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Architecture & Construction (Diploma of Built Environment)

Build a better tomorrow with a future career in Architectural Science, Interior Architecture or Construction Management.

Key Information

Duration

Stage 1: 2-3 Trimesters (8-12 months)
Stage 2: 2-3 Trimesters (8-12 months)

Additional costs may apply depending on your course and stream

Intake Dates

Stage 1: February, June, October
Stage 2: February, June, October (for Architecture only)

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Campus Location

Curtin Bentley

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Domestic Fees

International Fees

Course overview

The Diploma of Built Environment provides entry into three different career paths:

  • Architectural Science
    Learn about building design and construction. Discover how architecture relates to people and how they live. Learn about the communication of architectural ideas.
  • Interior Architecture
    Learn how to design quality environments and coordinate the design and construction of building interiors for a diverse range of environments.
  • Construction Management
    Learn how physical elements create a structure, calculate construction costs and manage construction projects.

Students who complete the Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) at Curtin University are eligible for membership in a number of professional bodies, including Australian Institute of Building; Australian Institute of Building Surveyors^; Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors; Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia*; Chartered Institute of Building; and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

^Pending accreditation outcomes
*Conditional registration

Leading to

Bachelor of Applied Science

  • Architectural Science
  • Interior Architecture
  • Construction Management

Careers include:

  • Architect
  • Construction Manager
  • Contract Administrator
  • Facility Manager
  • Furniture Designer
  • Interior Architect
  • Interior Designer
  • Project Manager
  • Quantity Surveyor

Diploma of Built Environment Units (Stage 1)

CRICOS Code 087939G

Students must complete seven core units and one elective units:

  • Academic Communication Skills
  • Academic Research and Writing
  • Design Skills
  • Introduction to Design Computing
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Studies in Society
  • Computing, Robotics, and Future Technologies
  • Accounting
  • Chemistry
  • Design Skills
  • Economics
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Human Biology
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Physics
  • Programming
  • Project Management
  • Technical Mathematics

Diploma of Built Environment Units (Stage 2)

CRICOS Code 087939G

Students must complete the following core unit and seven course-specific units:

  • Academic & Professional Communications
  • Architectural Technology in Context (Architecture)
  • Interior Design Studio II (Interior Architecture)
  • Graphic Communication I
  • Graphic Communication II
  • Technology of Construction
  • Architecture Design 2 (Architecture)
  • Understanding Architecture
  • Design Computing
  • Building Measurement
  • Commercial Construction
  • Construction Industry Management
  • Introduction to Management in Construction
  • Technology of Construction
  • Site Management
  • Structures

Architecture & Interior Architecture – Diploma of Built Environment

Stage 2 Units – 25 Credit Points Each

Research, written communication and oral presentation in academic and professional contexts. Develop reflective, critical and evaluative thinking and teamwork skills and the ability to articulate the practices that lead to successful collaboration.

This unit considers the various contexts within which the design of small-scale buildings occurs. It addresses the built, human and natural environments and the relationships between them.

Fundamental study of design methodologies and techniques to propose conceptual ideas and further the development of these in order to allow final design propositions to reach full fruition. Principles are developed through a sequence of assigned methodical tasks instructed and performed in class. The study-period ends with an intensive workshop.

Introduction to the foundations of reading, constructing, understanding and presenting architectural drawings. Students will gain knowledge of applying architectural drawing conventions: drawing syntax, graphics, symbols and annotations will be taught both manual (mechanical) drafting and CAD (computer aided design). A standard set of drawing types will be covered to include plans, sections, elevations and axonometric.

An introduction to building an understanding for the representation of the architectural form. Through a gradation of skills taught, this unit allows students to present design though mixed media. The sequence of topics includes: a studio-based introduction to hand-drawn perspectives, rendering and collage; and lab based sessions which will introduce Computer Aided Design in 3D and digital collage for architectural representation of space, form structure and material.

Introduction to low rise construction technology, ability to read construction drawings, prepare typical construction details and understand techniques of key building components and commonly used building materials. In addition, it introduces the fundamentals of physics essential to understand building performance in terms of strength, heat, light and sound.

This unit introduces architectural precedents and encourages students to develop skills in observation to interpret, explore and synthesize ideas into small projects expressing relationships of the body to landscape, space, form, structure and materials.

This unit is designed for students who are studying architecture and therefore need to understand some key architectural ideas and techniques for architectural analysis. In this unit as a developing professional students acquire knowledge and skills necessary to observe, record, and critique architecture and the built environment based on key architectural theories.

Through a series of practical design projects and exercises, held within a digital environment, this unit introduces students to industry-standard design technologies and software.

Construction Management – Diploma of Built Environment

Stage 2 Units – 25 Credit Points Each

Research, written communication and oral presentation in academic and professional contexts. Develop reflective, critical and evaluative thinking and teamwork skills and the ability to articulate the practices that lead to successful collaboration.

Introduction to measurement of low-rise constructions prior to construction, learning to read drawings, understanding standard methods of mesurement, and preparation of Bill of Quantities (BOQ) reports.

This unit broadens students’ knowledge in commercial and industrial areas of construction technology. Examine how commercial and industrial dwellings are built and how materials are used in them. Students will also develop the ability to read plans and illustrate construction details.

Introduction to theoretical frameworks for understanding and managing causes of
fatalities and injuries in construction, including understanding workplace safety legislation and regulation, and identifying the main duty holders in construction projects, and their roles.

This unit is designed for students who are pursuing tertiary studies and a career in Construction Management related professions, building fundamental knowledge and understanding of the concepts and techniques associated with managing the conception, planning and construction of building projects.

Introduction to low rise construction technology, ability to read construction drawings, prepare typical construction details and understand techniques of key building components and commonly used building materials. In addition, it introduces the fundamentals of physics essential to understand building performance in terms of strength, heat, light and sound.

An introduction to building an understanding for the representation of the architectural form. Through a gradation of skills taught, this unit allows students to present design though mixed media. The sequence of topics includes: a studio-based introduction to hand-drawn perspectives, rendering and collage; and lab based sessions which will introduce Computer Aided Design in 3D and digital collage for architectural representation of space, form structure and material.

Forces, moments and equilibrium, ties and struts, loads on buildings, pin-jointed frames, shear force, bending moments and the design of beams and columns. Methods of indeterminate analysis. Design of structural elements in accordance with the Australian Steel Structures Code and the Timber Engineering Code. Design of temporary works including framework and scaffolding.

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