Athabasca University

Programme overview

Athabasca University’s Graduate Diploma in Architecture is a 36-credit online graduate credential focused on sustainable environmental design, urban theory, management theory and professional practice. The diploma can be taken as a stand-alone credential or as part of the academic training for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus. It is not, by itself, a pathway to architectural licensure in Canada.

What you'll study

The curriculum is organised into three principal areas: technical courses that address advanced aspects of architectural design; professional practice courses covering management and practice realities; and design studios where students apply learning in project-based formats. The program concludes with a final research or design studio project tailored to the student’s interests and career goals. Courses are offered mainly as individual study starting monthly; virtual design studios follow defined start and end dates.

Entry requirements

Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in architecture or a related discipline and a minimum GPA of 2.3. The program has continuous admission, so applicants can apply at any time. Students must complete at least 21 of the 36 credits through Athabasca University. Note that RAIC Syllabus students are required to take face-to-face design studios.

Career prospects

Graduates gain advanced skills useful for work in urban planning, construction planning and management, sustainability consulting, design studies of the built environment and related architecture-adjacent roles. The diploma is aimed at those seeking specialist practice or policy roles in the built environment rather than serving as a standalone licence to practise as a registered architect.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Program and course fees apply; Athabasca University publishes specific tuition, administration and student association fees. Canadian Indigenous graduate students are eligible for a tuition discount on AU graduate course costs (noted as 10% off the tuition portion starting Sep. 1, 2026). Prospective students should consult AU Financial Services and academic advisors for up-to-date fee, funding and scholarship information.