Australian residents
International students
ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
4 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
Footscray Park
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start date:
31 July 2023
Application due dates:
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Apply

Overview

Always had an interest in building design? Launch your career as an architectural engineer with the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering) at Victoria University.

Gain the expertise you need to integrate structural systems into architects’ plans, meeting project design, safety and environmental goals.

Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering) covers the processes behind constructing safe buildings, with an emphasis on sustainable design. It also encompasses elements of other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical and fire protection.

VU’s College of Engineering and Science follows a teaching method of problem-based learning. Our students learn to approach engineering problems independently, coming up with creative and practical solutions.

Our work placements and industry projects give you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of industry placement. You will graduate job-ready for a career providing useful, relevant engineering solutions.

There are only two accredited architectural engineering programs in Australia, so demand for our graduates is high.

Areas of study include:

  • architectural history and design of buildings
  • air conditioning, lighting and electrical power distribution
  • water supply and distribution
  • fire and life safety systems
  • sustainable building systems design
  • building structures and building construction technology.

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Female engineers excel in solving problems of social significance, making a positive impact on society and the environment. Our Women in Science & Engineering program supports our current university students, and inspires women to choose engineering and science careers.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back
What is Architectural Engineering? - Transcript

Careers

Architectural engineers work on new building projects and renovations of existing structures. They design the systems that make modern buildings safe and comfortable places to live and work.

With an increasing demand for sustainable building practices, demand for architectural engineers is high.

Graduates work closely with architects and can find careers within architecture, engineering and construction firms.

Job titles include:

  • design engineer
  • building services engineer
  • hydraulic engineer
  • estimator
  • structural engineer.

Salaries & job prospects

Find salaries and predicted job growth for engineering professionals on Labour Market Insights, the Australian government job-data site.

Engineering a career in building services

Engineering a career in building services

Graduate engineer, Gokul Mani, has found that employers value the practical industry experience offered at VU.

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Green leaders

Australia is a world leader in the green building industry, with over 12 million square metres of Green Star certified or registered green building space.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.

Student and graduate members can gain access to EA Connect to find more work placement opportunities in the engineering industry.

 

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering), students are required to complete 384 credit points consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core studies, and;
  • 288 credit points of Professional Architectural Engineering studies

Students are required to produce documented evidence of the completion of 12 weeks professional experience.

Accreditation:
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.

First Class Honours:
To be eligible for completion with First Class Honours, students must achieve:

  • A minimum weighted average of 60% over year levels 1 to 3;
  • A minimum weighted average of 80% in year level 4;
  • An average HD grade for the final year units, NEF4101 Research Project 1 and NEF4201 Research Project 2.

First Year Core Units:

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Integrate conceptual understanding of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences with advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the architectural engineering discipline;  
  2. Exhibit expertise and professional judgement in engineering design practice which acknowledges contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline;  
  3. Adapt theoretical knowledge applicable to the discipline and propose creative, innovative and sustainable engineering practices;  
  4. Critically evaluate both sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management;  
  5. Plan and execute a research project, professional project or piece of scholarship which demonstrates intellectual independence and contributes to the evidence base within the engineering discipline;  
  6. Discriminate and defend the application of established engineering methods and processes to promote systems which resolve existing and emerging complex engineering problems (including those that require cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills);  
  7. Present clear and coherent expositions of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences;  
  8. Exemplify the requisite characteristics for team leadership and membership appropriate to specific purposes, projects and contexts;  
  9. Apply professional ethics and accountabilities in their engineering practice and a commitment to ongoing professional development.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any).

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Construction or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any) (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU (Extended) JQAH

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 31 July 2023

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply direct to VU

Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.

Apply direct to VU

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

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Get help

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.