Take part in Canada’s first online architecture program. Athabasca University and Architecture Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) have formed a partnership to offer the program, which provides 2 routes to your education in architecture.
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Q: Why take the Bachelor of Science in Architecture?
A:
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a pre-professional program. It will prepare you for AU’s Graduate Diploma in Architecture or a master’s program in architecture at other institutions.
Q: How long will it take to complete?
A:
Finish this program in as little as 3 years (post-diploma route) or 4 years (degree route) of full-time study. Or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Program summary
Program overview
Take part in Canada’s first online architecture program. Athabasca University and Architecture Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) have formed a partnership to offer the program, which provides 2 routes to your education in architecture.
The traditional route of completing pre-professional training (the Bachelor of Science in Architecture), followed by a masters of architecture (from another university), and internship.
The RAIC Syllabus program, which is a work/study program that ensures you qualify for certification of your education upon completion.
AU’s Bachelor of Science in Architecture has a strong focus on environmental and community sustainability. The program includes 6 areas of study:
technical
history
theory
communications
professional practice
design studios
Why take the Bachelor of Science in Architecture?
The Bachelor of Sciene in Architecture is a pre-professional program. It will prepare you for AU’s Graduate Diploma in Architecture or a master’s program in architecture at other institutions.
Completing the Bachelor of Science in Architecture alone will be beneficial for careers in urban and construction planning and design, as well as studies of the built environment.
Routes and options
There are 2 ways to complete this degree – as a general interest student, or as a RAIC Syllabus student. Use the table below to decide which might be right for you.
General interest/traditional training
RAIC Syllabus
Credential
Results in a BSc Arch, with an option for further education. Must complete additional education and an internship and exams to be eligible for licensing as an architect
Results in the RAIC Syllabus Professional Diploma in Architecture. May also receive the BSc Arch and the Graduate Diploma in Architecture (GDA). Eligible to apply for certification of education by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. May need to complete additional internship and exams to be eligible for licensing as an architect
Time commitment
Work at your own pace – complete the courses as quickly as you want or as slowly as you need.
Program may take 8–12 years to complete (including required work experience).
Work experience
No work experience required to get your degree.
Must complete 9,800 hours of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Canadian architect.
Studio component
Virtual design studios. (Two intakes a year)
Face-to-face design studios (based on location). Two intakes per year)
Application process
No application deadline, no additional application requirements.
Two intakes a year. Application requirements include letters of reference and an essay.
Registration
Enrol as an AU student and take courses (except for virtual studio) right away.
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a 4-year online degree program. If you already have a post-secondary diploma in architecture or architectural technology, you can take the shorter post-diploma route. There are no set start dates for AU courses – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away (except for the virtual studios which are offered twice a year).
Please note that if you choose the RAIC Syllabus route, there are application deadlines.
Post-diploma route
You must have an approved diploma or related credentials in architecture (such as a diploma in architectural technology) to apply for the post-diploma route. This may grant you a minimum of 30 credits toward the degree.
You may receive additional credits pending review of course content completed through your diploma program.
Please note: If your previous diploma is more than 5 years old, you can’t take the post-diploma route. However, if you are working in architecture and can provide evidence of current experience this restriction will be waived.
Completion times
General interest route
Finish this program in as little as 3 years (post-diploma route) or 4 years (degree route) of full-time study. Or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
RAIC Syllabus route
As the RAIC Syllabus is an extensive work/study program, some students may take 10 years or more to complete all program requirements.
Admission requirements
General interest route
There are no formal admission requirements to take this program for general interest. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
RAIC Syllabus route
If you choose to pursue the RAIC Syllabus Diploma, there are minimum entry requirements that must be met.
How to apply
General interest route
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
RAIC Syllabus route
If you are applying to the RAIC Syllabus program, you should apply through RAIC first. Then you should review AU’s application process for RAIC Syllabus students. There are application deadlines for the syllabus program.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you don’t qualify for the post-diploma route, you may be eligible for credit for courses at other institutions. However, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.
You will not receive transfer credit for science courses that were completed more than 10 years ago. Computer science courses (COMP and CMIS) older than 5 years will be stale-dated if you are not currently working in the field of architecture.
If you would like transfer credit for previous RAIC Syllabus course work, you can check the AU course equivalents.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
The BSc Arch program, which has a strong focus on environmental and community sustainability, will also be beneficial for public and private careers in urban and construction planning and design, as well as studies of the built environment. To progress to licensing as an architect, however, graduates would need to be accepted and graduate from a Masters of Architecture program in Canada and then meet the requirements of licensing in their province which may include exams and additional work experience.
Resources and links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.