Overview
Develop an independent and creative approach to building design with a Bachelor of Building Design at Victoria University (VU).
In this unique building design degree, you’ll use innovative processes and practices of an architectural design studio to solve problems creatively, and determine solutions for a better future.
Modern computer labs, design studios, site visits and interaction with industry practitioners will take you into 'real life' situations with industry briefs. You’ll also learn about the cultural, social, technical and sustainable issues that are associated with the built environment.
Take advantage of the huge scope of work available to building designers, with Australia’s construction industry booming and only 5% of homes being designed by registered architects. In this three-year Bachelor of Building Design, you will study and develop skills in:
- building design (architectural)
- building legislation and auditing
- building codes
- environmentally sustainable construction techniques and materials
- building services
- professional practice and communication.
Graduate with this degree as a confident and capable building industry professional, fulfilling the knowledge component of draftsperson registration with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). This course is also endorsed by the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA).
Get studio-based, authentic design experience
Studying in multidisciplinary teams with classmates from allied building-industry study programs (construction management, building surveying and engineering), you’ll get real-world experience in a studio-based learning environment right from the start of your studies.
Together, you'll build your skills with a focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Indigenous culture and inclusivity.
Experience real industry projects
All your assessments in your building design degree will involve working on real-life projects. You could find yourself working on industry projects similar to these recent examples:
- a Serbian Community Centre in Cairns, Queensland, designed by second and third year students
- Banksia Gardens community centre playground, Broadmeadows, co-designed by second year students
- a new VU building in Werribee, landscape design by students
- collaboration with paramedicine team on design of public access cabinets for automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), by first year students.
You may also take on opportunities to experience overseas industries, such as funded trips to Asia as part of the New Colombo Plan.
Benefit from VU’s strong industry links
Connect with VU’s extensive industry network, thanks to our strong standing in the construction industry as a leading provider of both higher education and TAFE courses.
As a VU student, you’ll connect with industry via regular real-world projects, learn from guest speakers, visit work sites, attend industry expos and experience work placements.
Our network includes:
- Multiplex
- McKenzie Construction Group
- John Holland
- Built.
- Victorian Building Authority
- City councils for Melbourne, Wyndham, Hume, Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Kingston
- Infrastructure Sustainability Council
- Simonds Group.
Build your portfolio with end-to-end design projects
In your third year of this degree, you’ll integrate all the knowledge and skills you’ve learned into a major design project. Working either individually or within small teams, you’ll work on real industry projects to design a low-rise building (of one to three storeys high) and a high-rise building (over 25 metres high).
For both of these projects, you’ll get experience managing the end-to-end design process, taking responsibility for the design, planning, organisation, implementation and evaluation of the various components required.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in building design
Become a highly-valued professional working within the fast-growing construction industry, ready to work closely with other professional disciplines, industry groups and development authorities.
With a Bachelor of Building Design, you’ll open doors to a wide range of employment opportunities within both the public and private sectors. You’ll be equipped to work as a self-employed entrepreneur or take on roles working with:
- architects
- building proprietors contractors
- developers
- engineers
- government bodies
- consultancy practices
- corporations with large building portfolios.
VU’s Bachelor of Building Design fulfils the knowledge component required to register with:
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Building Design, students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:
-
96 credit points First Year Core studies;
-
192 credit points Professional Core and Capstone studies.
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- NBC1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1111
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1112
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1113
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD1100
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD1101
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NBD2001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD2100
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEA2102
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NBD3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3100
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC2003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEA2201
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NBC3101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3200
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3103
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NBC3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3204
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3104
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
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.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Plan, implement and manage the delivery of efficient and effective building design strategies over the course of building design and construction processes in diverse contemporary contexts using independent thinking and judgement; | ||
| 2. | Generate creative solutions to a range of complex building design problems, taking into account issues of compliance with relevant codes and standards, building construction process, technical and innovative changes, ethics and environmental sustainability (commercial and environmental) with initiative and professional judgement; | ||
| 3. | Critically evaluate sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management, integrating BIM and the latest architectural software, and including international perspectives and codes of practice as appropriate; | ||
| 4. | Advocate building design objectives and outcomes effectively to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using a variety of professional forms (oral, written, working drawings); | ||
| 5. | Exemplify collaboration and requisite interpersonal and supervisory skills and characteristics to influence personal work, community and networks; | ||
| 6. | Apply personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within broad parameters in the immensely divergent and complex global and Australian cultures; | ||
| 7. | Negotiate, respect and value cultural diversity and indigenous rights and develop capacities and creative solutions to contribute to a sustainable world; and | ||
| 8. | Exhibit responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice in collaboration with others and within broad parameters. |
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:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
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
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
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 1 and 2 (or 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.
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).
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 in Construction, Environmental Sustainability or similar.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent with a focus on mathematics.
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, Environmental Sustainability or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed 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).
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.
Pathways from VU courses
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.
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
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.
Builders Academy Australia, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Builders Academy Australia, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
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.
How to apply
Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.
Browse our other Building & construction courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Enquire now
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Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Visit the glossary
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.
