Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation)Approved Abbreviation: MArchitecture
Western Sydney University Course Code: 3761.1
AQF Level: 9
CRICOS Code: 099363K
Course Status: CONTINUING
This version of the course is available only to continuing or completing 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 Westmead campus and/or online.
Study Mode
Two years full-time or four years part-time.
Course Advice
Accreditation
Accreditation of the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) will be sought from the NSW Architects Registration Board in late 2021 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.
- submit a high quality, maximum 10 page A4 PDF portfolio showing their past creative work, and any relevant work experience (1 page maximum) which will be assessed by the architectural team at WSU.
- 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.
Applicants with a GPA of 4 and above will be considered subject to additional criteria being met with a portfolio submission.
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 100 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: M_Arch_SURNAME_FIRSTNAME_portfolio.pdf
For example, M_Arch_SMITH_JOHN_portfolio.pdf
You must upload your portfolio to your UAC application or via direct application through the Western Sydney portal. Refer to the Western Closing Dates page for application deadlines:
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/currentstudents/current_students/dates/closing_dates
Do NOT email portfolios to WSU.
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
Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.
There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.
International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students
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. An academic staff member is the Studio Leader supervising sessional tutors who are practising architects.
2. Professional Practice/Industry Placements: During the final year of the Master 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
Recommended full-time sequence for start year intake
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
Year 1
1H session
| 800218 | Researcher Development 1: Reading, Writing, and the Business of Research |
Autumn session
| 301382 | Practice Research Studio Civic |
| 301239 | Advanced Design Communication |
2H session
| 800220 | Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research |
Spring session
| 301383 | Practice Research Studio Housing |
| 301240 | Integrated Building Technology |
Summer A session
| 301104 | Professional Practice and Building Law |
Year 2
Autumn session
| 301241 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 1 |
From Autumn 2021 this unit is replaced by equivalent unit 301398 Urban Transformation Studio Local.
| 301398 | Urban Transformation Studio Local |
| 101633 | Managing Cities: History and Theory |
Spring session
| 301242 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 2 |
| 301191 | Project Procurement Systems |
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 Part-time sequence for start year intake
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
Year 1
1H session
| 800218 | Researcher Development 1: Reading, Writing, and the Business of Research |
Autumn session
| 301239 | Advanced Design Communication |
2H session
| 800220 | Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research |
Spring session
| 301240 | Integrated Building Technology |
Year 2
Autumn session
| 301382 | Practice Research Studio Civic |
Spring session
| 301383 | Practice Research Studio Housing |
Summer A session
| 301104 | Professional Practice and Building Law |
Year 3
Autumn session
| 101633 | Managing Cities: History and Theory |
Spring session
| 301191 | Project Procurement Systems |
And one Alternate unit from the list below
Year 4
Autumn session
| 301241 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 1 |
From Autumn 2021 this unit is replaced by equivalent unit 301398 Urban Transformation Studio Local.
| 301398 | Urban Transformation Studio Local |
Spring session
| 301242 | 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.
Replaced Units
The units listed below count towards completion of this course for students who passed these units in Autumn 2020 or earlier.
800166 - Research Design 1: Theories of Enquiry
800169 - Research Design 2: Practices of Research
301237 - Practice Research Studio 1
301238 - Practice Research Studio 2
Alternate units
Choose one of
| 101636 | Developing Sustainable Places |
| 101315 | Financing Cities in the Global Economy |
| 102698 | Green Urbanscapes: Bio-Physical Functions and Services |
| 300708 | Planning and Development Control |
| 301190 | Safe and Sustainable Construction |
| 101314 | Urban Management Practice: Governance and Power in the City |
Any other Level 7 elective unit with permission of Director Academic Program
Recommended full-time sequence for mid- year intake
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
Year 1
2H session
| 800218 | Researcher Development 1: Reading, Writing, and the Business of Research |
Spring session
| 301383 | Practice Research Studio Housing |
| 301240 | Integrated Building Technology |
1H session
| 800220 | Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research |
Autumn session
| 301382 | Practice Research Studio Civic |
| 301239 | Advanced Design Communication |
Year 2
Spring session
| 301241 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 1 |
From 2021 this unit is replaced by equivalent unit 301398 Urban Transformation Studio Local.
| 301398 | Urban Transformation Studio Local |
| 301191 | Project Procurement Systems |
And one Alternate unit from the list below
Summer A session
| 301104 | Professional Practice and Building Law |
Autumn session
| 301242 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 2 |
| 101633 | Managing Cities: History and Theory |
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 part-time sequence for mid- year intake
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
Year 1
2H session
| 800218 | Researcher Development 1: Reading, Writing, and the Business of Research |
Spring session
| 301240 | Integrated Building Technology |
1H Session
| 800220 | Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research |
Autumn session
| 301239 | Advanced Design Communication |
Year 2
Spring session
| 301383 | Practice Research Studio Housing |
Autumn session
| 301382 | Practice Research Studio Civic |
Year 3
Spring session
| 301191 | Project Procurement Systems |
And one Alternate unit from the list below
Summer A
| 101633 | Managing Cities: History and Theory |
Year 4
Spring session
| 301241 | Urban Transformation Thesis Studio 1 |
From 2021 this unit is replaced by equivalent unit 301398 Urban Transformation Studio Local.
| 301398 | Urban Transformation Studio Local |
Autumn session
| 301242 | 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.
Replaced Units
The units listed below count towards completion of this course for students who passed these units in Autumn 2020 or earlier.
800166 - Research Design 1: Theories of Enquiry
800169 - Research Design 2: Practices of Research
301237 - Practice Research Studio 1
301238 - Practice Research Studio 2
Alternate units
Choose one of
| 101636 | Developing Sustainable Places |
| 101315 | Financing Cities in the Global Economy |
| 102698 | Green Urbanscapes: Bio-Physical Functions and Services |
| 300708 | Planning and Development Control |
| 301190 | Safe and Sustainable Construction |
| 101314 | Urban Management Practice: Governance and Power in the City |
Any other Level 7 elective unit with permission of Director Academic Program