Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Architectural Design emphasizes the design studio as central to the curriculum with supporting history and theory, communication, materials and construction and environmental design units. The course is structured to develop theoretical knowledge, design proficiency, and communication techniques applicable to architecture and the built environment; including the practical skills of computer aided design for the preparation of architectural design and documentation drawings. Each semester builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the previous semester applied to projects of increasing complexity across the three years. There is particular emphasis placed on the environmental design for architecture in tropical, desert and temperate climates.
Career opportunities
This course develops your knowledge and skills for the role of building designer and technician in the architecture, design and construction industries. Other opportunities include further study leading to a Master of Architecture degree and registration as an architect.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $29,120.00. This equates to $ $3,640.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
What will I study?
The course explores the concepts and theories of architectural design with a focus on developing design skills within the environmental and regional context. Theoretical, conceptual and analytical skills will be developed throughout the course underpinned with a solid foundation in architectural technology, environment and communication. The first year of this course focuses on the design principles, concept development, representation of ideas, integrating materials, site analysis and ecology in architecture while the second year focuses on integration of architectural theory and technology to how space and the built form are shaped. The final year consolidates and extends knowledge gained in the first two years of study to complex designs on challenging sites with a regional focus.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated. Students are required to:
- complete the fourteen (14) compulsory core units
- choose four specialist elective units from complimentary disciplines
- take a minimum of 60 credit points of 300 level units or above
- take no more than the maximum of 100 credit points from 100 level units
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (14 units) | 200cp | Compulsory core units totalling 200 credit points as detailed below: ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp) |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) | 40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points from the following: ARD280 Environmental Design: Desert Project (not offered 2025) |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp) | CO | ARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp) | CO |
| ARD161 Building Technology 1 | CO | ARD172 Environmental Building Design | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp) | CO | ARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp) | CO |
| ARD231 Architectural Documentation | CO | ARD262 Building Technology 2 | CO |
| ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1 | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp) | CO | ARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp) | CO |
| ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2 | CO | ARD362 Building Technology 3 | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | ARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3 | CO |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARD161 Building Technology 1 | CO | ARD172 Environmental Building Design | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp) | CO | ARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| ARD231 Architectural Documentation | CO | ARD262 Building Technology 2 | CO |
| ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1 | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 4 | |||
| ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp) | CO | ARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp) | CO |
| Year 5 | |||
| ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2 | CO | ARD362 Building Technology 3 | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | ARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3 | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp) | CO | ARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp) | CO |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARD172 Environmental Building Design | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp) | CO | ARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp) | CO |
| ARD161 Building Technology 1 | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp) | CO | ARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp) | CO |
| ARD231 Architectural Documentation | CO | ARD262 Building Technology 2 | CO |
| ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1 | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp) | CO | ARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp) | CO |
| ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2 | CO | ARD362 Building Technology 3 | CO |
| ARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3 | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ARD172 Environmental Building Design | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ARD161 Building Technology 1 | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ARD101 Architectural Design 1 - Materiality (20cp) | CO | ARD102 Architectural Design 2 - Ecology (20cp) | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| ARD231 Architectural Documentation | CO | ARD262 Building Technology 2 | CO |
| ARD221 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 1 | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| ARD201 Architectural Design 3 - Theory (20cp) | CO | ARD202 Architectural Design 4 - Urban (20cp) | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| ARD321 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 2 | CO | ARD362 Building Technology 3 | CO |
| ARD322 Architecture: History, Theory and Practice 3 | CO | ||
| Year 7 | |||
| ARD301 Architectural Design 5 - Public (20cp) | CO | ARD302 Architectural Design 6 - Integration (20cp) | CO |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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