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Undergraduate

Bachelor of Architectural Design

Key details

Duration

3 year/s full-time
6 year/s part-time
3 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

240

Course code

WARCD1
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Bachelor of Architectural Design emphasizes the design studio as central to the curriculum with supporting history and theory, communication, materials and construction and environmental design units. The course is structured to develop theoretical knowledge, design proficiency, and communication techniques applicable to architecture and the built environment; including the practical skills of computer aided design for the preparation of architectural design and documentation drawings. Each semester builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the previous semester applied to projects of increasing complexity across the three years. There is particular emphasis placed on the environmental design for architecture in tropical, desert and temperate climates.



Career opportunities

This course develops your knowledge and skills for the role of building designer and technician in the architecture, design and construction industries. Other opportunities include further study leading to a Master of Architecture degree and registration as an architect.

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways

Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $29,120.00. This equates to $ $3,640.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

CDU students in a computer lab

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you

 

Creative arts student drawing in workshop

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
CDU students in a computer lab

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you

 

Creative arts student drawing in workshop

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives

What will I study?

The course explores the concepts and theories of architectural design with a focus on developing design skills within the environmental and regional context. Theoretical, conceptual and analytical skills will be developed throughout the course underpinned with a solid foundation in architectural technology, environment and communication. The first year of this course focuses on the design principles, concept development, representation of ideas, integrating materials, site analysis and ecology in architecture while the second year focuses on integration of architectural theory and technology to how space and the built form are shaped. The final year consolidates and extends knowledge gained in the first two years of study to complex designs on challenging sites with a regional focus.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated. Students are required to:

  • complete the fourteen (14) compulsory core units
  • choose four specialist elective units from complimentary disciplines
  • take a minimum of 60 credit points of 300 level units or above
  • take no more than the maximum of 100 credit points from 100 level units    
     
Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units 
(14 units)
200cp

Compulsory core units totalling 200 credit points as detailed below:

ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp) 
ARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp) 
ARD161 Building Technology 1 
ARD172 Environmental Building Design 
ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp) 
ARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp) 
ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1 
ARD231 Architectural Documentation 
ARD262 Building Technology 2 
ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp) 
ARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp) 
ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2 
ARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3 
ARD362 Building Technology 3 
 

Specialist Electives   
(4 units) 
40cp 

Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points from the following:  

ARD280 Environmental Design: Desert Project (not offered 2025) 
CRA123 Digital Image and Photography 
CRA200 Interdisciplinary Project (not offered 2025) 
CRA210 Creatives of Time and Place 
CRA211 Artists, Artworks and Art Movements 
ENG215 Surveying and Construction 
ENT101 Entrepreneurship Part 1 
ENT102 Entrepreneurship Part 2 
ENV103 Environmental Issues 
HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development 
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities 
IAS205 Environmental Justice, Waste and Society (not offered 2025) 
IAS402 Intercultural Practice 
IAS403 Independent Study 
IAS405 Placement Experience 
MAN105 Introduction to Management 
MAN204 Project Management 
 

 240cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     

 

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp)COARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp)CO
ARD161 Building Technology 1COARD172 Environmental Building DesignCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
    
Year 2
ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp)COARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp)CO
ARD231 Architectural DocumentationCOARD262 Building Technology 2CO
ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1COSpecialist ElectiveSE
    
Year 3
ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp)COARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp)CO
ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2COARD362 Building Technology 3CO
Specialist ElectiveSEARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3CO
    

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Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
ARD161 Building Technology 1COARD172 Environmental Building DesignCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp)COARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp)CO
    
Year 3
ARD231 Architectural DocumentationCOARD262 Building Technology 2CO
ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1COSpecialist ElectiveSE

Year 4

ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp)COARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp)CO
    
Year 5
ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2COARD362 Building Technology 3CO
Specialist ElectiveSEARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3CO
Year 6
ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp)COARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp)CO
    

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_____________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     

 

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  ARD172 Environmental Building DesignCO
  Specialist ElectiveSE
  Specialist ElectiveSE
    
Year 2
ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp)COARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp)CO
ARD161 Building Technology 1COSpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSE  
    
Year 3
ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp)COARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp)CO
ARD231 Architectural DocumentationCOARD262 Building Technology 2CO
ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1CO  
    
Year 4
ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp)COARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp)CO
ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2COARD362 Building Technology 3CO
  ARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3CO
    

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Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  ARD172 Environmental Building DesignCO
  Specialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
ARD161 Building Technology 1COSpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSE  
Year 3
ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp)COARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp)CO
  Specialist ElectiveSE
Year 4
ARD231 Architectural DocumentationCOARD262 Building Technology 2CO
ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1CO  
Year 5
ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp)COARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp)CO
    
Year 6
ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2COARD362 Building Technology 3CO
  ARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3CO
Year 7
ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp)COARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp)CO
    

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
 

ATAR profile


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

Course details

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Student profile


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Architectural Design
Faculty/College
Academy of the Arts
Sector
HE
Area of study
Arts, Engineering

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
113291
Online (CSP)
113291
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
116329M

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