Masters (Coursework)
The Master of Architecture is the accredited professional degree for a career in architecture, complying with the competency requirements of the Board of Architects Queensland and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. The Master of Architecture provides a tailored architectural education in a creative studio-based environment focusing heavily upon design through hands-on and digital making with state-of-the-art tools. Project-based design studios focus upon real-world scenarios with specific attention to urbanism, the future of global cities, and the role of architecture and the architect in addressing urban, environmental, social, and technological change. Graduates will display mastery of architectural design abilities that are creative, critical, analytical, and spatial and based in advanced historical, theoretical, technical and disciplinary knowledge. All graduates will complete a design thesis as the cumulative result of the Masters course that demonstrates independent, self-directed critical thinking and sophisticated design capability. Through the program offerings at the Abedian School of Architecture, issues of pressing international and national concern form the core content of the studio curriculum. Among the most prominent of these are the challenges posed by our contemporary condition globally, one characterised by rapid urbanisation, environmental change, technological emergence, and increasing socioeconomic inequity. The Master of Architecture will prepare students for globally-relevant employment through development of a sophisticated set of disciplinary competencies and acquired knowledge, providing the ability to synthesise diverse information in the resolution of complex creative-design challenges using a globally-applicable skillset that is deployed locally. Established as a highly-flexible and student-focused degree program, students in the Master of Architecture will study for 4 semesters full time, domestic students may also chose to study part-time. Studies include content from the disciplines of architecture, digital media, construction, city planning, urban design, and university electives. Key highlights of the program include an annual all-school “charrette”, several off-campus study tours (including a paid international studio trip for eligble* students), a monthly international guest-lecture series, study with distinguished guest faculty and Architects-In-Residence, a bi-annual student exhibition and publication, and an internationally and nationally recognised academic staff of scholars and practitioner-teachers. Students undertake the Master of Architecture in a unique setting: the national and international award-winning Abedian School of Architecture. This facility and its associated Fabrication and Robotics Lab are dedicated for student use, creating an environment to support creative activity that is accessible 24/7 throughout the year. Students enjoy their own studio-based desk in the School provided for the duration of their studies, which becomes the point of personalised contact with program staff for an individualised, highly supported education. The limited student cohort size of the School is maintained to ensure all students have unique access to workshop facilities and program staff that is unparalleled almost anywhere globally. The Master of Architecture is the terminal award allowing graduates to gain registration as an Architect in Australia and other jurisdictions that recognise the award. Upon completion and to earn registered status, graduates must complete a period of supervised employment experience (minimum 2 years) and pass a registration exam for recognition in Australia. The Master of Architecture provides knowledge, skill, and application (where required) of core competencies including design and documentation, practice management, project management, and understanding of contract law and project procurement. *Student participation in the International study tour is subject to VISA approval, alternative teaching activities will be organised for students not able to travel.
This master's program academically prepares the graduate to acquire the requisite work experience to gain eligibility towards the professional status of architect in Australia or overseas. Professional status is governed at the State level in Australia. Professional registration overseas is governed by the relevant professional authority.
This master's program enables graduates to enter the architecture profession in a variety of careers including architectural firms, government, construction, development, infrastructure and planning industries both in Australia and around the world.
The strategic thinking, visual creativity, public engagement, design and technology skills, strategic management and entrepreneurial outlook developed in this degree also provides graduates with a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries . Many architectural graduates establish careers in design studios, virtual design, web and graphic design, fashion, advertising, industrial design, arts management and the visual arts.
The Master of Architecture also prepares graduates for a pathway into higher education. The research dissertation offers a level of academic work in a student portfolio that is typically acceptable in applications for doctoral studies.
Architecture students will expand their skills within the landmark Abedian School of Architecture building. The building was designed by Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham of internationally renowned firm Cook Robotham Architecture Bureau (London).
The unique design of the School provides an exceptional student learning experience. The concept of the building aims to foster collaboration at all levels from undergraduates to postgraduates where architectural students and academics can learn, create and exhibit in an open plan studio environment. The striking design of the building also acts as a teaching tool where theory comes to life, and will inspire innovation and creativity in students. The floating mezzanine, spiral stair cases, and internal 'street' are just some of the design features that will excite and stimulate a contemporary education space in which students, industry and the community can learn, gather, and exhibit.
Students will benefit from exclusive access to seven new design studios, computing and fabrication laboratories, a digital robotics laboratory, traditional workshops, reading and resource rooms, an atelier as well as impressive exhibition and event space. The School is one of a select number of architectural schools worldwide that incorporate architectural design through digital robotics, providing opportunities in design as part of the new generation of architecture.
The Abedian School of Architecture features one of the lowest student to staff ratio of any architectural program offered in Australia, ensuring unrivalled access to state of the art equipment, as well as personalised attention and mentoring.
The Australian Institute of Architects and the Board of Architects of Queensland currently recognise and accredit the Master of Architecture program. The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is recognised as the normal pathway to the Master of Architecture.
The Master of Architecture program is delivered within a comprehensive design studio environment. Each studio contains a combination of practical and professional applications, theoretical studies, technical proficiency and conceptual rigour. Each studio forms a discrete stage in the Masters sequence, culminating in a Master's Thesis studio in the final semester of study, bringing integrated skills and knowledge together.
View the Master of Architecture - Program Structure and Sequencing
Structure & subjects (12)You must complete the following subjects:
City Planning Option (2)
You may choose one of the following two subjects dependant on program sequence:
General Electives
You may choose 2 electives from the University's list of available postgraduate subjects.
Subject credits may be awarded for previous studies. To apply for credits, you will need to submit academic transcripts including detailed subject outlines/course descriptions for each relevant subject and/or certified copies of testamurs to the Office of Future Students. Please refer to how to apply for credit for more information
In order to apply for study at Bond University, you will need to complete the Online Application Form. To find out more about the application process please refer to How to Apply.