MC163 - Master of Architecture

Go to Enrolment Program Structures Search

Plan: MC163 - Master of Architecture
Campus: City Campus

Program delivery and structure

Approach to learning and assessment
Work integrated learning
Program structure

Approach to learning and assessment

The mode of learning in the Master of Architecture is primarily through ‘practicing and doing’, the core of which is the design studio project. These design studios are carried out in small groups where you will work on, discuss and develop design projects. These projects are communicated through different types of drawings and models and are reviewed and discussed regularly with your peers and tutors. The projects and types of design studio are diverse as a path is charted toward an understanding of architecture and the development of an understanding to the many approaches of design.

Design Studio based learning and assessment relies upon continuous cycles of reviewing, feedback and reflection between staff, your peers and you. Your work is presented verbally, critiqued and submitted in a portfolio of drawings and images. Each semester, work from the design studio component of the degree is presented as a part of a public exhibition. The design studios are vertically integrated so learning will be with students of varying levels, which encourages learning by example from more advanced students and gaining experience and sophistication as you progress through the program.

Other areas of study include: history, communications, technology and professional practice. These are taught in a combination of project-based seminars, like a design studio, and lectures or discussion tutorials.

Submissions may include essays, and projects often in portfolio format.

The principles of assessment within the course are to ensure appropriate measurement, monitoring, and feedback with respect to your academic progress and achievement and to generate an active debate about architecture, raise the standards within the school, and involve feedback from outside the school.

Assessment of core courses occurs through public presentation of your work. Panels critique your presentations and you will have the opportunity to respond to these comments. These presentations take place in a public forum to which all staff, students and people external to the program are encouraged to observe the material presented for assessment and comment.

The constitution of assessment panels for core courses varies. Design assessment panels consist of the studio leaders, a minimum of one external critic, and one internal critic selected by the course coordinator. Assessment practices in other courses vary, though these courses require a combination of the submission of assignments, a verbal presentation, and/or tests. Irrespective of the form of submission, moderation - a review of all results at the end of each semester by people independent of the particular course - remains an integral part of the overall grading process.

If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program. There is information on the RMIT University website about how to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) http://www.rmit.edu.au/ students/enrolment/credit/he

*Top of page

Work integrated learning

RMIT is committed to providing students with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. As a student enrolled in this RMIT University program you will:

  • undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply, and demonstrate your professional or vocational practice
  •  interact with industry and community when undertaking these activities
  •  complete these activities in real work contexts or situations

And in addition:

  • These interactions and the work contexts provide distinctive sources of feedback to you and assist your learning.
  • Any or all of these aspects of a WIL experience may be simulated.

The WIL-designated course  within this program is:

ARCH1334 Architecture Professional Practice 2

Architecture Professional Practice 2 incorporates high levels of work integration through assessment tasks. You will simulate the resolution of practice and professional issues in design projects with assistance from industry tools and documents. The course includes many external lectures from professional architects and consultants. In addition, often core staff and sessional tutors are practicing professionals.
Professional activities such as report, letter writing, budget and business planning are simulated with respect to a professional project. By the conclusion of this course, students will have acquired the knowledge and skills to work within a design project team under the supervision of a qualified design professional, assisting in the full range of tasks associated with the delivery of a design project in the constructed environment:

  • Developing a project brief responsive to the clients’ needs and requirements
  • Marshalling project resources
  • Responding to the demands of regulating authorities
  • Managing the process of project design and design documentation
  • Tendering and administering the project construction contract

The Masters of Architecture degree has a wide range of modes of industry engagement. In particular the design studio component of the course has a diverse range of community partnerships and is nationally recognised for its strong linkages to architectural practice with many leading practitioners teaching into the program.

*Top of page

Program Structure

To graduate you must complete the following: All courses listed may not be available each semester.
 

*Top of page


Year One of Program

Complete the following Six (6) Courses:

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Architecture Design Studio 7 24 ARCH1330 City Campus
Architecture Professional Practice 1 12 ARCH1331 City Campus
History Asian Architecture and Urbanism 12 ARCH1332 City Campus
Architecture Design Studio 8 24 ARCH1333 City Campus
Architecture Professional Practice 2 12 ARCH1334 City Campus
Architecture Design Elective 1 12 ARCH1338 City Campus
 
AND

*Top of page


Year Two of Program

Complete the following Five (5) Courses:

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Architecture Design Studio 9 24 ARCH1335 City Campus
Architecture Professional Practice 3 12 ARCH1336 City Campus
Architecture Design Elective 2 12 ARCH1339 City Campus
Architecture Major Project 36 ARCH1337 City Campus
Architecture Design Elective 3 12 ARCH1340 City Campus
 

*Top of page


 
 
[Previous: Learning outcomes]