Graduate Diploma in Architecture

At a glance

Credential: graduate diploma
Credits: 27
Next start: monthly

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.

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About Graduate Diploma in Architecture

Elevate your expertise in architecture with Athabasca University's online Graduate Diploma in Architecture. This program not only serves as part of the academic training for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus but can also stand alone as a valuable credential. The curriculum is split into 3 main areas—technical, professional practice, and design studios—and culminates in a final research or design project, making it ideal for those aiming for careers in urban planning, sustainability, and other architecture-related fields.

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

Program details

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

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.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline	Start date
n/a	No set start date

Routes and options

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

Graduate Diploma in Architecture

Completion times

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

Tuition and fees

Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Explore financial aid and awards

Fees

The following fees are effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

program application and admission fees
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies:	$184
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable)	$255
Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once and waived if previously an AU student:	$116

fees for student living in Canada and without
Students living in Canada:	$1,986¹
Students living outside Canada:	$2,232¹

ADST 690 (in Canada)	$3,770¹
ADST 690 (outside Canada)	$4,016¹

¹Graduate Diploma in Architecture (GDA) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $167, a Course Materials fee of $35 per course, and the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fees of $14 per credit.

Estimated program tuition cost (2023 - 2024):

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University would be $17,672 ($1,986 x 7, three-credit course equivalents, plus $3,770, one six-credit course equivalent). AUGSA fees, the Course Administration and Technology fee, and the Course Materials fee are included in this calculation. Application and admission fees are not.

Other fees

other fees
Transfer Credit Evaluation fee:	$325 per course
Letter of Permission fee:	$93
Program Continuation fee:	$136
Course Extension fee:	$312
Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students)	$250 per course
Course Withdrawal Processing fee²:	$423
AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit)	$14

² The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to Course Withdrawal.

Fee information effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024.

Courses

In Athabasca University's Graduate Diploma in Architecture program, you'll delve into three main areas of study: technical courses focused on the advanced aspects of architectural design, professional practice courses that equip you for the realities of working in the field, and design studios where you can apply your knowledge in practical scenarios. The program concludes with a comprehensive project, allowing you to showcase your skills and knowledge in a way that's directly relevant to your career goals.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Architecture.

Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

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Career options

After completing Athabasca University's Graduate Diploma in Architecture, you'll be well-prepared for a range of careers, from becoming a licensed architect to roles in urban and construction planning, management, and sustainability. This versatile credential can also pave the way for specialized careers in designing sustainable environments or engaging in studies of the built environment.

Depending on your experience and goals some careers may include:

urban planner
construction project manager
sustainability consultant
design consultant
facilities manager
real estate developer
historic building preservationist
building inspector
academic researcher in architecture

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

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