Graduate Diploma in Architecture

Note

This is an exit-only course. There is no direct admission to it. Current UTS students may be able to submit an Internal Course Transfer (Graduating) application to exit with this course. See the Course transfer page for further details.

This course is tailored for individuals who started a Master of Architecture but wish to pursue a non-licensing qualification in the field. Opt for this programme to gain a robust understanding of architectural principles without the commitment to licensure. Its comprehensive nature sets it apart, offering a deeper dive into the essentials of architectural practice compared to the Graduate Certificate.

You will develop critical analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving skills through tackling real-world design challenges. Learn to research and apply architectural history and theory, and articulate your ideas professionally through various presentation methods. The course emphasises ethical and professional design solutions, autonomy, and expert judgment.

Expect an interactive learning experience with a blend of studio work, research, and presentations. Your development will be hands-on, with feedback from professionals guiding your progress. By the end of the course, you'll be adept at using architectural media, challenging conventions, and continuously improving professionally. You'll also be skilled in contextualising your work academically and practically, and in devising and executing design methods for complex architectural projects.

Students engage in complex, real-world design problems that demand they analyse critically, reflect on, synthesise and propose solutions to difficult issues; research and application of established core knowledge in architectural history and theory is tested in the design studio problems as well as in elective subjects; students demonstrate their ability to interpret and transmit knowledge in presentations to expert professionals. These presentations include oral, written, drawn, and built work and simulate the way that graduates will present their work when they are in the field. Throughout the design process, students must demonstrate that they can respond to criticism and exercise their judgment, work autonomously, exercise expert judgment about appropriate design solutions, and offer solutions that are ethical and professional. The Graduate Diploma offers a more comprehensive option than the Graduate Certificate as it is two semesters, opposed to one, so students have more opportunity to hone skills. The Graduate Diploma is embedded in C04235 Master of Architecture, and there is no hierarchy in the AQF level of subjects common to the two courses.

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Course aims

The course aims to produce graduates who are able to:

  • Creatively use architectural media, technologies and materials
  • Understand and challenge disciplinary conventions through an engagement with emergent forms of architectural practice, technologies and modes of production
  • Thoughtfully apply disciplinary learning in work, with a continuing commitment to personal professional development
  • Position work within an extended and critically reasoned context through the identification, evaluation and application of relevant academic references and architectural case studies
  • Define, develop and apply an appropriate design method in the execution of an architectural project
  • Independently analyse, synthesise and formulate complex ideas, arguments and rationales and use initiative to explore alternatives

Study plan

To view the study plan please visit the UTS Handbook.

Course fees

For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:

Local student

International student

For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $956. The total credit points are 48.

Careers

Career options include sustainability officer, draftsperson, office manager, public relations officer, marketing manager, office support and policy roles in governmental architecture and urban design agencies.

Course structure

To view the course structure please visit the UTS Handbook.

Additional information

Course duration

The course is offered on a two-session, full-time or two-year, part-time basis.

On campus - Weekly

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.

UTS: Handbook

See the Graduate Diploma in Architecture in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.

Information for international students

Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.

Part of The Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.