Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

Curtin University’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) is designed for curious, creative minds who want to understand how architecture shapes the way we live, work and move through the world. You’ll explore the balance between design and practicality, learning how artistic ideas become real, buildable spaces — with sustainability, people and place always at the centre. Through hands-on projects and strong industry connections, this degree prepares you for a wide range of roles across design, construction and the broader built environment.

Year 1 is all about building your foundation and finding your design voice. You’ll be introduced to the core ideas of architecture through units like Understanding Architecture, Graphic Communication I, and Sustainability and Structures in Architecture. Expect to sketch, model and draw as you learn how buildings respond to climate, culture and community. It’s an exploratory year where creativity is encouraged and essential skills are developed side by side.

In Year 2, your thinking becomes more focused and confident. Design studios such as Architecture and Interior Architecture Design Studio 1 challenge you to respond to more complex briefs, while units like Architectural Technology in Context and Graphic Communication II deepen your understanding of materials, systems and construction logic. Collaboration becomes key as you work with peers to develop thoughtful, well-resolved design solutions that consider both human experience and technical performance.

By Year 3, the emphasis shifts to refinement and professional readiness. Advanced studios and units such as Architecture Design 2 and Architectural Science in Context bring everything together — design, technology, sustainability and communication. You’ll engage with industry professionals, present your work with confidence, and graduate with a strong portfolio that reflects your individual design approach and prepares you for employment or further study.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop strengths in architectural design, sustainable thinking, building science, visual communication and industry-integrated project work. Graduates leave with the ability to clearly communicate design ideas, apply technical and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

While this bachelor degree does not qualify you for immediate architect registration, it is a crucial stepping stone. It is designed to lead directly into Curtin’s accredited Master of Architecture, supporting your long-term pathway toward professional registration with the Architects’ Board.

Curtin’s strong reputation in architecture and the built environment adds further value to your qualification. As Western Australia’s top-ranked university in this field, Curtin is recognised for its close industry ties and focus on graduate employability — giving you confidence that what you’re learning is relevant, respected and future-focused.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This degree doesn’t live only in textbooks or theory — it pulls you straight into the way architecture actually works. From your very first year, you’re thinking like a designer and a builder, tackling projects that reflect real architectural and construction challenges. You’ll work on industry-integrated design studios, learn alongside guest lecturers who are active practitioners, and see how buildings take shape in response to cultural, social and environmental realities.

Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to engage with well-known design and engineering organisations, giving you a genuine look at how ideas move from early concepts to buildable, real-world solutions. It’s the kind of experience that helps you graduate with more than just technical knowledge — you leave with confidence, a strong portfolio, and a practical mindset that employers value.

Here’s what hands-on learning looks like in this program:

You’ll work on industry-integrated design projects that mirror real architectural and construction scenarios, helping you connect theory directly to practice.

Throughout your studies, you’ll learn from industry practitioners and guest lecturers who share real insights into current professional practice.

You’ll gain immersive exposure to established firms and organisations such as GHDWoodhead, Water Corporation, Woods Bagot, Cox and Hassell consultants, allowing you to see how professional studios operate day to day.

Your projects will explore architecture’s role in society and sustainability, encouraging you to design with cultural context, environmental responsibility and community needs in mind.

The degree also creates a clear pathway into the accredited Master of Architecture, where you continue building professional experience and preparing for registration.

If you’re looking for a degree that builds your portfolio, sharpens your practical skills, and helps you feel ready for real architectural work from day one, this program is designed to do exactly that.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This degree is designed to help you step into the built environment with confidence. You’ll learn how creative design, technical problem-solving and sustainability all come together in real projects — exactly the mix employers look for. Graduates of Curtin’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) go on to work as building consultants, draftspersons and, if they continue into the accredited Master of Architecture, registered architects. Others move into planning, construction and related roles where design thinking really matters.

One of the biggest strengths of this course is how seriously Curtin takes employability. Work-integrated learning is built into the degree, so you’re not just learning theory — you’re applying it in real-world contexts before you graduate. Along the way, you’ll work with industry professionals and learn directly from guest lecturers who bring practical insight into how buildings are actually designed and delivered.

Curtin’s strong industry connections add real value to your experience. You’ll take part in projects and immersive learning opportunities with well-known firms such as GHDWoodhead, Woods Bagot, Cox and Hassell, and may also engage with organisations like Water Corporation. These experiences help you build confidence, industry awareness and professional networks while you’re still studying.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have more than design skills. You’ll understand building systems, sustainability principles, creative problem-solving and professional communication — skills that are highly valued across architecture studios, consulting firms and local government.

Curtin graduates in architecture and building-related fields also see solid employment outcomes, with strong full-time employment rates and competitive starting salaries. That reflects how closely the course aligns with what the industry actually needs.

If becoming a registered architect is your goal, this degree sets you up perfectly. It provides a direct pathway into Curtin’s accredited Master of Architecture, where you’ll develop advanced design skills, learn professional practice and prepare for registration. It’s a natural next step that opens the door to the full range of architectural careers.

And if your interests evolve, this qualification keeps your options open. Whether you decide to move into urban planning, sustainable design consultancy or project management, you’ll graduate with a strong foundation that supports further study and career flexibility.