Diploma of Architecture
Design and build the future.
What is a Diploma?
A Diploma is a 12-month program that gives you the foundational skills and knowledge in a specific stream. A Diploma of Architecture will take you straight into Second Year at UNSW – in a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) or a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours).
It's a great option for international students, if you need a bit more support, but don't want to add extra time to your degree. If you've just missed out on direct entry into your preferred bachelor's degree, or hold qualifications that aren't recognised by UNSW Sydney, this could also be the program for you.
Intakes
January, August*
Duration
12 months (3 terms)
Weekly class time
Approximately 20-25 hours
Progression
Second Year at UNSW Sydney
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours)
Delivery mode
On-campus
CRICOS Code
113044D^
*For full details on intakes, please view Key dates.
^Prior to August 2024, this program was delivered as Diploma in Architecture, CRICOS Course Code 107826B.
Your journey with a Diploma Program
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees and scholarships
Who is this program for?
The Diploma Program has been designed specifically for international students. Our Diplomas make it easy to adjust to university, with:
- smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time
- additional English and academic skill support
- course material equivalent to First Year courses within the UNSW Sydney degree, and
- access to the same facilities and resources as undergraduate students.
With an innovative First Year equivalent curriculum, you will gain the introductory knowledge you need for further study in Architecture, and a career in Built Environment.
Why study architecture at UNSW Sydney?
Architecture is about exploring and redefining what place means to people. As an emerging architect at UNSW, you will focus on the physical form of design, and the elevated thinking that supports it. You will learn how to design buildings and settings that will influence and benefit the future of individuals and communities within them. You will also learn how to address every angle in this process, taking wider sustainability, cultural and economic needs into consideration.
Our teaching staff include experienced academics in an inclusive, collaborative learning environment. With their guidance, you will develop the design skills and technical knowledge to establish impactful careers and influence the industry’s future.
Career opportunities
- Landscape Architect
- Architect
- Architectural Technician
- Interior and Spatial Designer
- Building Surveyor
- Town Planner
- Production Designer
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete a Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will be guaranteed entry into Second Year at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked #19 university in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2025). Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.
Want to know more about specific progression requirements for your chosen UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree?
The Diploma of Architecture is designed to provide you with a pathway to Second Year of your chosen bachelor's degree, where you will have the option to choose a degree from the following:
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours)
Note: Diploma of Architecture students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other courses to progress to Second Year of the relevant degree program at UNSW.
Ranked #23
globally for architecture & built environment
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025
Most
employable graduates
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
1st
for research in Architecture in the world
The Australian Annual Research Magazine, 2025
Program structure
Diploma students learn the fundamentals required for their future studies in courses that are equivalent to First Year undergraduate courses at UNSW Sydney.
You get the added benefit of extra support to equip you with the academic and English skills you need to succeed. This will give you a strong basis for your journey into Second Year at UNSW Sydney, where you will choose your major.
For more information on each program, see below.
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What is architectural studies?
A broad overview of the discipline, Architectural Studies covers the bases of both theory and practice. Providing a strong foundation in architectural design and related technical knowledge, this stream also offers a background in history and theory, science and technology, construction and structures, and design.
Architectural Studies Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Architecture at UNSW College below.
- Practical Design Studio 1
- Communication in the Built Environment
- Design History and Theory 1
- Practical Design Studio 2
- Architectural Composition & Modelling
- Building Environments and Technics 1
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Architectural Science & Building Environment 1
- Practical Design Studio 1
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What is interior architecture?
This design discipline focuses on interior environments as integral parts of our cities, including all aspects of their spatial, social and material assembly. Interior architecture covers the manipulation of spatial elements such as walls, floors and staircases (as opposed to interior design, which focuses on the planning and detail of individual rooms).
Interior architecture Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Architecture at UNSW College below.
- Practical Design Studio 1
- Communication in the Built Environment
- Design History and Theory 1
- Practical Design Studio 2
- Architectural Composition & Modelling
- Building Environments and Technics 1
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Interior Architecture Critical Perspectives
- Practical Design Studio 1
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What is landscape architecture?
As a landscape architect, you’ll become a creative problem solver, combining art and science to plan, design and manage environments that conserve and celebrate ecology, cultural values and symbolic associations. Landscape architecture involves the designing of open spaces of the future in response to issues such as urbanisation, migration, sustainability and climate change.
Landscape architecture Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Architecture at UNSW College below.
- Practical Design Studio 1
- Communication in the Built Environment
- Design History and Theory 1
- Practical Design Studio 2
- Architectural Composition & Modelling
- Building Environments and Technics 1
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Introduction to Landscape Architecture & Analysis
- Practical Design Studio 1
Entry requirements
The Diploma Program is designed specifically for international students as a potential pathway to study at UNSW Sydney - before you start a Diploma, you must meet the required English language proficiency and specific academic entry requirements.
For more information on entry requirements, view the Diploma and UEEC entry requirements - requirements provided should be considered as a guide only and are subject to change.
In addition to academic and English requirements, some Diploma Programs require specific subject minimum grade requirements and assumed knowledge depending on your intended program.
If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for a Diploma Program, you can complete a Foundation Studies program first.
If you need help meeting the English language requirements, you could complete the University English Entry Course (UEEC) before starting your Diploma Program.
Academic calendars
The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as Orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.
Diploma fees
2025 tuition fees
A$45,660
| Course | 2025 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | Courses to complete |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | $5,700 | 7 |
| Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) | $5,760 | 1 |
Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) must be completed as part of each Diploma Program.
For additional information on our fees and other non-tuition fees, please see the Fees page.
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The program tuition fee that is quoted on your Letter of Offer is indicative and takes into account a range of factors such as:
- The calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course. For example, you may have commenced your Diploma in 2025, however you may undertake courses in 2026.
- Studying elective courses outside of your main program area. For example you may be enrolled in the Diploma of Business however you may have undertaken an elective unit from the Diploma of Media and Communication.
- Potential course variations to your Diploma studies.
Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included.
When you enrol into new courses in your subsequent study terms at UNSW College, a fee statement will be generated in myUNSW indicating the precise tuition fee amount that you will need to pay.
Scholarships
If you start a Diploma in 2024 or 2025, you may be eligible to receive a scholarship for the duration of your studies.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to start your Diploma application, you can apply directly to UNSW.
At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to start your application, click the button below.
Need help?
If you need help or have questions about the application process, read our guide on How to Apply.
Or you can get advice from one of our certified agents who can help you through the process. Find an agent near you.
Why study with UNSW College?
Your path to a global top 20 university
Successfully complete a Diploma Program and progress directly to Second Year of a bachelor's degree program at UNSW Sydney
Support as you learn
The Diploma Program is designed for international students like you, so you can develop English language and academic skills to take the next step with confidence.
Directly connected to UNSW
The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world class libraries, clubs and societies.
"The Diploma Program has helped me by implementing the bases of knowledge needed to progress further with our studies. Furthermore, it gave me more information that helped me decide which major I want to take in university and what path I want to take in the future."
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Foundation Studies, Academic English and Pre-Masters Program
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, and Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Diplomas
UNSW College delivers its UNSW College Diplomas under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). UNSW College delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
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