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Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation)Approved Abbreviation: MArchitecture
Western Sydney University Course Code: 3761.1
AQF Level: 9
CRICOS Code: 099363K
Course Status: CURRENT
This version of the course is available to new and continuing students.
This course will prepare graduates for professional activities in the field of architecture. Particular emphasis is placed upon developing mastery of architectural design through studio-based teaching in the context of urban transformation and urban reconstruction opportunities of greater metropolitan Sydney and comparable global conditions. Students are required to complete a design-research thesis to demonstrate their ability to think independently, critically, and to resolve complex design issues. Additional studies in urban and contemporary architectural theory, building and design technology, electives, and professional practice constitute the overall degree.
Students enrolled in the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) should anticipate expenses of approximately $200 per semester for model-making materials and large format plotting costs. All students must have their own laptop when commencing the course (minimum 8GB RAM, 512GB Hard Drive, multi-core processor, and high performance graphics card).
Completion of the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) will prepare students seeking to undertake doctoral level study with the necessary qualification to seek admission as a higher degree by research candidate.
In 2020, all studio units in this course will be offered at our new Westmead campus which will relocate and expand the Parramatta campus offerings.
Study Mode
Two years full-time or four years part-time.
Course Advice
Prospective students should use the links at the top of the page for general enquiries about this course.Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Course Advice | | Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Full Time | Internal |
See above
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| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Part Time | Internal |
See above
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Accreditation
Accreditation of the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) will be sought from the NSW Architects Registration Board in late 2020 to coincide with the completion of the degree by the first cohort of graduates. This process is administered by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the program is designed to meet the guidelines of the National Competency Standards in Architecture (NCSA). Graduates of this program will be eligible to seek registration as a qualified architect in Australia upon completing a period of internship and registration exam after successfully completing the course.
Admission
Applicants must
- have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or, higher, in architecture or the Bachelor of Architectural Design at Western Sydney with a minimum GPA of 5 or above.
- submit a high quality, maximum 15 page A4 PDF portfolio that demonstrates their design ability, and/or any relevant work experience which will be assessed by the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics.
- submit a sample of writing, no more than 1000 words, to demonstrate writing and critical reasoning ability. This can be a product of the applicant’s previous study such as undergraduate history.
Portfolio (PDF only) formatting and content requirements
- Colour or black and white
- No embedded hyperlinks. Static files only. No security or password protection on the file
- Cover sheet with your name, email address, and phone number and 300 word maximum description of the creative content, explanation of any exceptional circumstances, and articulation of why the field of architecture is of interest
- Save the PDF file using the following name format: 2020_Autumn_SURNAME_FIRSTNAME_portfolio.pdf
Please email your portfolio to Associate Professor Mary Hardie, m.hardie@westernsydney.edu.au by 31 October 2019.
Do NOT send portfolios to WSU admissions.
No late portfolios will be accepted.
Where any work is authored by more than just the applicant, this needs to be clearly identified and credited (such as collaborative projects).
Additional information
International applicants must also provide a full transcript of their undergraduate studies.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
International Office
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special Requirements Prerequisites
A construction safety site induction card (e.g. “white card”) is required to enable students to participate in site visits and field study.
Work Integrated Learning
There are three key approaches undertaken for Work Integrated Learning experiences including:
1. Design Studios for Work-based training: Design problems in an Architectural Design Studio whereby the project is a real life problem in industry. Students may work individually or in teams to integrate multiple aspects of (project/problem-based) learning with the practice of work in addressing the industry’s needs. Students will be located in the WSU Design Studio for weekly sessions. Full time academic staff member who will be the Studio Leader will supervise sessional tutors who are practising architects.
2. Professional Practice/Industry Placements: During the final year of the Masters degree, students will undertake a research and design thesis that will be supervised by academic staff. Additionally, students will be paired with an industry mentor to help provide guidance and relevance to industry needs, opportunities, and futures.
3. Guest lectures, site visits, and office visits will provide additional exposure to current industry practice and developments in the field.
Course Structure
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
Recommended Sequence
Full-time
Year 1
1H session
| 800166.1 | Research Design 1: Theories of Enquiry |
Autumn session
2H session
| 800169.1 | Research Design 2: Practices of Research |
Spring session
Summer A session
| 301104.1 | Professional Practice and Building Law |
Year 2
Autumn session
| 301241.1 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 1 |
| 101633.3 | Managing Cities: History and Theory |
Spring session
| 301242.1 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 2 |
And one Alternate unit from the list below
Note: 301104 Professional Practice and Building Law is offered during the Summer A session only. This is a fully online unit with scheduled weekly Zoom meetings.
Recommended Sequence
Part-time
Year 1
1H session
| 800166.1 | Research Design 1: Theories of Enquiry |
Autumn session
2H session
| 800169.1 | Research Design 2: Practices of Research |
Spring session
Year 2
Autumn session
Spring session
Summer A session
| 301104.1 | Professional Practice and Building Law |
Year 3
Autumn session
| 101633.3 | Managing Cities: History and Theory |
Spring session
And one Alternate unit from the list below
Year 4
Autumn session
| 301241.1 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 1 |
Spring session
| 301242.1 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 2 |
Note: 301104 Professional Practice and Building Law is offered during the Summer A session only. This is a fully online unit with scheduled weekly Zoom meetings.
Alternate units
Choose one of
| 101315.3 | Financing Cities in the Global Economy |
| 300708.4 | Planning and Development Control |
| 301190.1 | Safe and Sustainable Construction |
| 101314.3 | Urban Management Practice: Governance and Power in the City |
Any other Level 7 elective unit with permission of Director Academic Program