Master of Architecture

Architecture is a creative and exciting design-based profession concerned with virtually all aspects of the built environment. It combines art, science and technology with business, social and environmental concerns. The Master of Architecture is a professional program which prepares graduates for employment as architects. In the Master of Architecture you will gain: Cutting-edge skills to help advance built environment design Grounding in architectural history, theory and technology so you create innovative architecture, relevant to time and place, people and culture Highly developed skills to manage an architectural practice and lead or work within cross-discipline project teams A sustainable outlook with the ability to use new materials and technologies to create environmentally sustainable buildings The Master of Architecture offers you flexibility so you can take a two-year program if you already have a three-year undergraduate degree in Architecture or the three-year program if your first degree is not in architecture and you are making a career change. Learning Outcomes KNOWLEDGE A knowledge of design based on architectural history, theory and contemporary practice. A knowledge of current practice contexts, including environmental, technological, regulatory and project-delivery systems. A knowledge of research and design-research methodologies and methods, including empirical and advanced research methods drawn from the sciences and humanities relevant to the discipline of architecture. SKILLS The cognitive and creative skills to develop and evaluate a design concept that demonstrates the exercise of theoretical reflection, critical choice, imagination and professional responsibility, through the exploration, testing and refinement of different technical and aesthetic alternatives. The technical and creative skills to produce a design that demonstrates an appreciation of economic factors, environmental issues, social and cultural issues, building systems and materials. The technical and communication skills to generate design and contractual documentation that clearly conveys information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences and that enables a design project to be realised. ABILITIES The ability to think strategically at different environmental and urban scales. The ability to establish and evaluate requirements and priorities in new project situations and contexts. The ability to work individually and collaboratively to prepare and deliver a design project. The ability to prepare, structure, schedule, evaluate and deliver a substantial research or design-research project. Generic Skills The Master of Architecture has been specifically designed around the University of Melbourne postgraduate coursework graduate attributes and the requirements of professional associations. The Master of Architecture will incorporate research-led teaching, problem-based collaborative learning, professional engagement, and a diverse mature cohort. Graduates of the Master of Architecture will have high-level professional and intellectual capabilities enabling them to demonstrate leadership, a commitment to life-long learning, and professional integrity. Career outcomes Once you have completed the program, you can go on to work as an architect in private firms or government departments, or set up your own practice working on residential, commercial and institutional projects. You may also move into related careers such as industrial design, furniture design, interior design, landscape design, urban design, urban planning, facility management, project management and development, and conservation and heritage management.