BlogUniversityPros and Cons of a Bachelor of Architectural Design at Monash University

Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Architectural Design at Monash University

Have you already checked out what it’s like studying Architecture at Monash University, but maybe you are still wanting to know how students who have completed this degree feel about it?

Lucky for you, we’ve had a chat with Claudia, an Architectural Design graduate from Monash Uni, to learn about the pros and cons students should know before enrolling into the degree.

Don’t stop here — keep reading! 

Why should you study an Architecture degree at Monash University?
Top 3 Pros of an Architecture Degree
Top 3 Cons of an Architecture Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting Monash University Architecture
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying Monash University Architecture
Potential Career Paths

Why should you study an Architecture degree at Monash University?

If you choose to study a Bachelor of Architectural Design at Monash Uni, just know that you’ll have plenty of freedom to be creative! Though, that creativity that you get to exercise will be heavily grounded by theory and analysis of buildings.

Monash University Architecture - Quote

Once you’ve learnt the ground rules, you’ll be able to put theory into practice and explore how exactly buildings are designed and how they come to be. Through this degree, you’ll be able to create your own individual designs which incorporate your own artistic flair — the sky’s the limit for innovation in Monash University Architecture!

Top 3 Pros of an Architecture degree

#1: The close-knit, small cohort 

In a Bachelor of Architectural Design, you’ll have a pretty small cohort of only around 200 people in each year group. Because of this, you’re able to have a more tailored learning experience and form closer bonds with your tutors and lecturers — an opportunity you probably wouldn’t have in larger cohorts.

“It’s super inclusive — you get to know your classmates and tutors quite well. Everyone becomes close and we almost form a little community. I really have valued the connections I have been able to make,” Claudia tells us. 

#2: The broad and creative approach 

If you thought this degree was just about design and creativity, you should know that there’s a lot that this degree covers that you might not be expecting!

Claudia says, “I was really drawn to this degree because, in my opinion, the field itself encompasses lots of different disciplines. It sits in between the creative, design side and the analytical, mathematics and physics side. I found this to be super interesting.”

She elaborates, “As you move through the course, you realise economics, theology and all of these other disciplines you would not have anticipated are part of this course. Moving out of this degree you have lots of different options and directions you can go into.”

#3: The breadth of skills you will acquire 

Due to the broad and in-depth scope of this degree, you will also gain some pretty awesome skills. 

“There are a multitude of different things you will learn within this degree — you will learn a lot of different programs. You also will learn presentation and communication skills! You will learn how to stand up in front of a large group and pitch and present your ideas. In doing this you will learn how to properly take and apply criticism to your work,” Claudia mentions. 

 

Top 3 Cons of an Architecture degree

#1: You will need to sacrifice some weekend time 

The Bachelor of Architectural Design is an extremely content-heavy degree. You will be on campus for long hours, but will also need to sacrifice some of your own time too. It’s important that you’re able to manage your time well and not overwork yourself, while also staying on top of your studies!

“This degree requires many hours for you to excel. You won’t just be at uni during the week, you will need to be working on your studies on the weekend. I think this degree is definitely worth it and a worthy sacrifice!” Claudia says. 

#2: This degree is heavy on group work! 

“We do lots of different group tasks — we do group design projects and presentations, “ Claudia mentions. 

Monash University Architecture is extremely collaborative. So if you’re someone who isn’t a fan of group work and collaboration, it’s something you’ll just have to get used to.

Not to worry though, most of your classmates will be passionate, dedicated and hardworking individuals. They will understand the hard slog of getting through the course!

#3: You don’t get to choose as many electives as other degrees 

“The Architectural Design degree differs from many other courses in the fact that the entire three-year degree subjects are pretty much pre-chosen for you. You won’t get any electives until the third year of the degree. You will have two spaces of free choice or you may choose to specialise in an area,” Claudia explains. 

Any regrets? 

When asked if she had any regrets over the course of studying Monash University Architecture, Claudia told us, “I absolutely do not have any regrets about commencing this degree! I loved every minute and have made the most amazing friendships. The skills I have developed within this course are incomparable.” 

What do you wish you had known before starting Monash University Architecture? 

“Now that I have moved into the workforce, I wish I had known that your work experience will be quite different from the uni experience. In uni it is very conceptual, fun and design based whereas in the industry the focus of the design is only a small part of the whole process,” Claudia notes.

She adds, “I wish I had known you need to be able to know rules, consultation and planning are considered just as important. I would have loved to understand the balance of all aspects a bit more and application in the real world.” 

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

Claudia tells us that one big difference that Monash has in their teaching methods is their priorities.

“Monash is quite free in the sense that they encourage us to explore wild and creative concepts. Other unis tend to focus more on technical skills or only historical theory. Monash encourages a curious and creative nature — through this you learn more skills and things you can apply to the workforce,” Claudia says. 

Find out why Monash University is one of the Top Art and Design Schools in Australia here.

What inspired you to choose Monash University Architecture?

“The breadth of this degree and creative problem solving. I am so happy I took the leap and ended up loving this degree — it has certainly been worth all the hours spent working hard to achieve!” Claudia says. 

If you’re mesmerised by buildings and how they are made, and want to strengthen your creative problem solving skills like Claudia, then this could be a great degree for you!

What are the possible career paths?

Monash University Architecture - Careers

After students have completed their Architecture studies at Monash University, their skill sets will be sought after in many different fields, with some more expected than others! Areas graduates may work in include: 

    • Architectural Design 
    • Business
    • Construction
    • Interior Architecture 
    • Industrial Design 

With the completion of a Masters, students may also become practising Architects!


Matilda Elliott is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and a Communication graduate with a major in Journalism at Western Sydney University. You can find some of her published work in a range of platforms including SBS World News, The Music Network and within her own creative exploits with her twin sister. Matilda is a lover of listening, helping people to tell their stories, making genuine connections, clowning around in her circus troupe and dancing like no one is watching at live music shows!

 

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