Program Overview

Diploma in Architectural Studies

The Diploma in Architectural Studies is designed to provide students with foundational skills and knowledge in architecture, preparing them for a successful transition into QUT's undergraduate degrees in architectural studies and built environment with majors in interior design and landscape architecture.

Course Overview

• The diploma 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 the Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design or Landscape Architecture majors) or the Bachelor of Architectural Design with 96 credit points.

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, with practical, hands-on experiences and expert guidance from our award-winning teaching team.

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 Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture) degrees.

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 the Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design or Landscape Architecture majors) or the Bachelor of Architectural Design with 96 credit points.

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 meet the conditions listed in your offer letter, including successful completion of the Diploma in Architectural Studies. 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:

• Bachelor of Architectural Design (February and July entry) - It will take 2 years to complete.
• Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design) (February and July entry) - It will take 3 years to complete.
• Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture) (February and July entry) - It will take 3 years to complete.

Details and Units

Students complete eight units (96 credit points) comprising 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, 2026.
• Don't have a ATAR/selection rank? Find out other ways you can apply.
• Course code: AB02
• QTAC code:
• CRICOS code: E
• Delivery: Kelvin Grove
• Duration: 8-12 months full-time, 16 months part-time
• Entry: February, July, and November

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)

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 in the Semester 1 offer rounds.

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 in the Semester 1 offer rounds.

Advanced Standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

Deferment

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

Minimum English Language Requirements

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.

• IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake: Overall 5.5, Listening 5, Reading 5, Writing 5, Speaking 5
• Cambridge English Score: 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

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: CSP $12,700 per year full-time (96 credit points), $40,700 per course (96 credit points)
• 2025 fees: CSP $12,400 per year full-time (96 credit points), $37,536 per course (96 credit points)

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs. Browse all scholarships for more information.