Architectural Studies and Business Bachelor's degree

This double degree at Monash isn’t about memorising theory in isolation — it’s about diving in, getting hands-on, and doing real work that prepares you for life after graduation. You’ll take on architectural design projects in small teams, tackling real social and spatial challenges in studio environments that feel just like a professional practice. At the same time, you’ll gain practical business skills, so you understand how your architectural ideas actually become real projects in the world. By your final year, you’ll bring both strands together in a capstone project, applying everything you’ve learned in architecture and business to a major, integrated assignment. It’s the kind of learning that builds confidence, practical skills, and a portfolio you can proudly show to future employers.

Here’s a taste of the experiential opportunities you’ll get in this program:

• Collaborative design studios where you tackle real-world challenges in small groups, building both your creative and technical skills together.

• Applied problem-solving in architectural contexts that consider social, environmental, political, and economic aspects of the built environment.

• Community and professional engagement, giving you the chance to connect with real architectural practices during your studies.

• Practical business training that equips you to manage and lead built environment projects effectively.

• A final-year capstone project where you integrate your architectural and business skills into a meaningful, real-world project.

• Choice of business majors — like marketing, international business, or sustainability — allowing you to tailor your learning to the career path you’re most excited about.

Graduates from Monash University’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Bachelor of Business step into a really unique professional mix. You’re not just learning to design or think creatively about spaces — you’re also picking up solid business skills. That means you’re prepared not only for roles in architecture and the built environment, but also to lead and manage projects, teams, or even entire firms.

People who’ve gone through this double degree often end up in roles like architectural practice manager, project manager, property developer, or building coordinator — places where understanding both design and business really matters. You could also explore paths in community development, property management, or even start your own business. Essentially, the combination opens doors to careers that sit at the intersection of creativity and commercial know-how.

Here’s what makes this degree really supportive for your career:

Support that boosts employability: Monash’s Career Connect team works with students across all fields — from business to architecture and design. You get personalised career advice, help with CVs and portfolios, interview coaching, and access to networking events with real employers. There are also workshops, industry nights, and panels tailored to your specific career interests — all designed to help you hit the ground running.

Practical experience through projects: On the architecture side, you’ll spend plenty of time in studio-based learning, working on real-world briefs and collaborative projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable — not only does it teach you how to tackle real design challenges, it also helps you build a portfolio that will make you stand out when you’re applying for jobs.

Industry-relevant business skills: The business degree gives you a strong foundation in areas like management, marketing, finance, and strategy. These skills make you a stronger candidate for leadership and organisational roles, and depending on your major, you can specialise in areas like business management, international business, marketing, sustainability, and more.

Flexible career pathways: With two degrees in four years, you’re not limited to one path. Employers really value the combination of creative problem-solving from architecture with analytical and strategic skills from business. And being part of a Group of Eight university like Monash gives your resume an extra edge.

Looking ahead: If you fall in love with the architectural side, you could continue on to Monash’s Master of Architecture, which is the professional pathway to becoming a registered architect in Australia. On the business side, there are options like postgraduate programs in business analytics, international business, or specialised master’s degrees through Monash Business School. These paths let you focus your expertise depending on whether you want to lead design projects, take on strategic business roles, or even pursue academic research in design and management.