Charles Darwin University
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Master architectural design principles and building technology through hands-on studio work and theoretical study. This 3-year degree prepares you to become a building designer, technician, or architect by combining design proficiency with environmental sustainability and regional context awareness.
Applicants must meet one of the following: successful completion of Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) or equivalent with an ATAR of at least 60; completion of a Certificate III or higher qualification; completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time higher education study; overseas qualifications equivalent to Australian standards; STAT Multiple Choice score of 140; completion of a tertiary enabling program; acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience; or Australian Defence Force membership with 1+ year service at specified ranks. English language proficiency requirements must be met through Year 12 completion in an English-speaking country, 0.5 FTE higher education study, CDU enabling course completion, TAFE qualification, AHPRA registration, or approved English test (IELTS 6.5 minimum, TOEFL 79 minimum, PTE 58 minimum, or Cambridge CAE 176 minimum).
The course comprises 240 credit points across three years with 14 compulsory core units and 4 specialist elective units. Core units include: Architectural Design 1-6 (Materiality, Ecology, Theory, Urban, Public, Integration), Building Technology 1-3, Environmental Building Design, Architectural Documentation, and Architecture History, Theory and Practice 1-3. Specialist electives can be chosen from environmental design, digital media, art, sculpture, surveying, construction, entrepreneurship, environmental studies, management, and cultural studies. The curriculum emphasizes design principles, concept development, representation of ideas, materials integration, site analysis, ecology, architectural technology, and environmental considerations across tropical, desert and temperate climates.
Charles Darwin University is ranked #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries and #4 for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024). CDU offers flexible study options including online, on-campus, part-time and full-time delivery. The university provides leadership in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge with close ties to important research initiatives. The course is accredited by the University in accordance with Higher Education Standards and recognized in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Graduates develop knowledge and skills for roles as building designers and technicians in architecture, design and construction industries. The qualification opens pathways to further study leading to a Master of Architecture degree and professional registration as an architect. Career opportunities span architectural practice, design consultancy, construction management, and building design sectors. The emphasis on environmental design and regional context prepares graduates for sustainable building practices and specialized roles in tropical, desert and temperate climate design.
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