Bachelor of Arts (Architecture)

School of Arts & Sciences

Architecture enhances people’s lives through the creation of meaningful human environments. Many key challenges of contemporary society - such as sustainability, housing affordability, ageing-in-place, city living and community building - often involve spatial issues. Architecture applies a holistic way of thinking and acting to combine creative design processes and technical skills with an understanding of human, cultural and environmental issues. The Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) program is your first step on this journey.

• Why study this degree?

  In the three-year Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) degree, you will learn to design architectural projects, big and small, for residential and public spaces in urban, suburban and other contexts. You’ll research historic and contemporary architecture, make precise drawings and diagrams, and use physical and three-dimensional digital models while developing your creative and critical thinking.

  Our program combines theory classes with practical studios. In the theory classes, you will analyse the world we live in. You’ll apply this knowledge and skills in studios as you design built environments and speculate about future possibilities for human occupation and ecological repair.

  You will develop your sense of ethical, social and environmental responsibility as you learn to understand diverse cultures and contexts and apply building technology and environmental science knowledge to solve increasingly complex design scenarios.

  Our holistic approach to education, including classes in ethics and philosophy, and the opportunity to study a Minor in a discipline complementary to architecture, will extend your learning beyond the traditional architectural curriculum and prepare you for a dynamic professional life. Popular Minors that work well with Architecture are Archaeology, History, Environmental Management and Photography.

  See the complete list of Minors under the Program summary below. The freedom to choose a Minor from a complementary discipline allows you to follow your personal or professional interests and increases your graduate employability opportunities.

  Through this program, you will be well placed to make a life-long contribution to communities' intellectual, cultural and civic life.

  The Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) program can be a pathway to further study in the Master of Architecture program and provides a solid foundation to develop the technical and communication skills, professional values and ethical practice required by architecture.

• Program summary

  Architecture courses: 25 units of credit each (250 units of credit)

  • ARCH1000 Principles & Strategies of Architecture
  • ARCH1001 Vastness Studio
  • ARCH1002 Analysing Architecture
  • ARCH1003 Spatial Infrastructure Studio
  • ARCH2000 Chambers, Rooms and Vessels Studio
  • ARCH2001 Deconstructing Architecture
  • ARCH2002 Modest Means Studio
  • ARCH2003 Assembling Architecture
  • ARCH3001 Research and Critique in Architecture
  • ARCH3003 Architectural Building Performance

  Architecture courses: 50 units of credit each (100 units of credit)

  • ARCH3000 Locus Studio & Building Systems
  • ARCH3002 The Collective and Empathy Studio & Precedent Studies

  Communications course: 25 units of credit

  • ARTS1000 Academic Writing, Communication and Research

  Minor: 6 x 25 units of credit courses (150 units of credit)

  The Minor may be selected from any of these disciplines:

  • Archaeology
  • Behavioural Science
  • Business Studies
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Management
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Marketing and Public Relations
  • Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Social Justice

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Diploma or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of Architecture and other disciplines or practice areas
  2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
  4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by Architecture
  5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
  6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
  7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
  8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences.

• Career opportunities

  By complementing your architectural studies with a Minor from another discipline, you will expand your career opportunities, providing pathways into professions alongside the traditional extended pathway to registration as an architect*. Graduates would be able to enter into the built environment industry as future specialists, technical experts and consultants.

  *The Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) program can be a pathway to further study in the Master of Architecture program, a necessary step in becoming a registered architect. See the Master of Architecture for full details of the registration process.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. While not a requirement, internship courses and work-integrated learning opportunities are available to enable you to gain on-the-job experience with professionals in your chosen field.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• Student profile data

  ATAR and selection rank profile

  The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

  Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.

  View our ATAR and selection rank profile data.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007