Graduate Diploma in Architecture

Program overview

Explore advances in sustainable environmental design and urban theory, as well as management theory and practice, with Athabasca University’s online Graduate Diploma in Architecture.

The Graduate Diploma in Architecture forms part of the academic training for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus program and builds on the principles and skills attained in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree. The Graduate Diploma in Architecture can also be taken as a stand-alone credential.

Courses in the Graduate Diploma in Architecture are organized into 3 areas of study:

• technical
• professional practice
• design studios

The diploma culminates in a final research or design studio project.

Why take the Graduate Diploma in Architecture?

The Graduate Diploma in Architecture will benefit both future architects and those pursuing related careers, including:

• urban and construction planning
• management
• sustainability
• design
• studies of the built environment

Program details

The Graduate Diploma in Architecture is a 27-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 21 credits through Athabasca University.

The Graduate Diploma in Architecture program has continuous admission – you can apply at any time. Most Graduate Diploma in Architecture courses are individualized study and begin on the first day of every month, year-round. Virtual design studios are online group study courses with defined start and end dates.

Note: If you are an RAIC Syllabus student, you must take face-to-face design studios. Students should also note that the Graduate Diploma in Architecture is not part of the pathway to becoming a licensed architect in Canada.

Routes and options

Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 2 years of full-time study. Completion times may differ in the RAIC Syllabus route.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in architecture (or related discipline) with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.3.

• See full Graduate Diploma in Architecture admission requirements

Tuition and fees

The Graduate Diploma in Architecture has:

• an application fee
• a program admission fee.

Tuition is then paid on a course-by-course basis.

• See all Graduate Diploma in Architecture fees