Master of Architectural Science (Illumination Design)

Build a career as a lighting specialist and oversee the implementation of sustainable and innovative solutions for large-scale architecture and property projects.

This program offers a strong technical education in human visual perception, methods for quantifying light, lighting technologies and sustainability. Using biology and physics, the coursework gives you a deep appreciation of the ways that light shapes the human experience of the built environment. This is complemented by a practical curriculum to prepare you for a career in the lighting industry. 

Commonwealth Supported Places

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)* are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.

*Some available streams, subject to availability.

A successful applicant for admission to the Master in Architectural Science will have a bachelor's degree or possess experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the course. 

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma with a WAM of 70 or higher are able to apply to continue into the Master in Architectural Science in the same course stream. 

This program can be taken with a secondary stream in combination with another Architectural Science Program. To undertake a double degree, the core units from the secondary degree are generally taken as the electives in the primary degree. Please see the Faculty Handbook for enrolment advice for secondary stream structure, and apply through the specific double specialisation course page.

Masters students may also opt to graduate with a lower level of certification once the required units are complete. Please note that students may commence studies in Semester 2, however some courses are only available in part-time capacity due to the units on offer.

Credit for previous study

For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.

Career pathways for graduates include employment in lighting design practices, engineering firms, lighting equipment manufacturers, architectural and design offices, lighting distributors and independent consultancies.

With the knowledge and skills gained in this course, you can build a career as a lighting specialist and oversee the implementation of sustainable and innovative solutions for large-scale architecture and property projects.

Subject to required practical experience, once you successfully complete this master’s coursework program, you will be qualified for full membership of the Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand.