Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) (3761)

  • Approved Abbreviation: MArch
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 3761
  • AQF Level: 9

CRICOS Code: 099363K

This program applies to students who commenced in 2022 or later.

Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.

For Commencement Year 2021- please refer to:3761.2 Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation)

For Commencement Year 2020 - please refer to:3761.1 Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation)

Completion of the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) will prepare graduates for professional activities in the field of architecture and provide the skills necessary to undertake doctoral level study as a higher degree by research candidate.

Particular emphasis is placed upon developing mastery of architectural design through studio-based teaching in the context of urban transformation and urban reconstruction. Students are required to complete an urban transformation project relating to the Greater Western Sydney region to demonstrate their ability to think independently, critically and to resolve complex design issues. The opportunities identified in the greater metropolitan Sydney region are also compared to global conditions which provides students with a well-rounded view. Additional studies in urban and contemporary architectural theory, building and design technology, electives, and professional practice add depth to the overall degree.

Parts of this program may be taught at the Parramatta City - Hassall St campus or at the Parramatta South campus.

Study Mode

Two years full-time or four years part-time.

Program Advice

Dr Mohammad Reza Razavi
 

Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.

Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |

Location

Campus Attendance Mode Advice
Parramatta City Full Time Internal See above
Parramatta City Part Time Internal See above

Accreditation

The Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) at Western Sydney University is a professionally accredited course recognized and listed as such by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

http://www.aaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Accredited-Architecture-qualifications.pdf

Graduates from the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) who have completed two years of practical architectural experience, of which at least one year is postgraduate architectural experience, will be eligible to undertake the Architectural Practice Examination, successful completion of which will result in eligibility for registration as an architect in Australia.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this program. Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

There are three key approaches undertaken for Work Integrated Learning experiences including:

  1. Design Studios for Work-based training: Design problems in an Architectural Design Studio whereby the project is a real life problem in industry. Students may work individually or in teams to integrate multiple aspects of (project/problem-based) learning with the practice of work in addressing the industry’s needs. Students will be located in the WSU Design Studio for weekly sessions. Full time academic staff member who will be the Studio Leader will supervise sessional tutors who are practising architects.
  2. Professional Practice/Industry Placements: During the final year of the Masters degree, students will undertake a research and design thesis that will be supervised by academic staff. Additionally, students will be paired with an industry mentor to help provide guidance and relevance to industry needs, opportunities, and futures.
  3. Guest lectures, site visits, and office visits will provide additional exposure to current industry practice and developments in the field.

Admission

Applicants must

have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or, higher, in architecture.

submit a portfolio that meets the following criteria **

** WSU Architecture program graduates do not need to include a portfolio.

Guidelines for Portfolio submission 

The aim of an architectural portfolio is to demonstrate your range of skills necessary to be successful in the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation). The portfolio should include your best work that is carefully arranged in a professional and creative layout. A good portfolio will readily convey your enthusiasm, commitment, and readiness to study architecture at the Masters level, and your ambition to be an architect.

The portfolio should include

  1. Samples of architectural projects: at least 3 significant architectural projects from your undergraduate/postgraduate study. Include an explanation of the project with all relevant drawings (plans/ sections/ 3D views) as well as illustrations of models.
  2. Freehand drawings and sketches: include samples of your design sketches and creative drawings/ artworks/ photography etc. demonstrating your skills in graphic communication.
  3. Technical drawing: include samples of your technical construction drawings.
  4. Statement of your architectural interests: a 1 page statement of your interests in architecture including buildings and architects that inspire you.
  5. Letters of reference: include at least 1 reference letter from a relevant person who can attest to your character, skills, and work ethic.
  6. Where any work is authored by more than just the applicant, this needs to be clearly identified and credited (such as collaborative projects).

Submission formatting and uploading of portfolio

  • Electronic submission (see below for uploading the portfolio)
  • Cover sheet with your name and contact details (email address and phone number)
  • Colour or black and white – A4 (portrait or landscape)
  • No embedded hyperlinks. Static files only. No security or password protection on the file
  • Maximum 5MB file size (high quality of approximately 10 pages A4 PDF showing the candidate’s own past creative work and/or any relevant work experience)
  • Save the PDF file using the following name format: M_Arch_SURNAME_FIRSTNAME_portfolio.pdf ....... For example, M_Arch_SMITH_JOHN_portfolio.pdf

Do NOT email portfolios.

Local applicants: Upload your portfolio to your UAC application or Direct application. Refer to the Western Closing Dates page for application deadlines:

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/currentstudents/current_students/dates/closing_dates

International applicants: Upload your portfolio to your Studylink application.

Additional information

International applicants must also provide a full transcript of their undergraduate studies.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.  

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Special Requirements Prerequisites

A construction safety site induction card (e.g. “white card”) is required to enable students to participate in site visits and field study.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

Parts of these units may be taught at the Parramatta City - Hassall St campus or at the Parramatta South campus.

Recommended Sequence 2022

Full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
1H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points30
2H session
HUMN 4002 Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
 Credit Points30
Year 2
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
BLDG 7007 Interpreting Building Regulations (Residential Buildings) 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points160

Part-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
1H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points10
2H session
HUMN 4002 Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
 Credit Points10
Year 2
Autumn session
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
 Credit Points20
Spring session
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
 Credit Points20
Year 3
Autumn session
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
BLDG 7007 Interpreting Building Regulations (Residential Buildings) 10
 Credit Points20
Spring session
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points20
Year 4
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
 Credit Points20
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
 Credit Points20
 Total Credit Points160

Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
2H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
 Credit Points30
1H session
HUMN 4002 Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points30
Year 2
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
BLDG 7007 Interpreting Building Regulations (Residential Buildings) 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points160

Part-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
2H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
 Credit Points10
1H session
HUMN 4002 Researcher Development 2: Proposing and Justifying Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points10
Year 2
Spring session
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
 Credit Points20
Autumn session
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
 Credit Points20
Year 3
Spring session
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points20
Autumn session
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
BLDG 7007 Interpreting Building Regulations (Residential Buildings) 10
 Credit Points20
Year 4
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
 Credit Points20
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
 Credit Points20
 Total Credit Points160

Alternate Subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
ARCH 7020Cool Green Cities10
ARCH 7001Developing Sustainable Places10
BLDG 7006Financing Cities in the Global Economy10
ARCH 7014Health, Wellbeing and Place10
PUBH 7023Safe and Sustainable Construction10
INFO 7019Smart Construction10
ARCH 7005Urban Management Practice: Governance and Power in the City10
BLDG 7008Professional Practice and Building Law10
Select any other Level 7 elective subject with permission of Director Academic Program10

 Equivalent Subjects

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this Program for students who passed these subjects in 2021 or earlier. 

ARCH 7013 - Green Urbanscapes: Bio-Physical Functions and Services

INFS 7005 - Smart Construction

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence from Spring 2023

Full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
1H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points30
Spring session
ARCH 6001 Urban Transformation Research Project 10
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points160

Part-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
1H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
ARCH 6001 Urban Transformation Research Project 10
 Credit Points20
Year 2
Autumn session
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
 Credit Points20
Spring session
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
 Credit Points20
Year 3
Autumn session
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points20
Spring session
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points20
Year 4
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
 Credit Points20
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
 Credit Points20
 Total Credit Points160

Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
2H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
 Credit Points30
Autumn session
ARCH 6001 Urban Transformation Research Project 10
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points160

Part-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
2H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
ARCH 7008 Integrated Building Technology 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
ARCH 6001 Urban Transformation Research Project 10
ARCH 7007 Advanced Design Communication 10
 Credit Points20
Year 2
Spring session
ARCH 7016 Practice Research Studio Housing 20
 Credit Points20
Autumn session
ARCH 7015 Urban Transformation Studio Environments 20
 Credit Points20
Year 3
Spring session
ARCH 7018 Architectural Professional Practice 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points20
Autumn session
ARCH 7003 Managing Cities: History and Theory 10
Select one Alternate subject 10
 Credit Points20
Year 4
Spring session
ARCH 7019 Urban Transformation Studio Global 20
 Credit Points20
Autumn session
ARCH 7017 Urban Transformation Studio Indigenous 20
 Credit Points20
 Total Credit Points160

Alternate Subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
ARCH 7020Cool Green Cities10
ARCH 7001Developing Sustainable Places10
BLDG 7006Financing Cities in the Global Economy10
ARCH 7014Health, Wellbeing and Place10
PUBH 7023Safe and Sustainable Construction10
INFO 7019Smart Construction10
ARCH 7005Urban Management Practice: Governance and Power in the City10
BLDG 7008Professional Practice and Building Law10
ARCH 7021Architecture Studio Autumn Intensive10
ARCH 7022Architecture Studio Spring Intensive10
Select any other PG elective subject with permission of Director Academic Program10

Replaced Alternate Subjects 

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2023 or earlier.

ARCH 5001 - Urban Architecture Project