An important consideration in designing the new Master of Architecture (MArch) Programme was to develop its potential as an agent of change for the profession. In order to produce graduates capable of meeting future challenges, the focus is on the core capabilities of creative thinking and design integration incorporating an understanding of the processes of problem solving.
The Programme therefore provides a broad vision that equips graduates with a better understanding of the cultural, social, physical, political, business and economic contexts in which architecture is practiced and built environments are procured. Assessment within the programme acknowledges these qualities through the extensive use of individually initiated and developed projects.
THE 3 + 2 ARCHITECTURE PROGRAMME
In 2008, the architecture programme at UNSW changed to a 3 year Bachelor and a 2 year Master degree, with the Master being the professional degree. The Master of Architecture is the accredited degree for architectural registration.
In 2005 a decision was taken by the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA) for all schools to move towards a professional degree at Masters level (MArch). The reasoning was not that current BArch degrees are deficient – the MArch will still be awarded after five years of study – but rather to align our schools with the European model emanating from the Bologna Agreement of 1999.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is renowned for the quality of its graduates and its commitment to new and creative approaches to education and research. It was established in 1949 and has expanded rapidly and now has close to 40,000 students, including more than 7000 international students from over 130 different countries. The University offers more than 300 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate programs, and has developed an extensive network of alumni chapters throughout Asia. The main UNSW campus is located on a 38-hectare site at Kensington, seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney.