Architecture and Building

Specialisations

Architecture programs in Australia are devised in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects, and Building programs developed with the Australian Institute of Building (AIB). Specialisations available through this discipline include:

Qualifications

Architecture and Building programs are offered at the following qualification levels: Certificate
Diploma
Advanced Diploma

Bachelor Degree
Graduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma
Masters by research/coursework PhD

TAFE and private colleges typically offer vocational programs through Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. These allow students to become trades people and gain practical job skills. Universities offer more specialised Bachelor Degrees, Graduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters, Professional Doctorates and PhDs. These programs allow students to practise as professional Architects, Urban Planners and Surveyors.

There are, however, some exceptions. Some TAFEs and Colleges might offer Bachelor programs and universities Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs. Pathways are available for students wishing to link their programs and reduce the amount of time of their total study.

Vocational Education and Training Programs

TAFE and private colleges offer programs in specific trades associated with the building construction industry. These are offered as traditional programs as well as through traineeships where students learn on-the-job.

Examples of programs offered at this level include:

LEVEL: Certificate

QUALIFICATION: Certificate IV in Architectural Technology; Certificate IV in Building.

QUALIFICATION:Advanced Diploma of Building Design.

Entry requirements vary but typically admission into architectural and design programs are higher than the trade-based programs. For example:

• Certificate IV in Carpentry – students generally must have completed equivalent to Australian grade 10 (such as Mathayom Suksa Yr 5; O Levels; Taiwanese High School: SMA).
• Diploma of Building – requires completion of Australian grade 12 or equivalent (A Levels, International Baccalaureate or Canadian OAC).
  

  University Programs

  Completion of an Architecture, Planning or Development Degree at university level allows students to practise as professionals in their chosen field. Examples of university level programs include:

Undergraduate

Requirements for entry into specialised programs such as Bachelor of Architecture are generally higher than Bachelor of Arts or Science majoring in Architecture or Urban Planning. However, completion of the latter program would not give students accreditation to practise as a professional. Examples of admission requirements include:

Bachelor of Architecture – 5 points at A Level in a minimum of two subjects to 11 points at A Levels. Some competitive courses also require students to produce a portfolio to be considered for admission.

Most university programs in Architecture, Urban Planning and Town Planning include a practical internship. This provides students with essential hands-on experience before graduation.

Postgraduate

Examples of admission requirements are as follows:

• Masters of Architecture – A relevant Australian Bachelor Degree or equivalent plus a design portfolio.
• Masters of Urban and Regional Planning – entry requirements range from an Australian Bachelor Degree or equivalent in a relevant field, to an Australian postgraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant field plus at least two years work experience.
  

  Pathways

  Very few pathways are available for students wanting to transfer their credits and qualifications from the VTE sector to University sector. Pathways do exist within TAFE and private colleges to articulate between Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma. Similar pathways exist in universities for students wishing to upgrade from Graduate Certificates to Postgraduate Diplomas to Masters and PhD.

  Professional Associations

  Graduated students may be eligible for membership in the following professional bodies:

 

Career Opportunities

Architect;
Landscape Architect;
Urban and Regional Planner; Civil Engineer;
Plumber;
Fibrous Plasterer;
Safety Inspector;
Carpenter;

Building and Construction Manager; Painter;
Interior Designer;
Construction Plant Operator; Project Manager;

Surveyor; and Town Planner.

 

Useful Information

Government sites

• Australia – Country Information (DFAT)
• Australian Demographic Statistics, March 2011 (ABS)
• Public Holidays
  

  Tourism sites

• Australian Capital Tourism Corporation
• Tourism New South Wales
• Northern Territory Tourism Commission
• Tourism Queensland
• South Australian Tourism Commission
• Tourism Tasmania
• Tourism Victoria
• Western Australian Tourism Commission
  

  Weather Information

• Rainfall and Temperature graphs (BOM)
• you also can find weather information about cities around the world from World Climate.
  

  Standard Times

  Australia has both Standard Times and Daylight Saving Times (note that GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time).

Daylight Saving Times

Refer to the Bureau of Meteorology for the start and finish dates of daylight saving times.