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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2015

This handbook contains information on courses and components (majors, minors, streams and units) at Curtin in 2015.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2014.

MC-ARCH v.1 Master of Architecture

MArch(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 058728C
Registered full-time Duration: 2 Years


Course Overview

Master Degrees (Coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This course follows on from the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) and is designed to provide students with the educational qualification component that forms part of the requirements for registration as architects and for membership of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.


Professional Recognition

This course is recognised by the Architects' boards in all states and territories of Australia as the academic component of requirements for establishing eligibility to be registered as an architect in the respective state or territory. In addition to the degree, completion of approved postgraduate practical experience and the passing of Architects Accreditation Council of Australia architectural practice examinations are required for registration. This course is also recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for membership, and the Commonwealth Association of Architects.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students are expected to undertake field trips and should be aware that they need to have access to a computer to carry out the course requirements.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.


Specifically, applicants require a Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science), or equivalent qualification. A semester weighted average (SWA) of 60 per cent or better in the final two semesters of study


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to Doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master Degrees (Coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the profession of architecture, its theoretical underpinnings and ways of thinking; apply specific discipline knowledge contained within the streams of Architectural Design, Professional Practice and Architectural Culture.

2. think critically, creatively and reflectively in order to analyse and understand the specific needs of various parties involved in architecture in order to generate and create innovative solutions.

3. conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to access and analyse the diverse information needed to make informed, strategic design decisions.

4. communicate information and ideas to diverse audience through visual, verbal and written communication techniques.

5. recognise and understand the principles of a range of appropriate technologies and their suitable application within the profession of architecture.

6. sustain intellectual curiosity that constantly strives, through self-directed learning, for innovation within the profession of architecture.

7. synthesise a range of local, national and international issues and perspectives which influence the creation and practice of architecture.

8. understand and value cultural and physical diversity and appreciate its significance in the creation of architecture.

9. demonstrate a professional and ethical approach in the creation of architecture; work independently and in teams; create knowledge in a scholarly, creative and/or professional context through critical inquiry, research and project development.


Duration and Availability

Full-time study for two years in addition to the three year Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science). The full course of study leading to a professional degree in architecture will therefore be five years or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
ARCH5024 v.1   Urban Design Research Studio 3.0 25.0
ARCH5025 v.1   Urban Design Research Methods 3.0 25.0
ARCH5006 v.1   Architectural Culture Research Topics 1 3.0 25.0
ARCH5007 v.1   Advanced Applied Architectural Systems 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
ARCH5026 v.1   Complex Buildings Research Studio 3.0 25.0
ARCH5027 v.1   Complex Buildings Research Methods 3.0 25.0
ARCH5008 v.1   Architectural Systems Research Topics 3.0 25.0
ARCH5009 v.1   Architectural Culture Research Topics 2 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
ARCH6014 v.1   Integrated Buildings Research Studio 3.0 25.0
ARCH6012 v.1   Integrated Buildings Research Methods 3.0 25.0
ARCH6007 v.1   Architectural Professional Practice 1 4.0 25.0
ARCH6008 v.1   Architectural Thesis Methods and Preparation 2.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
ARCH6006 v.1   Architectural Thesis Project 1.0 75.0
ARCH6009 v.1   Architectural Professional Practice 2 4.0 25.0
  100.0

*    Under consultation with the Course Coordinator, a relevant elective may be selected as an alternative to ARCH5003 Architecture Special Topic 1.




Further Information

If you need more course information, you may contact the relevant areas: For Current Students: Student Services Office, please click here for further details: For Domestic Future Students: Future Students Centre, email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 1000 For International Future Students: Curtin International, email: international@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 7331


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook

The Courses Handbook is the repository of Curtin University ("Curtin") course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavours to keep this handbook up to date, information on this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the: course structure and contents, student assessment, tuition fees and to: withdraw any course or its components which it offers, impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or vary arrangements for any course without notification via the website.

For course and enrolment information please visit our Future Students website.