Information for new Architecture students

Architecture: A Career choice for the twenty first century

What Is Architecture?

There are many descriptions of architecture and here are some that might help outline its diversity.

• We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us (Winston Churchill).
  Architecture is Built Order (Louis Kahn).
• A bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture (Nikolas Pevsner)
• Architecture requires us continually to reinterpret and revalue technology in human and social terms (Philip Dowson)
• Architecture is a thing of art, a phenomenon of the emotions, lying outside questions of construction and beyond them. (Le Corbusier)
• Architecture is the only art that starts with a puzzle. (Robin Boyd).
• ...I believe architecture has always been the outward expression of an inner inspiration... (Charles, Prince of Wales)
• Architects make architecture, historians make history and what they both make is myth. (Charles Jencks)

What Do Architects Do?

• Architects design quality environments in which people live, work and play.
• Besides providing good building design, architects are also involved in urban design, environmental research, building conservation, heritage matters etc.
• Architects also make a significant contribution to community development from their background of comprehensive training and professional discipline.

Is Architecture A Suitable Career For Me?

If you can see yourself designing structures and environments which require both artistic and technical skill, if you are concerned for people and their welfare, environmental sustainable design and wish to make a valuable contribution to the built environment then architecture would probably suit you.

How Do I Become An Architect?

You can become an architect by taking the undergraduate degree in Applied Science (Architectural Science), followed by a Master of Architecture. These qualifications, together with approved professional experience will allow you to be eligible for registration and to legally call yourself an architect.

What Does The Department Offer Architecture Students?

We offer a comprehensive course of study in the discipline of architecture, allowing graduating students to successfully operate in a contemporary building industry.
We offer a studio environment, a workshop for creative work, which is constantly available to students as a work place/base, supported by the conventional lecture and tutorial formats. A strong architectural community is developed in the department through exhibitions and publications. In addition, the department offers a range of facilities such as:

• student computing laboratories containing PCs and graphic work stations with CAD and 3-D modelling.
• an acoustics and lighting laboratory providing measuring and testing facilities for assessing acoustic and lighting performance in building materials and construction.
• a Resource Centre housing literature, records and other material related to architecture and the building industry.
  

Given the diversity of architectural practice, our course provides the education essential to become an architect, but at the same time allows students to pursue their own specific interest or talent through options and minor studies focus areas.

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How Long Does It Take?

There are five years of study to complete resulting in two degrees. The first three years leads to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) in which most facets of architecture are covered. The next two years of a Master of Architecture degree are devoted more specifically to the professional practice of architecture.

If you do not want to pursue a career as a practising architect you can finish at the first degree and undertake further studies in another field. Alternatively you could seek a technical position in the building industry.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Architecture degree is recognised by the Architects Board of Western Australia as the academic requirement for registration as an architect. Registration is achieved by approved postgraduate experience and the passing of Board examinations in architectural practice.

The course is also recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects as a requirement for associate membership on completion of registration requirements, and by the Commonwealth Association of Architects. Recognition is also given by overseas Institutes of Architects, for example, in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Course Structure

The course is organised in the following interrelated subject streams:

1. Architectural design (a major part of a student's time is taken in design subjects),
2. Science and Technology (which includes building construction, materials & structures and building science),
3. Architecture and culture (includes theory, history and cultural studies),
4. Communications (both writing and visual communication such as drawing),
5. Professional studies (what you need to know about the law, contracts and management)
6. Dissertation (preparation and execution of final dissertation project)

Other Course Details

The name of the course is the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
There are approximately 40 places available each year.
If you wish to see the results of student work you are invited to attend the end of year student exhibition. Please ring our office from October onwards on 9266 2712 for actual dates.

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Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have a Diploma in Building Design & Technology from a TAFE institution or from an equivalent overseas institution such as Singapore Polytechnic then you may be eligible for exemptions of 112.5 credits.

Architecture And Interior Design

The first year of the Bachelor of Applied Science course is a common year with the Interior Design course. It is possible to take the Interior Design degree with some advanced standing at the end of the Architectural Science degree.

Applying For A Place

Australian citizens and permanent residents may apply for a place in the course through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC), 39 Fairway Nedlands 6009, Telephone (08) 9389 1466. Closing dates for applications are announced in the newspapers. (Applicants who are already students at Curtin should apply directly to the school).
Places for resident school leavers will be based solely on TEE scores.
Places are also available to mature age students, holders of TAFE Diplomas and people who are or have been enrolled at Curtin University.

Enquiries to:

Head, Department of Architecture/Interior Architecture
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987
Perth WA 6001
Tel: (08) 9266 2282 Fax: (08) 9266 2711

International Students Make Written Application To:

Director
International Office
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987
Perth Western Australia 6001
Tel: (08) 9266 7320
Fax: (08) 9266 2605
or your nearest Australian Education Centre.

Further Educational Opportunities

Postgraduate Masters Degree programs are available after completion of either of the degrees making up the architecture course.

Suitable candidates with a Master of Architecture degree or an honours degree from suitable related disciplines may be eligible to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy in the Department.

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