Our design students learn about more than the art, technology and business of architecture - we challenge them to think laterally and explore their potential as agents for change. University of Newcastle architects don't just learn to design and shape the physical spaces of our cities and buildings; they study how to use architecture to stimulate the places we live and work, engage the community and improve our world.

Once a heavy industry hub, Newcastle is shifting into a creative innovation centre, offering a unique space for resourceful, transformative architectural practice. Through live projects in our city and beyond, you’ll develop design principles that emphasise social, economic and environmental sustainability. You’ll invest time in developing a deep understanding of each site you work on. You will become a consultative problem solver, remaining engaged with our challenging future, learning how to develop human and purposeful architecture.

What you will study

Spend more time in the studio. At the University of Newcastle more than half of your design courses are dedicated to architecture studio work, working on a range of practical and often ‘live’ projects – from houses to public buildings. You’ll study a range of courses in architecture, analyse and research our city environments and natural landscapes, prepare your design proposals as drawings and models, then discuss and present your ideas in small groups with dedicated staff. In your courses you’ll learn about:

• the architectural site as landscape
• construction and detailing of buildings
• sustainable design practices
• communication in the built environment

• construction technology and ecology
• digital and parametric design processes
• making conceptual and realistic models in our workshop

Engage in live projects with NSW Urban Growth and Renew Newcastle through hands-on projects and public exhibitions. Collaborate with organisations like Healthabitat, improving the housing and health of disadvantaged people, in remote Australia and developing countries such as Nepal, Indonesia, PNG and Bangladesh.

Exhibit your work publicly at our graduate exhibition, giving you the opportunity to showcase your work to industry and the local community.

Qualify as a professional architect - our architecture degree program consists of the three year Bachelor of Design (Architecture), a pathway to the two year Master of Architecture where you become eligible for registration as an architect.

* Electives

You have the option to study an Architecture Studio elective. These electives provide students with an understanding of real-world design problems through an immersive architectural experience while developing students’ skills in architectural design within diverse cultural contexts, architectural research and architectural communication.

On completion of this degree you’ll be able to work as an architectural technician, drafter, manager, facilitator or designer in public and private architectural practices and associated creative industries.

In addition to careers in private architectural practice, opportunities include careers in:

• local, state and federal government
• overseas aid and support
• infrastructure planning research
• journalism
• criticism
• restoration and conservation