The University of Adelaide

Course Details

Bachelor of Architectural Design

Course Description

Design is an activity that requires creativity, critical thinking and the ability to understand and respond to the needs and aspirations of people and the possibilities of our environment. Design in the Bachelor of Architectural Design degree focuses on the way humans create places through architecture, landscape architecture and urban design. The three-year Bachelor of Architectural Design degree can be taken alone or as the first part of the professionally accredited academic programs of Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Architectural Design program provides a study pathway for students who wish to undertake the Master of Planning (Urban Design) / Master of Landscape Architecture. The program involves the arts and the sciences, writing and graphics, design and analysis, management and engineering, together with architecture, landscape architecture and urban design. All courses taught in the School are of one-semester length that allows for greater flexibility in planning a program of study. Students will find themselves involved in practical aspects of the program, such as designing, making models, visiting building sites, landscapes and gardens, visiting art galleries and exhibitions, and absorbing aspects of the society in which people live and formulating proposals for improving the environment.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

The career paths of architects and landscape architects are many and varied. High levels of skill and flexibility are needed in professions that are responding to global and local needs. To prepare for these exciting possibilities this School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Adelaide delivers one undergraduate Bachelor of Architectural Design program that leads to two professional graduate degrees – Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Architectural Design program provides a study pathway for students who wish to undertake the School’s graduate Master of Planning or Master of Planning (Urban Design) programs. The Bachelor of Architectural Design followed by the Master of Architecture is recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects and accredited by the Architects Board of South Australia. These two programs can be completed in 5 years of study. A total of two years practical experience, at least one of which must be taken after graduation, and an examination by the Architects Registration Board are prerequisites to registration as an Architect. A similar pathway applies for aspiring Landscape Architects, with the Master of Landscape Architecture being recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and examined by the Registered Landscape Architects Board for registration. It is important to note that while many Bachelor of Architectural Design graduates continue in either Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture others follow a variety of career directions. The Bachelor of Architectural Design leads to careers which require skills in analysing and interpreting situations, the use of creative decision making approaches, and the formulation of proposals for change or conservation. Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design are well equipped to continue on to a broad spectrum of future studies in other fields because of the program's emphasis on critical thinking, creative action, communication skills and digital technologies. These pathways could include teaching, health sciences, environmental law, international development, urban and regional planning, marketing and business.




Bachelor of Architectural Design The University of Adelaide