Highlights

  • Gain foundational skills and knowledge in architecture before progressing into the second year of a Bachelor of Architectural Design, or Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) with majors in interior design and landscape architecture.
  • Study in a supportive learning environment with experienced educators who will help you transition into university life.
  • QUT is one of the top 100 universities in the world for architecture and built environment, and we are proud to have Queensland’s most in-demand architecture degree (QTAC First Preferences, 2025). 
  • Bring your concepts to life as you learn through making. You’ll benefit from practical, hands-on experiences with expert guidance from our award-winning teaching team.  

Highlights

  • Gain foundational skills and knowledge in architecture before progressing into the second year of a Bachelor of Architectural Design, or Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) with majors in interior design and landscape architecture.
  • Study in a supportive learning environment with experienced educators who will help you transition into university life.
  • QUT is one of the top 100 universities in the world for architecture and built environment, and we are proud to have Queensland’s most in-demand architecture degree (QTAC First Preferences, 2025). 
  • Bring your concepts to life as you learn through making. You’ll benefit from practical, hands-on experiences with expert guidance from our award-winning teaching team.  

Don’t wait. Apply now
Start study in July

Shape the future, sooner, with mid-year entry.

Apply for mid-year entry

Don’t wait. Apply now
Start study in July

Shape the future, sooner, with mid-year entry.

Apply for mid-year entry

Why choose this course?

QUT’s Diploma in Architectural Studies is the perfect way for you to build your foundational skills and knowledge in architecture before progressing into the Bachelor of Architectural Design or Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design) or Bachelor of Built Enviornment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture) degrees. 

Whether you’re a recent graduate or are returning to study after a break, the Diploma allows you to seamlessly transition to university without losing any time as you receive full credit for your diploma studies. You will gain practical and technical skills including design principles, drafting and construction technology which are essential for a career in architecture. 

You will join a collaborative and close-knit learning community in which you will receive the support you need to succeed. 

All units adopt a blended approach to learning. On-campus classes are supported by online activities, helping you to become an independent learner. You’ll benefit from additional contact hours with experienced QUT educators allowing a more personalised learning experience. 

Explore this course

What to expect

The Diploma in Architectural Studies consists of 96 credit points and is normally completed in one year of full-time study. 

Students who successfully graduate from the Diploma will be able to articulate into AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design or Landscape Architecture majors) or AB05 Bachelor of Architectural Design with 96 credit points. 

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

The Diploma in Architectural Studies places you on an exciting pathway to diverse career opportunities after completing further study. Upon graduation from the Bachelor of Architectural Design or Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design) or Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture), you can pursue a variety of careers ranging from design-centric roles like residential and commercial architecture to specialised roles like visualisation design and sustainability design consultancy. 

Course articulation

To progress into your chosen degree you will need to successful completion of the Diploma in Architectural Studies.

To find more information regarding the progression requirements, refer to the 'Requirements' tab for:

Advanced Standing

After successful completion of the Diploma in Architectural Studies you are eligible for 96 credit points (one year) of advanced standing towards the following degree programs.

It will take 2 years to complete:

It will take 3 years to complete:

Course articulation

To progress into your chosen degree you will need to meet the conditions listed in your offer letter, including:

  • successful completion of the Diploma in Architectural Studies.

To find more information regarding the progression requirements, refer to the 'Requirements' tab for your chosen Bachelor degree, and select 'Australia' from the country list.

Advanced Standing

After successful completion of the Diploma in Architectural Studies you are eligible for 96 credit points (one year) of advanced standing towards the following degree programs.

Remaining duration and semester of entry into your chosen degree:

It will take 2 years to complete:

It will take 3 years to complete:

Details and units

Students complete eight units (96 credit points) comprising of seven discipline specific units and one academic skills unit. 

You must complete all 96 credit points to meet the course requirements and once you have successfully completed the diploma, you will be eligible for a place in the Bachelor of Architectural Design with diploma units credited into your degree.

 

Requirements

ATAR/selection rank threshold
60.00

These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2025.

Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?

Find out other ways you can apply

Course code
AB02
QTAC code
420251
CRICOS code
116308E
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Duration
8 months full-time
16 months part-time
Duration
8-12 months full-time
Entry
February, July and November
First intake for the course is February 2025.
Entry
February, July and November
First intake for the course is February 2025.
Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

  • English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 60.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate III, certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

More about deferring your offer

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

I completed secondary school in Australia

ATAR/selection rank
60.00
Offer guarantee

If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 60.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate III, certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake
Overall 5.5
Listening 5
Reading 5
Writing 5
Speaking 5
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
Overall 162
Listening 154
Reading 154
Writing 154
Speaking 154
PTE Academic
Overall 46
Listening 38
Reading 38
Writing 38
Speaking 38
TOEFL iBT
Overall 56
Listening 10
Reading 10
Writing 15
Speaking 14
English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 5.5 5 5 5 5
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
162 154 154 154 154
PTE Academic 46 38 38 38 38
TOEFL iBT 56 10 10 15 14

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from October

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from July

2025 fees

2025: CSP $12,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $37,536 per course (96 credit points)

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Find out more about undergraduate course fees

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

QUT College Merit Scholarship

A scholarship for future international diploma and foundation students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

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