Master of Design Science
Students in the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master of Design Science are required to complete one of the following streams:
- Audio and Acoustics
- Building Services
- Illumination Design
- Sustainable Design
It is also possible for Master of Design Science students to elect to undertake additional units of study to complete a second stream, which may include any two of the above streams, or the additional stream of
- Facilities Management.
The requirements for these streams are outlined in the tables of units of study and also in the course rules, both of which may be found below. The requirements of the individual streams are also detailed below.
Audio and Acoustics
The Audio and Acoustics program is unique in Australia and one of only a few comparable programs in the world. The program offers a balance of studio-based production subjects and theoretical and investigative subjects in acoustics and technical audio. It aims to extend students' existing skills to a high level of proficiency and professionalism in the various disciplines that contribute to the audio and acoustics fields. The program suits people with an academic and/or professional track record in audio or related areas, wishing to extend the breadth and level of their expertise.
The sound studios consist of a recording studio and a 5.1 format production studio. The acoustical laboratory has an anechoic room and a reverberant room, and is equipped with state-of-the-art acoustical measurement and analysis tools.
Students in the Audio and Acoustics program have the opportunity to develop a sophisticated understanding of and skills in, audio production and its application to new media, audio system and component design, audio and architectural acoustics, digital audio systems and electronics, and music as it relates to audio design.
Students are exposed to world-class research activity and have the opportunity to undertake research projects of their own. The program is currently developing in the areas of sound reinforcement system design, interactive sound design, spatial audio, psychoacoustics and advanced measurement methods.
Units of study
Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
---|---|---|---|
Audio and Acoustics Stream |
|||
Core units |
|||
DESC9200 Introduction to Architectural Science |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9011 Audio Production |
6 |
Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful please contact the Student Administration Centre (SAC). |
Semester 1 |
DESC9115 Digital Audio Systems |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9138 Architectural and Audio Acoustics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9201 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9117 Sound Design for New Media |
6 |
Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful please contact the Architecture Student Administration Centre (SAC). First preference to students in the Audio and Acoustics streams. |
Semester 2 |
Optional units |
|||
ARCH9031 Research Report |
12 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Submit an Independent Study Approval Form, signed by your proposed supervisor, with your request to enrol. Available to Masters students only. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
DESC9090 Audio Systems and Measurement |
6 | A DESC9138 |
Semester 2 |
DESC9134 Audio and Acoustics Seminar |
6 | A DESC9138 and DESC9011 P DESC9090 or DESC9133 |
Semester 1 |
DESC9135 Digital Audio Production with ProTools |
6 | Int June |
|
DESC9137 Spatial Audio |
6 | A DESC9138 and DESC9011 Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful, please seek permission from the Architecture Student Administration Centre (SAC). |
Semester 1 |
DESC9153 Graduate Internship |
6 | A Sufficient coursework to undertake guided professional work Note: Department permission required for enrolment Masters students only. Graduate Diploma students with permission of the Program Coordinator. Advanced Standing will not be granted for this unit of study. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
DESC9300 Research in Arch. & Design Science |
6 | N ARCF9001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Building Services
As the sustainability agenda focuses on optimization of the carbon footprint of buildings, both initial and ongoing, it is essential that building services are understood by all stakeholders in the built environment. The Building Services program’s key objective is to impart this knowledge through a suite of core, optional and elective units of study that can be tailored to general or specialised interests.
The program is presented by a team comprising both industry and research leaders, and caters for graduates and practitioners wishing to advance their careers. Building services units of study include mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, fire safety, energy performance and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Flexibility of the Building Services program allows units from cognate programs such as Sustainable Design, Illumination Design, and Facilities Management, to be incorporated as Optional components. Furthermore Elective units may be taken from any other program offered within this Faculty, or from programs offered elsewhere within the University of Sydney.
Units of study
Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
---|---|---|---|
Building Services Stream |
|||
Core units |
|||
DESC9200 Introduction to Architectural Science |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9014 Building Construction Technology |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9015 Building Energy Analysis |
6 | Semester 1a |
|
DESC9040 Electrical Services |
6 | Int May |
|
DESC9201 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9067 Mechanical Services |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9192 Energy Code Compliance in Buildings |
6 | A Undergraduate architecture or engineering degree |
Semester 2 |
DESC9111 Energy Management in Buildings |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Optional units |
|||
DESC9047 Strategic Facility Management |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9048 Operational Facility Management |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9049 Financial Decision Making |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9050 Fire Protection Services |
6 |
This unit of study is offered in even numbered years only. |
Semester 2 |
DESC9074 Project Management |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9148 Sustainable Building Design Practice |
6 |
Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. First preference to Sustainable Design students. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful, please seek permission from the Student Administration Centre (SAC). |
Semester 2 |
DESC9153 Graduate Internship |
6 | A Sufficient coursework to undertake guided professional work Note: Department permission required for enrolment Masters students only. Graduate Diploma students with permission of the Program Coordinator. Advanced Standing will not be granted for this unit of study. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
DESC9164 Lighting Technologies |
6 | N DESC9063 |
Int August |
DESC9166 Photometry and Colorimetry |
6 | N DESC9072 |
Int April |
DESC9191 Building Acoustics and Noise Control |
6 | A DESC9200 or DESC9138 |
Semester 2 |
DESC9300 Research in Arch. & Design Science |
6 | N ARCF9001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
ARCH9031 Research Report |
12 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Submit an Independent Study Approval Form, signed by your proposed supervisor, with your request to enrol. Available to Masters students only. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Facilities Management
The Facilities Management stream is available in the Master of Design Science as a secondary stream. See the Facilities Management entry below for details of this program which is offered primarily under its own named award courses.
Units of study
Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
---|---|---|---|
Facilities Management Stream |
|||
Core units |
|||
DESC9200 Introduction to Architectural Science |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9201 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9047 Strategic Facility Management |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9048 Operational Facility Management |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9049 Financial Decision Making |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9172 Building Asset Management |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9183 Risk Management |
6 | A DESC9047 |
Semester 2 |
Optional units |
|||
ARCH9028 Conservation Methods and Practices |
12 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9014 Building Construction Technology |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9074 Project Management |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9111 Energy Management in Buildings |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9153 Graduate Internship |
6 | A Sufficient coursework to undertake guided professional work Note: Department permission required for enrolment Masters students only. Graduate Diploma students with permission of the Program Coordinator. Advanced Standing will not be granted for this unit of study. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
PLAN9061 Planning Principles, Systems & Practice |
6 | N PLAN9020, PLAN9044 Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful please contact the Student Administration Centre (SAC). Permission required in Semester 1 unless enrolled in Urban and Regional Planning. |
Semester 1 Semester 2a |
DESC9300 Research in Arch. & Design Science |
6 | N ARCF9001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
ARCH9031 Research Report |
12 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Submit an Independent Study Approval Form, signed by your proposed supervisor, with your request to enrol. Available to Masters students only. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Illumination Design
This professional program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including architecture, engineering, computer science, human factors, interior design and psychology.
Our entire visual experience depends on light. It has a profound impact on both the function and aesthetics of architectural spaces. The Illumination Design program offers strong technical education in human visual perception, methods for quantifying light, lighting technologies, and issues of sustainability. This field is enjoying rapid and exciting technological innovations and this program emphasizes the knowledge and critical thinking skills to enable students to adapt to, and even lead, future changes.
Upon successful completion of this masters coursework program, students are qualified for full membership in the Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand, subject to the required practical experience.
Units of study
Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
---|---|---|---|
Illumination Design Stream |
|||
Core units |
|||
DESC9167 Light and Vision |
6 | N DESC9085 |
Semester 1 |
DESC9166 Photometry and Colorimetry |
6 | N DESC9072 |
Int April |
DESC9164 Lighting Technologies |
6 | N DESC9063 |
Int August |
DESC9201 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9165 Architectural Lighting Design |
12 | N DESC9064 |
Semester 1 |
The following unit of study may also be counted toward the core requirements, but may not be recognised for Illuminating Engineering Society membership: | |||
DESC9200 Introduction to Architectural Science |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
Optional units |
|||
DESC9154 Lighting Design Software |
6 | A Lighting design fundamentals |
Semester 2 |
DESC9169 Daylight in Buildings |
6 | N DESC9106 |
Semester 1 |
DESC9040 Electrical Services |
6 | Int May |
|
IDEA9106 Design Thinking |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9192 Energy Code Compliance in Buildings |
6 | A Undergraduate architecture or engineering degree |
Semester 2 |
DESC9111 Energy Management in Buildings |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9152 Lighting Design Masterclass This unit of study is not available in2014 |
6 | A Lighting design fundamentals This unit of study is offered in even numbered years only. |
Int June |
DESC9153 Graduate Internship |
6 | A Sufficient coursework to undertake guided professional work Note: Department permission required for enrolment Masters students only. Graduate Diploma students with permission of the Program Coordinator. Advanced Standing will not be granted for this unit of study. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
DESC9049 Financial Decision Making |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9074 Project Management |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9147 Sustainable Building Design Principles |
6 |
Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. First preference to Sustainable Design students. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful, please seek permission from the Student Administration Centre (SAC). |
Semester 1 |
DESC9148 Sustainable Building Design Practice |
6 |
Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. First preference to Sustainable Design students. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful, please seek permission from the Student Administration Centre (SAC). |
Semester 2 |
DESC9300 Research in Arch. & Design Science |
6 | N ARCF9001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
ARCH9031 Research Report |
12 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Submit an Independent Study Approval Form, signed by your proposed supervisor, with your request to enrol. Available to Masters students only. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Sustainable Design
This program provides the necessary skills and knowledge to design energy-efficient and environmentally conscious buildings. It addresses the relationship between architecture and current environmental issues, and it explores environmentally sustainable architecture. The core units of study in this program are listed in Table G, 'Graduate units of study'. There is flexibility to study areas of specific interest to each student. Options are available in other related programs offered by the faculty (eg Building Services, Facilities Management, Illumination Design) and elective units may be taken from any other program in the faculty or from other relevant programs at the University of Sydney.
Units of study
Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
---|---|---|---|
Sustainable Design Stream |
|||
Core units |
|||
DESC9200 Introduction to Architectural Science |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9147 Sustainable Building Design Principles |
6 |
Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. First preference to Sustainable Design students. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful, please seek permission from the Student Administration Centre (SAC). |
Semester 1 |
DESC9201 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9148 Sustainable Building Design Practice |
6 |
Enrolment numbers limited by teaching resources. First preference to Sustainable Design students. If your attempt to enrol online is unsuccessful, please seek permission from the Student Administration Centre (SAC). |
Semester 2 |
Optional units |
|||
ARCH9031 Research Report |
12 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Submit an Independent Study Approval Form, signed by your proposed supervisor, with your request to enrol. Available to Masters students only. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
DESC9015 Building Energy Analysis |
6 | Semester 1a |
|
DESC9014 Building Construction Technology |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9047 Strategic Facility Management |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9049 Financial Decision Making |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
DESC9111 Energy Management in Buildings |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9048 Operational Facility Management |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
DESC9192 Energy Code Compliance in Buildings |
6 | A Undergraduate architecture or engineering degree |
Semester 2 |
DESC9164 Lighting Technologies |
6 | N DESC9063 |
Int August |
DESC9169 Daylight in Buildings |
6 | N DESC9106 |
Semester 1 |
DESC9150 Sustainability Research Project |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
DESC9153 Graduate Internship |
6 | A Sufficient coursework to undertake guided professional work Note: Department permission required for enrolment Masters students only. Graduate Diploma students with permission of the Program Coordinator. Advanced Standing will not be granted for this unit of study. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
DESC9300 Research in Arch. & Design Science |
6 | N ARCF9001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
DESC9165 Architectural Lighting Design |
12 | N DESC9064 |
Semester 1 |
Course rules
Master of Design Science
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course Resolutions
1 Course codes
Code |
Course and stream title |
---|---|
CG051 |
Graduate Certificate in Design Science (Audio and Acoustics) |
CG042 |
Graduate Certificate in Design Science (Building)* |
CG043 |
Graduate Certificate in Design Science (Building Services) |
CG048 |
Graduate Certificate in Design Science (Illumination Design) |
CG049 |
Graduate Certificate in Design Science (Sustainable Design) |
CF051 |
Graduate Diploma in Design Science (Audio and Acoustics) |
CF042 |
Graduate Diploma in Design Science (Building)* |
CF043 |
Graduate Diploma in Design Science (Building Services) |
CF048 |
Graduate Diploma in Design Science (Illumination Design) |
CF049 |
Graduate Diploma in Design Science (Sustainable Design) |
CC051 |
Master of Design Science (Audio and Acoustics) |
CC151 |
Master of Design Science (Audio and Acoustics and stream) |
CC042 |
Master of Design Science (Building)* |
CC142 |
Master of Design Science (Building and stream)* |
CC043 |
Master of Design Science (Building Services) |
CC143 |
Master of Design Science (Building Services and stream) |
CC048 |
Master of Design Science (Illumination Design) |
CC148 |
Master of Design Science (Illumination Design and stream) |
CC049 |
Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) |
CC149 |
Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design and stream) |
*Last admission semester 2, 2008
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
5 Streams
6 Admission to candidature
7 Requirements for award
Audio and Acoustics |
Minimum Core CP |
Minimum Optional CP |
Maximum Elective CP |
---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate |
18 |
6 |
0 |
Graduate Diploma |
24 |
18 |
6 |
Masters |
24 |
18 |
30 |
Building |
Minimum Core CP |
Minimum Optional CP |
Maximum Elective CP |
---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate |
24 |
0 |
0 |
Graduate Diploma |
30 |
0 |
18 |
Masters |
36 |
0 |
36 |
Building Services |
Minimum Core CP |
Minimum Optional CP |
Maximum Elective CP |
---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate |
18 |
6 |
0 |
Graduate Diploma |
24 |
12 |
12 |
Masters* |
36 |
12 |
24 |
*Master's candidates must complete DESC9111 Energy Management in Buildings in their final semester.
Facilities Management |
Minimum Core CP |
Minimum Optional CP |
Maximum Elective CP |
---|---|---|---|
Masters (Secondary stream only) |
36 |
0 |
0 |
Illumination Design |
Minimum Core CP |
Minimum Optional CP |
Maximum Elective CP |
---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate |
24 |
0 |
0 |
Graduate Diploma |
36 |
6 |
6 |
Masters |
36 |
18 |
18 |
Sustainable Design |
Minimum Core CP |
Minimum Optional CP |
Maximum Elective CP |
---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate |
18 |
6 |
0 |
Graduate Diploma |
24 |
12 |
12 |
Masters |
24 |
18 |
30 |