University: Curtin University

Degree: Bachelor of Architectural Science

School Subjects: Mathematics Applications, English, Human Biology, Geography, Visual Arts, Certificate 2 in Visual Arts (Design and Drafting)

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Introduction

For as long as I’ve known, architecture has consumed my interest, which made picking this degree exceptionally easy. For those hesitant towards studying architecture, I understand that it might seem intimidating, but I can assure you that it is incredibly rewarding. Below, I’ll walk you through what studying architecture entails, what skills you’ll develop, and why it’s a rewarding path for those passionate about shaping the world around them. I hope this guide will give you a clearer picture of what to expect from a Bachelor of Architecture degree!

The Course

A Bachelor of Architecture is a three-year degree, which sets the foundation for further study. After finishing the Bachelor’s, you’ll continue onto the Master of Architecture, which I am currently pursuing for an additional two years. Completing these degrees qualifies you to begin the registration process as a professional architect.

Bachelor Structure

• First year – primarily focused on familiarising you with architectural drawings and industry terminology. Your assignments progress with the guidance of your tutors.
• Second year – more assignment freedom and fewer constraints, allowing you to explore and experiment with your ideas. This is often the largest leap, as it comes with individual assessment control and reduced tutor control. This is when you start creating your own personal style!
• Third year – exploring your own personal interests and styles, through your own skillsets and personally favoured processes/software. Here, you have the most freedom, and the least parameters in your studio assignments.

Units and Specialisations

During your Bachelor of Architecture, you’ll have a mixture of different unit types, consisting of:

1. Method units – focused on skills/software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Rhino, Adobe, etc.)
2. Studio units – based on interpreting/designing to a brief
3. Theory-based units – focused on architectural history, culture, and concepts
4. Specialisation units – explained below.

Across the Bachelor’s, you’ll have 4 units to complete within your chosen specialisation. Common specialisations include construction management (my choice), and interior design/architecture, although there is a larger list as well. I found that construction management provided me with a broader view on the field of architecture, by providing a more practical/theoretical approach to architecture. My specialisation’s 4 units included constructing: low-rise, high-rise, contracts/law, and surveying.

Assessments and Rewards/Challenges

One of the most exciting parts of the degree is that your studio and methods units have assessments which build upon each other as the semester progresses. Therefore, as you resolve each assessment in these units, you are creating direct work to showcase in your portfolio, which is used down the track when applying for jobs/work placement. By the end of each semester, it is extremely fulfilling when ‘pinning-up’ (presenting) your work to peers, tutors, and workplace professionals. Due to these methods and studio units typically being the larger units with more emphasis and focus, theory-based units are often less exciting but can be easier to complete, as they primarily involve written or presentation-based assignments.

There is no hiding that the degree is ‘full-on’ and exceptionally time-consuming. Many hours and long nights are spent at uni working away at assignments. As assignments are a representation of a body of work, most students spend excessive hours working on them, as there is no ‘finish-line’ to reach. However, as painful as these nights may appear, I can wholeheartedly say that these nights are some of my favourite memories as you bond with your peers through shared struggles, which creates lifelong friends. Your end assignment products are resolved proposals that visually represent you, your ideas, and your beliefs!

Advice

If you’re thinking about studying architecture, be ready for a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires time, effort, and a genuine interest in the field—without that, staying motivated can be tough. However, the more you put in, the more you’ll gain. Building a strong portfolio takes hard work and plenty of trial and error, but the opportunities and connections with people that you’ll make are invaluable. Stick with it, stay dedicated, and the rewards will come, even though the process is demanding.