Diploma of Architecture
Design and build the future.
Domestic
International
A UNSW College Diploma of Architecture is your pathway to UNSW Sydney, Australia’s most employable university*, and a future in the built environment.
In just 12 months, you’ll gain the design thinking, technical skills, and creative confidence to step into the second year of a UNSW Architecture degree. Whether your passion lies in architectural studies, interior or landscape architecture, this Diploma prepares you with practical knowledge and studio-based experience to bring your ideas to life.
Shape the spaces we live in and start building your future — one design at a time.
*Most employable students for six years in a row – AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The UNSW College Diploma of Architecture is a supportive 12-month program that provides you with the foundational skills and knowledge to progress into the second year of undergraduate study at UNSW Sydney – a global top 20 university*.
Upon successful completion, you can progress into a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours), or Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours).
If you need more support but don’t want to add extra time to your degree, the Diploma is a great pathway. It’s also ideal if you just missed out on direct entry into your preferred undergraduate degree or hold qualifications not recognised by UNSW Sydney.
*QS World University Rankings, 2026.
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) or 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.
Apply for Term 1 2026 via UAC
Planning to start a Diploma in 2026? Equivalent to first year of uni, you can start a Diploma and progress into second year of your bachelor's degree, no time lost. To apply, simply create your application in UAC and preference your UNSW College Diploma, just like you would a university degree.
Your journey with a Diploma program
Your journey with a Diploma Program
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees
Who is this program for?
We designed our Diplomas for students who narrowly missed out on direct entry to UNSW Sydney, offering a supportive pathway to academic success and university life.
Our programs offer:
- First-year degree curriculum: Your Diploma will cover the same learning as the UNSW first year degree. We’ve developed the content in collaboration with UNSW Sydney, and you’ll have access to the same world-renowned facilities and resources as undergraduate students.
- Personalised attention: You’ll be in small classes (around 20 students) and get up to 20% more teaching time than first year at UNSW Sydney.
- Tailored support: With access to weekly tutor sessions, interactive study clubs, leadership development opportunities, and wellbeing programs, you can build a strong foundation for success to help you thrive.
Why study architecture at UNSW Sydney?
Architecture is about exploring and redefining what place means to people. As an emerging architect at UNSW Sydney, 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 an impactful career and influence the industry’s future.
Who is this program for?
Our supportive Diplomas are an excellent pathway for international students, helping you build the skills and confidence needed for university life.
Our programs support your learning with:
- smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time
- additional English and academic skill support
- course material equivalent to first year programs within the UNSW Sydney degrees, and
- access to the same world class 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 Sydney, 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 of Architecture (and meet the entry requirements), you will progress directly to second year of your bachelor’s degree at UNSW Sydney. You will have the option to choose 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 for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other courses to progress to the second year of the relevant degree at UNSW Sydney.
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete a Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will gain direct entry into second year of your chosen undergraduate degree at UNSW Sydney.
The Diploma of Architecture is designed to provide you with a supported progression into the second year of your chosen undergraduate degree. You will have the option to choose 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 undergraduate degree at UNSW Sydney.
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
As a Diploma student, you will learn the fundamentals before specialising and focusing on your future studies at UNSW Sydney.
With first year equivalent course content and equal learning outcomes, you will be fully prepared to enter the second year of your bachelor’s degree at UNSW Sydney, where you will choose your major.
For more information on each major, see below.
Program structure
As a Diploma student, you will build a strong foundation by studying courses equivalent to first year undergraduate study at UNSW Sydney.
You will also receive additional academic and English support to develop the skills needed to succeed, giving you the confidence to enter second year at UNSW Sydney. From there, you will choose your major.
For more information on each major, 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
Domestic
International
Australian Year 12:
Diploma of Architecture -
Architectural Studies
ATAR 70
Australian Year 12:
Diploma of Architecture –
Landscape / Interior Architecture
ATAR 65
The Diploma is designed 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, 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.
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.
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.
Domestic
International
Diploma fees
2025 tuition fees
A$38,016
Diploma of Architecture
Total Units of Credit: 48
Courses to complete: 8
Core courses
| Course Code | Course Name | Units of Credit | EFTSL | Fee |
| AELC1304 | Communication and Academic Literacy 4 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1301 | Practical Design Studio 1 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1302 | Communication in the Built Environment | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1303 | Design History and Theory 1 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1304 | Practical Design Studio 2 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1305 | Architectural Composition and Modelling | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1306 | Building Environments and Technics 1 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
Choose one elective depending on your specialisation
| Course Code | Course Name | Units of Credit | EFTSL | Fee |
| ARCT1307 | Architectural Science & Building Environment 1 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1308 | Interior Architecture Critical Perspectives | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| ARCT1310 | Introduction to Landscape Architecture & Analysis | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
Financial assistance in the form of FEE-HELP may be available. FEE-HELP is a loan from the Australian Government that helps eligible students defer repayments for all or part of their tuition fee. For more information, refer to FEE-HELP.
Please note: This information is provided as a general guide and applies to full-fee paying domestic students.
If you are a domestic student who received a slipback offer to study a UNSW Diploma under the Gateway Admissions Pathway, these fees do not apply. Please refer to this page for more information: 
Gateway Admissions Pathway | UNSW College.
Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF)
The Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF) is payable when you enrol in a Diploma Program. The fee covers non-academic services including counselling, career and financial advice, health and food services, sports activities and more.
Full-time: $121.66/term
Part-time: $87.75/term
Note: Domestic students commencing their Diploma studies in May 2025 will not be charged SSAF for their first term of studies.
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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.
Diploma fees
2025 tuition fees
A$45,660
2026 tuition fees
A$48,060
| Course | 2025 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | 2026 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | Courses to complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | $5,700 | $6,000 | 7 |
| Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) | $5,760 | $6,060 | 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.
-
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 2025 or 2026, 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?
Launch your future at a global top 20 university
When you successfully complete your Diploma at UNSW College, you can progress straight into the second year of a UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree – just like 90% of our diploma graduates.
Your proven pathway to success
With more than 50 years’ experience and over 125,000 graduates, UNSW College knows what it takes to help students achieve their goals and thrive at university.
Surrounded by support
From academic support to health, wellbeing, accommodation and accessibility services – you’ll be backed by a full circle of care to help you succeed.
Launch your future at a global top 20 university
Successfully complete your Diploma and progress directly into the second year of your undergraduate degree at UNSW Sydney.
Support as you learn
The Diploma is designed for international students like you, so you can develop English language and academic skills to take the next step into university with confidence.
Directly connected to UNSW Sydney
The Diploma is co-developed with UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW Sydney’s world-class facilities and resources including libraries, clubs and societies.
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
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).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.