Pathways to Master of Architecture
For UNSW Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) students.
At UNSW, you’ll find different options to get you on the path to reach your career goals. That’s why we offer three unique pathways for students in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) to progress onto the Master of Architecture.Ìý
Why progress to the Master of Architecture? Upon completion you’ll have professional recognition from the NSW Architects Registration Board and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). You will be eligible, after a recognised period working in a professional setting, to undertake the Architectural Practice Exam to become a registered architect. This exam is administered in NSW by the NSW Board of Architects on behalf of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia.Ìý
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What are the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) pathways to the Master of Architecture?
Pathway 1 – Additional one-year degree
If you complete the four-year Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) at UNSW, you can apply to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies. If accepted, you’ll receive 96 units of credit (UOC) of prior learning, which allows you to complete the remaining 48 UOC in one year. This means you will have two degrees, the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) and the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, in just five years.
Upon completion of this one-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies and achieving a WAM of 65, you’ll be able to apply for the Master of Architecture.ÌýÂ
Pathway 2 – Architecture electives
If you are in your second year of the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) and have a WAM of 70 you can apply to the School of Built Environment to undertake 36 UOC of architecture electives during Year 3 and Year 4 of your degree. If you successfully complete these electives and finish the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) with a WAM of 65, you will be eligible to apply for the Master of Architecture.
Pathway 3 – Internal Program Transfer
On completion of your first year of study in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours), you can apply for an Internal Program Transfer into the Bachelor of Architectural Studies using your university results. If successful, you’ll complete the Bachelor of Architectural Studies in an additional two years. .
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Each of the unique pathways have a different application process.Ìý
Pathway 1 – Additional one-year degree
For the one-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies after you finish the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours), you will need to apply for your studies as if you are commencing the degree from the beginning. This would be through the Universities Admissions Centre () for domestic students, and directly to UNSW through the for international students.Ìý
Please keep in mind that it is difficult to predict what WAM will make you competitive for entry into the Bachelor of Architectural Studies. As such, we strongly encourage you to also apply for Portfolio Entry alongside your formal application through UAC to support your academic results. Learn more about BE Portfolio Entry. Applications will open on the 25th of October for Term 1 2022 admission.ÌýÂ
Pathway 2 – Architecture electives
If you are looking to taking the architecture electives during your studies in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours), a dedicated expression of interest portal will be available on this page.ÌýÂ
Pathway 3 – Internal Program Transfer
Applications for the Internal Program Transfer will need to go through .Ìý
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Read our frequently asked questions for more information.
Q: What if I change my mind after commencing one of the pathways?
A: There is a degree of commitment expected from students who enter the pathways and we suspect that Studio 5 (ARCH1311) from the Architectural Studies program will be the catalyst that will allow students to decide to continue or withdraw from this pathway option. Students who complete ARCH1311, and decide not to continue with the pathway, will have that studio counted towards INTA5000. You should consult with the Discipline Director for individual advice if you have concerns regarding this option.
Q: If I complete one of these pathway options, will I be able to apply for Master of Architecture at another tertiary institution?
A: Different institutions have varied requirements for entry into their Master of Architecture programs. So, it will depend on the specific institution and you will need to enquire with them. Â
Q: For the Internal Program Transfer, can a course I have completed in the Interior Architecture (Honours) degree that does not transfer directly into the Architectural Studies degree be used as a free elective?
A: You can gain up to 12 UOC credit for non-transferred Interior Architecture courses as free electives. This is because next year for Architectural Studies students the Built Environment Interdisciplinary Learning (BEIL) elective requirement is reduced from two to one (as a transition arrangement), increasing the number of free electives required to two (12 UOC). So, you can count INTA1002 or another non-transferrable course as a free elective towards the Architectural Studies degree.
Q: If I do an Internal Program Transfer, can I do General Education courses in my first year of Interior Architecture (Honours) and have these credits transfer to Architectural Studies?
A: We recommend that you don’t deviate from the Interior Architecture (Honours) core course program in Term 3, as there may be consequences if you are unsuccessful in your application for the Internal Program Transfer. However, you can enrol in a General Education elective in Term 3 and it will potentially count towards the Architectural Studies program requirements, but keep in mind you may not be successful with your transfer.
Q. How will this pathway option effect the Honours Calculations in the Interior Architecture (Honours) degree?
A. Under the Master of Architecture pathway option, the Interior Architecture (Honours) calculations will include ARCH1311 & ARCH1302 (30% weighting); INTA7000 & INTA8000 (40% weighting) and Overall WAM (30% weighting).
Q: Can I go on exchange at a partner university under the Interior Architecture (Honours) to Master of Architecture pathway options?
A: You can definitely still go on an exchange opportunity through this pathway, COVID-19 travel restrictions permitting. The ideal slot for exchange is in Term 3 of Year 4. You would need to satisfy the minimum 18 UOC equivalent for exchange study. Other exchange terms may be possible, but this would be examined on a case-by-case basis.
If you are considering exchange, plan ahead and contact  and the as early as you can as this does require 12 months’ notice.
Q: I have further questions about these pathways, who can I ask?
A: Feel free to contact the program convenor of the Master of Architecture Dr Paul Hogben at p.hogben@unsw.edu.au