Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Master of Architecture will provide a well-rounded architectural education to prepare students for contemporary professional practice leading to registration as an Architect. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Architectural Design are eligible for entry into the course. The course curriculum builds on the knowledge and skills from the undergraduate Bachelor of Architectural Design with a focus on designing for extreme climates. With a particular focus on sustainable built environments in the diverse climatic regions of the Northern Territory and the Asia-Pacific, students will learn how to create innovative design solutions that respond to complex architectural problems.
Students refine their 3D modeling skills to realise architectural designs, prepare architectural documentation and detailing that contribute to the quality of the built environment and human well-being. The course focuses on principles and practices of design thinking from the perspectives of Indigenous knowledge, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, justice, and fairness. Students also learn how architectural firms operate, their professional standards, and the contracting, procurement, and project delivery processes.
This course is focused on developing professional and research competencies in the creation of works of architecture and includes options to complete a major research project or practice placement.
Available for enrolment in internal on campus mode and external mode, the course does require all students to have laptop or PC access with appropriate specs and high-speed broadband for the completion of project work.
Career opportunities
Graduating from the Master of Architecture can lead to professional opportunties in the architecture, design, construction and project management fields; and is the primary pathway leading to registration as an architect.
Professional recognition
The process for the Initial Accreditation of the Master of Architecture course has commenced between the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), the Northern Territory Architects Board (NTAB), and Charles Darwin University (CDU). This process is being undertaken in accordance with the Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure and is subject to the outcome of the Accreditation Review Panel. The Initial Accreditation Review is scheduled to occur during Semester 2, 2027.
Once Accreditation has been successfully achieved, graduates who have completed a minimum of 3,300 hours (approximately two years, at least one year of which must be postgraduate) of practical experience under the supervision of an Architect, will be eligible to undertake the Architectural Practice Examination (APE). A successful pass of the APE will enable Graduates to be eligible for Professional Registration with any Architects Board in Australia.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
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
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $37,672.00. This equates to $4,709.00 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. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
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.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate 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
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.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
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.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate 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
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.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate 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 Master of Architecture contains core studies in design, theory, documentation, building technology and sustainability within varying environmental, regional and cultural contexts.
Course structure
The program comprises a series of socially, environmentally and technically challenging and complex architectural design studios supported by professional practice, technology, environmental and research units. Each studio progressively builds in complexity, knowledge and design skills acquisition, culminating in a capstone research by design unit focusing on using the design process as a method of inquiry, exploring new ideas via experimentation and iteration.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (10 units) | 140cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 140 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: ARC501 Architecture 1 - Global (20cp) ARC502 Architecture 2 - Social (20cp) ARC503 Architecture 3 - Praxis (20cp) (available from 2027) ARC522 Architecture: Research, Theory and Practice ARC524 Contemporary Theory in Practice ARC541 Professional Practice Theory 1 ARC542 Professional Practice Theory 2 (available from 2027) ARC561 Advanced Technology and Innovation in Architecture ARC572 Extreme Architecture: Climate Change, Adaptability and Sustainability ARC604 Architecture 4 - Major Project (20cp) (available from 2027) |
| Specialist Elective (1 unit) | 20cp | Specialist Elective Units totalling 20 credit points from one of the units below: ARC591 Architecture Practice Placement (20cp) (available from 2027) OR ARC823 Architecture Research Project (20cp) (available from 2027) |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise stated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is 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 assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARC501 Architecture 1 - Global (20cp) | CO | ARC502 Architecture 2 - Social (20cp) | CO |
| ARC522 Architecture: Research, Theory and Practice | CO | ARC572 Extreme Architecture: Climate Change, Adaptability and Sustainability | CO |
| ARC524 Contemporary Theory in Practice | CO | ARC541 Professional Practice Theory 1 | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ARC503 Architecture 3 - Praxis (20cp) | CO | ARC604 Architecture 4 - Major Project (20cp) | CO |
| ARC561 Advanced Technology and Innovation in Architecture | CO | ARC591 Architecture Practice Placement (20cp) OR ARC823 Architecture Research Project (20cp) | SE |
| ARC542 Professional Practice Theory 2 | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARC522 Architecture: Research, Theory and Practice | CO | ARC572 Extreme Architecture: Climate Change, Adaptability and Sustainability | CO |
| ARC524 Contemporary Theory in Practice | CO | ARC541 Professional Practice Theory 1 | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ARC501 Architecture 1 - Global (20cp) | CO | ARC502 Architecture 2 - Social (20cp) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| ARC561 Advanced Technology and Innovation in Architecture | CO | ARC591 Architecture Practice Placement (20cp) OR ARC823 Architecture Research Project (20cp) | SE |
| ARC542 Professional Practice Theory 2 | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| ARC503 Architecture 3 - Praxis (20cp) | CO | ARC604 Architecture 4 - Major Project (20cp) | CO |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is 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 assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARC502 Architecture 2 - Social (20cp) | CO | ||
| ARC572 Extreme Architecture: Climate Change, Adaptability and Sustainability | CO | ||
| ARC541 Professional Practice Theory 1 | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ARC501 Architecture 1 - Global (20cp) | CO | ARC604 Architecture 4 - Major Project (20cp) | CO |
| ARC522 Architecture: Research, Theory and Practice | CO | ARC591 Architecture Practice Placement (20cp) OR ARC823 Architecture Research Project (20cp) | SE |
| ARC524 Contemporary Theory in Practice | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ARC503 Architecture 3 - Praxis (20cp) | CO | ||
| ARC561 Advanced Technology and Innovation in Architecture | CO | ||
| ARC542 Professional Practice Theory 2 | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARC572 Extreme Architecture: Climate Change, Adaptability and Sustainability | CO | ||
| ARC541 Professional Practice Theory 1 | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ARC522 Architecture: Research, Theory and Practice | CO | ARC502 Architecture 2 - Social (20cp) | CO |
| ARC524 Contemporary Theory in Practice | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ARC501 Architecture 1 - Global (20cp) | CO | ARC591 Architecture Practice Placement (20cp) OR ARC823 Architecture Research Project (20cp) | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ARC561 Advanced Technology and Innovation in Architecture | CO | ARC604 Architecture 4 - Major Project (20cp) | CO |
| ARC542 Professional Practice Theory 2 | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| ARC503 Architecture 3 - Praxis (20cp) | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree in architecture or equivalent international qualification, and either:
- A GPA of at least-4.5-from the eligible bachelor degree in Architecture; or
- At least-six months post-degree employment experience in professional architectural fields within Australia. Applicants using this pathway must upload a CV detailing their experience to their SATAC application.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
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 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with 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.
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
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
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
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
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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.
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.
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