At UTAS our architecture program fosters creative design practice within a framework of social and ecological responsibility. The program is carefully structured to progressively develop the theoretical knowledge and technical skills required for practice as an architect in the local and global context. One of the key factors differentiating the architecture program at UTAS is the explicit integration of theoretical and technical knowledge domains within the problem-based context of the design studio, preparing our students for the complexities of practice. In particular we are recognised internationally for our excellence in learning-by-making.
We also recognise and value the increasing diversity of architectural practice and the collaborative inter-disciplinary skills that this requires. Inter-disciplinary design thinking forms the basis of the foundation year of the Bachelor of Environmental Design between architecture, furniture, interior design and landscape students. Units within these other programs are also available to architecture students as part of the elective stream in the undergraduate degree. In the Masters of Architecture, students are provided with a number of ‘selective’ offerings that draw on the research strengths of staff within the School. In their final year, students are supported in developing their own areas of interest through the professional project units.
Graduates from the Master of Architecture are eligible for registration as an architect following an approved practical experience program over two years and successful completion of the architectural practice registration examinations of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). The Master of Architecture is also recognised by the Commonwealth Association of Architects and this offers the opportunity for international recognition.
Our graduates are highly regarded and sought after by many leading design practices in Australia and overseas. In the final semester of the Masters of Architecture, the School runs a workshop with invited local and interstate practitioners to assist students in identifying career paths and gaining employment. Although most graduates from the Masters of Architecture find employment in private architectural practice, the skills gained by graduates are transferable to many other careers including exhibition design, urban design, heritage and conservation, brief writing, sustainable design consulting, property and construction management, and architectural theory, criticism and journalism to name a few. Graduates from the Bachelor of Environmental Design may continue directly into the Masters of Architecture subject to meeting the requisite threshold grade. Alternatively, graduates can find employment as an architectural assistant in private or public practice. Graduates from the Bachelor of Environmental Design may also gain entry into other post-graduate degrees in allied design or built environment disciplines.
The Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) is a three-year full time course serving as a prerequisite course for the Master of Architecture, and therefore forms a necessary first stage in the qualifying process for an architect. The course also forms the basis for Honours courses and may lead to postgraduate programs and opportunities to study in other disciplines such as urban design, planning and landscape architecture.
The typical student workload consists of 16 hours of class contact each week. This is expected to be matched by up to two hours of private study for each one hour of class contact. Most classes are taught on campus at Inveresk, Launceston, Tasmania. Compulsory field study is part of some of the units and students may be required to attend excursions.
Investigates a series of architectural design themes through the model of studio teaching.
Introduces freehand and measured drawing techniques, Computer Aided Design (CAD), two and three dimensional drawing conventions, illustration techniques for design presentation, model making and written and verbal presentation skills.
Investigates the history and theory of western design, the study of design in society, the development of design in Australia and aspects of Asian architecture.
Examines sustainability, thermal comfort, materials, structures, construction, regulations and services for domestic and small to medium scale sites.
Opportunities for students to explore other areas of design within the School, including interior design, furniture design and landscape architecture as well as units from other Schools the University subject to meeting required prerequisites.
The Master of Architecture is a two-year full time course aimed specifically at the needs of the architectural profession. It seeks to equip students with the knowledge, skills, competencies and awareness necessary to practise architecture. Architectural education requires students to undertake the Bachelor and Masters consecutively, as this fulfils the academic requirements for registration as an architect.
The typical student workload consists of 16 hours of class contact each week. This is expected to be matched by up to two hours of private study for each one hour of class contact. All classes are taught on campus in Inveresk, Launceston, Tasmania. Compulsory field study is part of some of the units and students may be required to attend excursions.
These core studio units form the basis of architectural education. They focus on the development of a personal approach to architecture, in the context of ecological and social responsibility and client requirements.
Focuses on the architect’s responsibilities to society, clients and the profession. Investigates contract administration, relevant statutes and management theory, as they apply to the practice of architecture.
Involves critical reading of texts concerning design theory. Covers conventions, methodologies and techniques for undertaking design research. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the generation of design ideas and theoretical positions.
Examines the envelope, services and interior systems of large and complex buildings within a buildings systems integration, sustainability and design-oriented framework. Focuses on sustainability assessment tools and regulations. Covers the structuring and preparation of graphic and written contract documentation.
Requires students to undertake design research in areas such as sustainability, contemporary architectural technologies, heritage, architectural history and theory, experimental digital design and cultural studies. The unit is informed by the research policy of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and its associated documents. There are elective possibilities, including integrated workplace learning projects with LARC (Launceston Assistance in Research Centre).
Professional Project 1 focuses on brief writing and formulating a design research proposal. Students then prepare an architectural brief for an in-depth design project of their choice, to be explored in Professional Project 2, which forms the culmination of the Master of Architecture program. Students develop their selected project from brief through concept design, design development and constructional stages, and present the results in a professional manner.
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