Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture at the University of Tasmania is a two-year professional degree for graduates who want to become registered architects in Australia. It builds on an undergraduate architecture degree and prepares you for the Architectural Practice Examination, the final step to registration with the Architects Registration Board in each state and territory. If you already hold a three-year bachelor degree in architecture, this is the qualification that completes your professional education.

What you study

You'll work through design studios each semester, where you take a project from concept to developed design. Around that sit core units in architectural technology, structures, environmental systems, professional practice and contract law, and architectural history and theory. The final year includes a research-based design thesis or capstone project, where you investigate a topic in depth and present your work to a panel. Assessment is mostly through design portfolios, reports and presentations rather than exams.

The degree is two years full time, usually four semesters. Each unit carries credit points, and you need to complete the required number of points to graduate. The course is accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, which means it meets the academic requirements for registration. Confirm the current accreditation status and unit structure on the official University of Tasmania page before you apply.

Studying in Tasmania

You'll study in Launceston or Hobart, where the school has strong links to local practices, heritage and planning bodies, and community design projects. Work-integrated learning is part of the course: you'll spend time in an architectural practice on placement, applying what you've learned to real projects. That experience counts toward your professional logbook for registration.

As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current requirements.

Who it suits

This degree suits graduates with a bachelor degree in architecture or a closely related field who want to practise as an architect. It's also for people already working in design or construction who need the accredited qualification to register. You'll need to meet the English language requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the usual standard for coursework postgraduate courses, though some faculties ask for higher. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. The CRICOS course code is 059006G. Check the official University of Tasmania page for application deadlines, unit details and any updates to the course structure.

• Architect in private practice, working on residential, commercial or public buildings
• Graduate architect or architectural assistant while you complete your registration logbook
• Urban designer or planner in local government or private consultancies
• Heritage consultant, advising on conservation and adaptive reuse projects
• Project manager or design manager in construction and property development
• Building designer or drafting lead in architecture and engineering firms
• Sustainability consultant, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental design
• Academic or researcher in architecture schools and research centres

Australian industries that hire architecture graduates include architectural practices, construction and development companies, government planning and infrastructure departments, and heritage and urban design consultancies. Registration as an architect is handled by the Architects Registration Board in each state or territory after you pass the Architectural Practice Examination.