The top universities for architecture in 2021

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Architecture is one of the most influential professions in society. It’s a fascinating field that blends art, culture, science, technology and even elements of business. 

There are two types of architecture degrees in Australia: a five-year version and a two-part version that begins with an undergraduate ‘pre-professional qualification’ in architecture, arts, applied science, design or environmental design with an architecture major, followed by a two- or three-year specialist qualification in architecture. 

Both qualifications must be followed by two years of practical experience and a further exam before being able to register to practise. Whichever route is chosen, students cover everything from engineering, structural design, building and project management to graphics and design. For those who’d like to study even more widely, it’s worth considering a double degree — perhaps combining architecture with construction, landscape architecture, engineering or even law. Most architecture courses require at least some competence in mathematics, and most allow full-time study only. 

The Good Universities Guide’s ratings look at specific strengths of Australian universities, giving insight to support and guide your decision-making when choosing a university.  

This month, we looked at which Australian universities with undergraduate degrees in architecture performed best in graduate salary, learning resources and teaching quality. 

Graduate Salary 

This rating compares the median salary of graduates from different universities. CQUniversity Australia ranked highest with a median graduate salary of $78,000, followed by University of Newcastle, where the median graduate salary is $70,800.

Learning Resources 

This rating looks at the proportion of students who were satisfied with the learning resources provided by their institution. It is based on students’ average ratings of teaching spaces (including lecture theatres, laboratories and tutorial rooms), student spaces and common areas, online learning materials, computing and IT resources, assigned books and notes, laboratory or studio equipment and library facilities. The Gold Coast’s Bond University scored a 90.5% satisfaction rate, followed by Macquarie University, which scored 87.7%.

Teaching Quality 

This rating looks at the proportion of students who were satisfied with the quality of teaching they experienced. It is based on students’ ratings of their overall educational experience; the quality of teaching they received; and the extent to which they felt lecturers and tutors actively engaged them in and demonstrated concern for learning, provided clear explanations of coursework and assessment, inspired them intellectually, seemed helpful and approachable and provided useful feedback on work, among various other factors.  

University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) taking top spot with an incredible satisfaction rate of 100%, followed very closely by University of New England (UNE) with 90%. 

View all 2021 rankings for architecture — filter by state, or level of study to view both undergraduate and postgraduate ratings. 

 

Further reading