Bachelor of Architectural Design

Name: Bachelor of Architectural Design
Price: <p>Tuition: per semester AU$18,400</p> AUD

VU course code: NBAD | CRICOS: 117293K | Level of study: Undergraduate

Duration

3 years

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Tuition: per semester AU$18,400

Location

Footscray Park

Next start date

16 February 2026

View all start dates

An architecture design student draws a building.

Overview

Learn to create sustainable building design that responds to community needs, with the Bachelor of Architectural Design at Victoria University (VU).

This design degree focuses on using sustainable design methods. It incorporates ideas from the circular economy, such as reusing, repurposing, refurbishing, recycling, and repairing to reduce waste and pollution.

During your studies, you will apply these methods to real projects: visiting sites, taking measurements, and collaborating with local communities.

You will also participate in design studio classes to develop practical skills and industry knowledge. Studio classes are focused on solving real-world challenges faced by professionals in architecture and construction.

When you graduate from the Bachelor of Architectural Design, you will have the versatile skill set needed to work as a building designer in both government and private planning and construction sectors. You will also have the option to continue your studies by pursuing a Master of Architecture, which is necessary if you would like to become a registered architect.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Devise and manage the delivery of innovative and effective architectural design strategies that integrate culturally responsive and environmental sustainability principles and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to address diverse contemporary design issues;

Generate creative solutions to complex architectural design problems that comply with relevant standards and codes of practice;

Critically evaluate information including international architectural design perspectives and demonstrate proficiency in the use of the latest architectural digital tools;

Articulate architectural design objectives and outcomes and effectively advocate for sustainable architectural design principles and practices to both specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using various professional forms of communication;

Engage with and value cultural diversity and community-focused approaches inclusive of First Nations Peoples’ perspectives; and

Exemplify collaboration, interpersonal, and supervisory skills required for working within Australian and global cultural contexts and exhibit responsibility for their own learning and professional practice.
: The Bachelor of Architectural Design teaches methods that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You will discover sustainable and socially aware architectural practices, while making good use of evolving digital technology.
By focusing on these important aspects, the program equips you with valuable skills in sustainable design. This can improve your job opportunities in a sector where green development is a top priority – as well as honing your ability to work creatively in today’s complex architectural landscape.
: You will receive feedback on your design projects from a panel of experienced architects to help you improve your design skills continuously.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to showcase your work at design expos, where you can meet industry professionals and demonstrate that your projects meet the expectations of industry and community clients.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

If you've completed a qualification where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible for an exemption of English-language requirements.

In some cases, there may be additional entry requirements.

Learn more about entry requirements for international students.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Please note: The Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) pathway will be available from Semester 2, 2026.

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain The Bachelor of Architectural Design, students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:

96 credit points First Year Core studies;
192 credit points Professional Core and Capstone studies.

Units

Fees & scholarships

As an international student at Victoria University, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front each semester.

There may be additional materials fees throughout your studies, depending on your chosen course, as well as an administrative fee as part of your course.

Victoria University is proud to support our international scholarship recipients and sponsored students.

Save up to 30% off your fees!

The VU Block Model® International Scholarship offers eligible international students up to 30% off tuition fees for their entire first year of study. Study well and you’ll have the chance to increase or extend the scholarship for the whole duration of your course.

Find out more

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

You will graduate from the Bachelor of Architectural Design program with a versatile skill set for diverse career paths across the private and public sectors.

You will be well-positioned to work as building designer. You will also have the skills and knowledge to effectively collaborate with architects, urban designers, interior designers and sustainability consultants.

You may seek roles in governmental bodies, consultancy practices, and corporations with extensive building portfolios as a:

building designer
building proprietor
contractor
developer.

Or you may choose the path of self-employment as an entrepreneur.

VU stories

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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering)

"Studying architectural engineering at VU gave me the skills to work with other consultants to design sustainable buildings; including thermal, energy and site water consumption modelling. "

Read Sian's story