Already had a look at the facts about a degree in Architecture at RMIT, but want a glimpse into what it’s really like studying the degree?Â
Meet Jonathon, an Architectural Design graduate from RMIT. He gave us some insight into the student life at RMIT, the pros and cons of the degree, what he wishes he knew before studying, and many more aspects!
Let’s dive in!
Why should you study an Architecture degree at RMIT?
Top 3 Pros of an Architecture Degree
Top 3 Cons of an Architecture Degree
Things to Know Before Starting RMIT Architecture
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying RMIT Architecture
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study an Architecture degree at RMIT?
Studying Architectural Design at RMIT over 3 years will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you’ll need once you enter the field of architecture. The degree boasts a supportive student culture and highly-experienced faculty, and you will work alongside like-minded creatives and build a diverse skill set for your career.
This degree is perfect for those with a dual interest in both creative and critical problem solving. If you are good at or enjoy mathematics or engineering, as well as hands-on design and building work, then this degree may be ideal for you!
Top 3 Pros of an Architecture degreeÂ
#1: Excellent facilitiesÂ
Jonathon says the resources offered to students significantly enhance the study of Architecture at RMIT.
You’ll have access to state of the art facilities and be taught by true experts within architecture. You’ve also got studios located across the city campus, with a bunch in the RMIT Design Hub — which was designed by Sean Godsell, an RMIT Architecture alumnus!
Not only that, you can also use the computers, printers and laser cutter on campus for all your practical project needs, and there are various workshops held.
#2: Positive university cultureÂ
RMIT Architecture is known to have a strong and amicable culture, mainly as a result of so many of the students in the cohort spending countless hours working together.
If you’d like to get involved more in extracurricular activities, the Architecture Student Collective is a club you may want to join! It’s great for getting to meet students not only in the undergraduate degree, but also those studying a Masters in Architecture or Urban Design — and the annual membership is free.
#3: Highly experienced and inspiring faculty
Enrolling into this degree means you’ll be educated by some really fantastic tutors, and RMIT specifically is known for having great ties within the industry.
Many of the academics are leading professionals within architecture and the design industry, so you’ll be taught by people who’ve implemented the theory into their practical work.
Top 3 Cons of an Architecture degreeÂ
#1: Heavy workloadÂ
Full-time students can be expected to spend around 15 hours on campus per week. This comprises attending 4 days of classes on-campus per week for 12 weeks.
Jonathon adds that students should also allow around 29 hours of independent study per week, and that all-nighters are common to finish assessments.Â
A Bachelor of Architectural Design is undoubtedly hard work, but it is also highly rewarding if you are passionate about the content!
#2: Lack of inbuilt work experienceÂ
Typically, Architectural Design students at RMIT must seek out their own work experience, as the course does not provide specific opportunities for internships.
However, Jonathon says that the extensive connections you will make with high-standing professionals who comprise the faculty of Architecture at RMIT will open a number of doors for many internship opportunities!
#3: And that’s it!
Jonathan says he hasn’t had any other negative experiences with a Bachelor of Architectural Design at RMIT! Evidently, every student’s experiences of individual parts of the course differ, but it may be valuable to note that RMIT recorded a 79% overall satisfaction score for student experience in 2019.Â
What do you wish you had known before starting RMIT Architecture?Â
Jonathon says he wishes he knew about the workload of this course. This spans across a range of assessment formats.
You’ll find yourself submitting an architectural drawing set of your project/proposal, which is then presented to a panel of critics. You’ll have conversations surrounding your proposal, so a lot of work really goes into these kinds of assignments.
For some of your subjects, you’ll also need to write up research essays — for instance, this is the type of assessment you might complete for Architecture History.
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?Â
This course is distinguished by the architectural professionals and partners who will guide your learning. Some of the studio partners linked to RMIT include:Â
- RMIT Associate Lecturer Amy Muir
MUIR Architecture - RMIT Associate Professor Paul Minifie and Dr Jan van Schaik (lecturer)
MvS Architects - RMIT Professor of Architecture Carey Lyon
Lyons Architecture - RMIT Adjunct Professors Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall
ARM Architecture
Additionally, RMIT has hosted various exhibitions and presentations by professionals at its spaces in Melbourne, placing students at the forefront of architectural innovation and major issues of concern in the field for today’s world.
For example, they hosted the Super Tight exhibition at their Design Hub Gallery in Melbourne, which examined how populations can live in dense Asian cities, and what these highly social spaces mean.
They’ve also had Nigel Bertram from the NMBW Architecture Studio (Melbourne-based architecture studio) present some work on the RMIT campus, including the New Academic Street project; an experimental collaboration between five architecture practices that aims to reintegrate theatrical stage sets into utilitarian urban architectural spaces.Â
These are just some of the opportunities you’ll be given to learn from experts in the field and network!
What inspired you to choose RMIT Architecture?
Jonathan says the skills developed over the four different core subject categories in this degree were the main reason he chose it. These provide students with professional, highly practical abilities.
The main skills you’ll learn include basic design thinking skills, how to use architectural software, creating 3D and 2D drawings, collaborating in small groups, and developing geometry/spatial intelligence.Â
Another reason students might be interested in studying this degree is that entry is portfolio-selected without any assumed knowledge other than the completion of Year 12 (or an equivalent qualification). In addition to this, high school graduates considering this degree must undertake a selection task and interview.
What are the possible career paths?
For students to be eligible to apply for architect accreditation, they must undertake a Master of Architecture, which comprises 2 more years of study.
Nonetheless, those who do not wish to prolong their study may go into various roles such as urban-design, or working in an architectural practice. These roles only require a Bachelor’s degree!
Some of the careers a Bachelor of Architectural Design at RMIT graduate could consider are:Â
- Urban designerÂ
- Graphic designer
- Industrial designer
- Architect (with further study)
In addition, the computer, graphic and communication skills, as well as the spatial and visual intelligence developed in this Architecture degree, can be easily translated to other design disciplines, such as industrial design, graphic design, and animation.Â
Zara Zadro is a Content Writer for Art of Smart and a current undergraduate student at the University of Sydney. She studies a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies majoring in Media & Communications and English. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and discovering new parts of Sydney. She has also written for the student publications Honi Soit and Vertigo. After she graduates, Zara hopes to do a Masters in creative writing and live overseas, which she cannot wait for!
