Architectural education in Australia is
underpinned by a very successful and internationally respected architectural
profession. Indeed, over recent years Australian architects have
received many major international awards. Glen Murcutt was recipient
of the prestigious Alvar Aalto Medal in Finland, Harry Seidler was
recipient of the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects,
and Gregory Burgess was recipient of the Robert Matthew Award from
the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
Large Australian architectural practices continue to wield their
influence across the world - Denton Corker Marshall has been short-listed
for the Scottish parliament project in Edinburgh, and has offices
in Asia and Eastern Europe; other leading practices such as Philip
Cox, Mitchell Giugola and Peddle Thorp continue to win major projects;
and smaller practices with Australian architects contribute to the
leading edge of world architecture - such as Koenig and Eisenberg
in California, Bolles-Wilson in Germany, Kerry Hill in Asia. Architecture
within Australia is also vibrant and exciting and has received growing
media attention particularly in Europe and North America. The upcoming
2000 Sydney Olympics will see a host of exciting new projects exercising
a ‘green’ agenda for the 21st century.
All of this derives from a rich and diverse architectural education
sector that is also internationally respected. All the fifteen accredited
Architecture Schools in Australia are located in Government funded
Universities. These schools are accredited by the Royal Australian
Institute of Architects and the Boards of Architects in each State
under the co-ordination of the Architects Accreditation Council
of Australia. All courses are also accredited by the Commonwealth
Association of Architects and recognised by the RIBA. The Royal
Australian Institute of Architects is affiliated with the world
body for architecture, the UIA or International Union of Architects.
So Australian architectural degrees are recognised in most countries
for admission to the profession of architecture.
In all Australian Universities the principal professional degree
for architects is the ‘Bachelor of Architecture’ (BArch)
which is based on a five year full-time academic program. In some
schools there is a two degree structure offering a first degree
such as ‘Bachelor of Science Architecture’ or ‘Bachelor
of Environmental Design’ after three years, followed by two
years to the ‘BArch’ degree. These first degrees are not
sufficient for admission to registration as an architect, but they
are recognised by prospective employers for employment as an ‘Architectural
Assistant’. Most Universities offer advanced standing for students
arriving from overseas with prior tertiary qualifications such as
Polytechnic Diplomas or preliminary architectural studies.
The Australian ‘BArch’ degree is of a comparable standard
and content to the ‘MArch’ degrees now being offered in
Singapore and Hong Kong. Australian architecture courses are similar
to the British structure and are, in most cases, specifically focused
on the subject ‘Architecture’, unlike many US courses
where there are many variations and options, some derived from non-architecture
based first degrees followed by a professional degree. The simple
Australian structure leading to the uniform ‘Bachelor of Architecture’
is clearly understood and recognised by professional institutes
and employers internationally.
The current currency exchange situation in SE Asia has seen the
Australian dollar falling in value against the US dollar and British
pound thus improving Australia’s international competitiveness
against both these countries as an education destination. In addition
to the traditional catchment of SE Asia, from where thousands of
architecture students have gone to Australia over several decades,
there is a growing presence in Australia of European, African and
North American students who perceive Australia as an attractive
and cost effective base for their tertiary study. In general, personal
security is excellent across Australia, the weather is beautiful
and there are splendid cities, landscapes and natural amenities.
Although uniformly accredited within Australia, the fifteen recognised
courses vary widely in their individual structure and educational
methodologies. It pays to inquire into the characteristics of each
program and the facilities available. Some have an emphasis on scholarship
and research; others are ‘avant garde’ and have a theoretical
emphasis; others have a pragmatic or practical emphasis focused
on the education of future practising professionals. If students
are interested in immediate employment within the profession upon
graduation, then this question needs to be asked in selecting the
most suitable course. It is also worth inquiring if studio space
is provided by the University or if this has to be rented off-campus
in addition to fees. Some Universities provide a studio work space
and equipment with 24 hour access. Fees for international students
in Australia are of the order of A$14,000 per year. (US$8,500, UK£5,150)
The Royal Australian Institute of Architects is at <http://www.raia.com.au/>
and has links to the home pages of each School of Architecture in
Australia under ‘Studying Architecture’.
Lindsay Johnston is Chair of the National Education Committee of
the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and Associate Professor
of Architecture at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia (<http://www.newcastle.edu.au/department/ar/>
Author: Prof Lindsay Johnston, Dept. of Architecture, University
of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
Tel: 61 2 4921 5775 - Fax: 61 2 4921 6913
Web Site: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/architecture-built-environ/
This article first appeared in TransWorld Education
