Undergraduate Certificate in Architectural Design
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
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Overview
6 months full time
3 years
February, July
July
The Undergraduate Certificate in Architectural Design is your stepping stone to a career in the world of building design
This 6-month course will teach you how to create design solutions relating to client briefs, learn current industry sustainability practices, and apply foundational knowledge around basic architectural designs in a small to medium capacity.
This course, developed in response to the community and industry needs, will give you qualifications for entry level employment in the architectural and building design professions.
A demand for professionals at all levels in the architecture and design fields is expected to be strong going forward into the future. Building approvals in the March 2021 quarter in Victoria increased nearly 25% over 2020 levels, responding to increased demand following pandemic restrictions.
Career Pathways
Where will the Undergraduate Certificate in Architectural Design take me?
Study Pathways
On successful completion of this certificate, you will be eligible for entry to our Bachelor of Applied Architecture.
Course Details
Delivery methods
Course delivery continues at Melbourne Polytechnic during the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation the world is facing right now. Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our community.
This program has responded to the COVID-19 restrictions by modifying its delivery to a blended model supporting remote learning. For the immediate term, we’ve changed the way our students attend class, with all lectures, tutorials and seminars moved online.
A collaborative learning environment is created through the requirement of students to attend synchronous online sessions at the normal class times. These sessions are run through Moodle, our learning management system, and conferencing software (e.g. Zoom or Teams). This includes assessment wherever possible.
Alternative arrangements are being made for activities which must be conducted on-campus.
- Studio Based
- Mixed mode/online
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods will include a blend of design presentations ('pin-ups' and oral presentations), model making, portfolios, essays, reports, reflective journals, case studies and analyses, projects, tests and exams. Class participation is a critical part of architectural education.
Units of Study
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at Melbourne Polytechnic are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters; full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part-time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Description | Year | Semester |
| BBE111 | DESIGN PRINCIPLES | Core | This subjects teaches design theory relating to problem solving, form, space and professional practice and students will learn principles of site analysis and passive solar design. On completion of this unit, students will also be able to communicate design ideas utilising non-technical drawing techniques, be able to describe methods reflection and presentation, and will be able to acknowledge differences in design thinking. | 1 | |
| BBE112 | BUILDING TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLES | Core | Successful completion of this unit gives students an understanding of structural principles and material properties underpinning the form and fabric of natural and built environments; the ability to identify the principles of shelter relating to building design and the performance and structural principles following mechanical testing. The subject defines basic characteristics and behaviours of materials, manufacturing processes and the environmental implications of their selection and use. Students will also be able to list different structural elements and components for use in various construction systems and explain detailing as an integral part of the provision of shelter and the design process. | 1 | |
| BBE123 | DIGITAL COMMUNICATION, DOCUMENTATION AND PRACTICE 1 | Core | Learn to express design solutions using a variety of different digital media communication technologies; differentiate various stages of the architectural process for design, documentation and communications purposes. Students will also learn how to convey design intent to client, builder and other stakeholders. | 1 |
Fees & Costs
Fee-paying Places
| Per year | $9120 |
| Per semester | $0 |
| Per year | $19600 |
| Per semester | $9800 |
When you are studying higher education courses you may qualify for FEE-HELP payments for part or all of your tuition fees. FEE-HELP loans do not cover materials costs.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2021. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Scholarships on offer
'We’d been discussing what projects we had coming up that we needed to go and buy materials for. And so then the scholarship came and it was just a sigh of relief.'
Requirements
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
- Satisfactory completion of Year 12 VCE or equivalent with a minimum ATAR score of 65.
- Minimum score of 25 in one of the VCE Units 3 and 4 subjects or equivalent.
- Minimum score of 25 in any maths.
- Participate in a selection interview.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
- Completion of the Melbourne Polytechnic Advanced Diploma of Building Design or equivalent at another institution.
- Applicants with qualifications in related (e.g. Interior Design) fields to be assessed individually.
- Participate in a selection interview and presentation of a folio of work.
Applicants with higher education
- A complete or incomplete higher education qualification.
- Participate in a selection interview.
Applicants with work and life experience
- Minimum of 2 years relevant industry experience.
- Participate in a selection interview.
Higher Education Admissions Criteria
As well as the specific entry requirements above, Melbourne Polytechnic admits students on the basis of the following categories:
If you have already studied higher education: Y ou may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree.
If you have studied a VET course: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a vocational education and training (VET) course.
If you have recent secondary education: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you are a recent secondary education student whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the past two years.
If you have work and life experience: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you have work and life experience and left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency
English: Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0 or equivalent as outlined in Melbourne Polytechnic's English Proficiency Policy. Pearson PTE Academic 58 overall with no individual communicative skill below 50, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other: you must submit a folio of work. If you are shortlisted, you will be required to attend an interview
Next Steps
Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your future studies.
Find out more about Melbourne Polytechnic’s commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
You may also be required to attend an interview to discuss your career plans, aptitude and understanding of your chosen course of study and the requirements of tertiary study. (This may be conducted face-to-face or by through a video conference call using Skype or other application).
During your interview, you may be asked to provide:
- Your CV outlining your relevant work and life skills and experience
- Any letters of reference from employers
- Documents relating to prior study including course transcripts and subject outlines from other Higher Education Providers if you wish to apply for credit
- Your portfolio of work
Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Details will be provided by telephone or mail to applicants selected to attend an interview.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
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