathways) until Friday 4 January 2013.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
Closing date:
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Fees
$8050, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
Closing dates:
- Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry - 30 June 2011
- All other courses - 1 December 2011
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
Closing date:
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
- About UWA

- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses

- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus

- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.