Bachelors of Architectural Design / Construction Management (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

This double degree is ideal for students who want to combine creative architectural design with practical construction management skills, giving you the ability to both design and deliver real-world building projects. You will study how to create sustainable, functional spaces while also learning how to manage construction processes, budgets, and large-scale developments from concept to completion.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You begin by developing a strong foundation in the built environment, focusing on design thinking and construction basics. You’ll explore introductory architectural design studios alongside core concepts like construction materials and built environment principles, helping you understand how design and construction interact.

Year 2
Your learning becomes more applied, combining design creativity with technical understanding. You will study areas such as sustainable construction, project development, and site operations, while continuing to build your architectural design skills through studio-based learning.

Year 3
At this stage, you move into more advanced and specialised topics across both disciplines. You’ll focus on areas like construction economics, planning, and procurement, while also refining your architectural design approach in complex, real-world scenarios.

Year 4–5
In the final years, the program becomes highly industry-focused. You’ll undertake advanced studies in estimating, tendering, and project management, alongside major design projects, and complete an industry placement that prepares you for professional practice.

Focus areas (in a string):

Architectural design, construction management, sustainable built environments, project planning, urban development, digital construction technologies

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop integrated design and construction expertise, manage complex building projects, apply sustainability principles, use industry-standard digital tools, and deliver end-to-end built environment solutions

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Aligned with industry standards and developed with reference to bodies such as the Australian Institute of Building (AIB) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), supporting professional pathways in construction and built environment fields

Reputation (employability rankings):

Griffith University is recognised for strong industry connections and graduate employability, particularly in the built environment and construction sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Griffith, this double degree is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit through lectures — you’ll spend time in purpose-built design studios where you can experiment, play with ideas, and get hands-on with the same tools and technologies that architects and builders use every day. Along the way, you’ll gain real industry experience, build confidence using the latest professional software, and start thinking like someone who can take a project from a sketch on paper all the way to a finished building. By combining creative design with practical construction know-how, this program sets you up for collaborative, industry-connected roles where you can hit the ground running after graduation.

Here’s what makes your learning experience so hands-on:

Design studios that feel real – You’ll work in small, purpose-built spaces where you bring your architectural ideas to life and develop real skills as you go.
Industry experience while you study – Classroom concepts are tied directly to real-world challenges in the built environment.
Professional tools at your fingertips – You’ll learn the same IT applications and design tools that architects and construction managers use daily.
Creative problem-solving in action – By looking at projects from both design and construction angles, you’ll develop practical skills to manage projects from concept to completion.
Sustainability and context matter – You’ll apply smart, sustainable design thinking to urban, coastal, and tropical environments, tackling real-world design problems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Griffith University’s Bachelor of Architectural Design / Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) gives you a unique edge — you’ll be equally at home imagining creative spaces and making sure those ideas actually become real, functional buildings. This double degree prepares you for a range of exciting roles, from architectural designer to construction project manager, quantity surveyor, or property and construction consultant. You won’t just be dreaming up concepts — you’ll have the skills to lead projects from the first sketch to the finished build. With a strong focus on sustainability, leadership, and hands-on problem-solving, you’ll graduate as someone employers know can make an immediate impact.

Here’s how Griffith supports you along the way:

Careers & Employment Service: You’ll get personalised guidance to uncover your strengths, polish your resume, practice interviews, and find opportunities that match your career goals. Tools like CareerHub give you access to jobs, internships, and employer events while you study and beyond.
Industry Mentoring Program (IMP): Connect with experienced professionals who can offer practical advice, expand your network, and help you gain confidence in your chosen field.
Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL): Through placements, internships, and real-world projects, you can apply your classroom learning to actual industry challenges — a huge advantage when it comes to starting your career.
Industry partnerships: Griffith works closely with firms across architecture, construction, engineering, and planning. From projects to networking events, these connections can help you start building professional relationships early.

The program’s blend of environmental sustainability, urban design, and practical project execution means you’ll graduate with a well-rounded skill set that’s highly attractive across the built environment sector.

Thinking about the future?
After this double degree, plenty of doors are open. Many graduates continue with Griffith’s Master of Architecture, moving closer to professional registration as an architect. The honours component in construction management also gives you a strong academic foundation if you want to explore postgraduate research or specialise in areas like urban planning, construction economics, or project leadership. Essentially, you can tailor your studies to suit your long-term goals — whether that’s leading projects in industry or shaping research and policy in the built environment.