COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Architecture (Design) at The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate research degree focused on independent architectural design practice rather than a fixed set of taught coursework units. The curriculum is structured around supervised research and progressive design development, where students gradually build a substantial architectural project that demonstrates advanced conceptual thinking, technical ability, and professional-level design skills. Instead of a traditional unit-by-unit syllabus, learning takes place through design studios, research supervision, and iterative development of architectural ideas. Students are expected to continuously refine their work through critique sessions and guided feedback, integrating theoretical and practical approaches to architecture. The program culminates in a major design exhibition that presents a comprehensive architectural proposal equivalent in scope to the schematic design of a culturally significant building. Throughout the course, students explore key architectural themes such as spatial experience, urban context, sustainability, material systems, and innovation in design practice. The emphasis is on research-led creative exploration rather than examination-based learning, with each student producing a unique design thesis as the final outcome. Admission generally requires a prior qualification in architecture or a closely related field, as the course assumes advanced design knowledge. Overall, the curriculum is defined by an intensive, studio-based research journey leading to a professional-level architectural design project.