Diploma in Architecture
Design and build the future.
What is a Diploma?
A Diploma is a 12-month course that gives you the foundational skills and knowledge in a specific stream. A Diploma in 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
107826B
(Jan 2024, May 2024)
113044D
(From Aug 2024)
*For full details on intakes, please view Key dates.
*From August 2024, this program will be delivered as Diploma of Architecture.
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 UNSW 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
- Architect
- Architectural Technician
- Interior and Special Designer
- Building Surveyor
- Town Planner
- Production Designer
- Structural Engineer
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete a UNSW 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 in the top 20 worldwide. 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 in 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 in 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.
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Top 100Art & Design school in the worldQS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021
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Mostemployable studentsAFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2021
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Mostcreative disciplinesMore disciplines than any other Australian creative school
Program structure
UNSW 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 courses
View an example of the courses you will be studying in your Diploma in 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 courses
View an example of the courses you will be studying in your Diploma in 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 courses
View an example of the courses you will be studying in your Diploma in 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 UNSW 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 UNSW 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 UNSW 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
2023 tuition fees
A$41,760
2024 tuition fees
A$43,020
| Course | 2023 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | 2024 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | Courses to complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | $5,220 | $5,370 | 7 |
| Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) | $5,220 | $5,430 | 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 2023, however you may undertake courses in 2024.
- Studying elective courses outside of your main program area. For example you may be enrolled in the Diploma in Business however you may have undertaken an elective unit from the Diploma in 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
International Student Award
If you start a UNSW Diploma Program in 2023 or 2024, you could be eligible to receive a 15% contribution towards your tuition fees, for the duration of your studies at UNSW.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to start your UNSW Diploma application, you can apply directly to UNSW.
Eligible students can apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Find out if you are eligible to apply to UAC.
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.
UNSW Program Code
7006
UAC Code - Architectural Studies
440600
UAC Code - Interior Architecture
440700
UAC Code - Landscape Architecture
440800
Why study with UNSW College?
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Your path to a global top 20 universitySuccessfully complete a Diploma Program and progress directly to Second Year of a bachelor's degree program at UNSW Sydney
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Support as you learnThe 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.
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Directly connected to UNSWThe program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world class libraries, clubs and societies.
The UNSW 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.
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas and Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters
From 6 May 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of the Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers Academic English under CRICOS Provider code 01020K. See unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information.
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