Master's Degree Architecture Full Time

Master of Design (Sustainable Design)

at Adelaide University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

082768F

CRICOS provider code

00121B

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$76,600 total

Per year

A$37,226/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Design (Sustainable Design) at Adelaide University equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in sustainable design principles tailored for the contemporary built environment. Through a mix of coursework and practical learning experiences, students explore sustainable design strategies, materials, environmental performance, and the life-cycle analysis of buildings and spaces. The programme’s focus extends to urban systems, ecological resilience, and responsible innovation, positioning graduates to address challenges in both local and global contexts.

This master's degree spans two years of full-time study and is structured around semesters. Students progress through a series of core and elective units of study, each contributing to the required total of credit points for graduation. The curriculum emphasises evidence-based, design-led problem-solving, and culminates in a capstone project or research thesis, allowing learners to specialise in a selected area of sustainable design. Where available, work-integrated learning or industry engagement strengthens practical and professional skills, bridging academic study with real-world application.

Throughout their studies, students develop expertise in environmental building systems, sustainable spatial planning, green technology, and social and ethical responsibility. Skills gained include critical analysis, design thinking, project management, and effective communication for sustainability advocacy. The course suits aspiring and current design professionals seeking to enhance their impact, as well as graduates from architecture, interior design, industrial design, or related fields with an ambition to lead sustainable practice in the built environment sector in Australia and beyond.

The Australian setting offers rich industry links, with demand for sustainable specialists growing in government, private and consultancy sectors. Graduates can take advantage of post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). While studying, international students are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight, aiding professional development and employability. Refer to Adelaide University’s official website for the most up-to-date details on course structure, entry requirements, and industry engagement opportunities.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Sustainable design consultant across architecture and urban planning
Environmental building analyst for Australian engineering and consultancy firms
Project manager in sustainable construction and infrastructure
Design researcher or policy advisor in government or non-profit sectors
Green technology specialist in interior, industrial or landscape design industries

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Design (Sustainable Design) at Adelaide University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$76,600 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Sustainable design consultant across architecture and urban planningEnvironmental building analyst for Australian engineering and consultancy firmsProject manager in sustainable construction and infrastructureDesign researcher or policy advisor in government or non-profit sectors...

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