featu

Q.
I'm a practicing architect. Is this course for me too?
A.
Yes - definitely. The majority of our enrolments now come from practicing architects, some senior practitioners running their own practices. Others have come from senior and postgraduate students of architecture, as well as academics. Increasingly, the practitioner participants find the program a fantastic mid-career break and intellectual stimulation.

 

Q.
What do you mean by a senior architecture student?
A.
Experienced architectural students participating with practitioners enrich the dynamic of the studio program. However, well developed architectural skills and design capability are essential to participation. Due to the popularity of the program, the quality of applicants has increased and it is not easy for undergraduate students to gain a place. A senior student is one who has successfully completed a minimum of four years study in architecture. That is in Year 4 or 5 of a five year professional degree program or equivalent. Exceptions may be made under specific circumstances.

 

Q.
Can I gain academic credits for this program?
A.
The studio program, associated lectures and supporting events equate to 150 hours high-level study at Masters level. The spirit of the event is that participation is the focus and there is no formal assessment. A certificate of satisfactory completion will be issued to all participants completing the program. Universities internationally have, over the years since its inception, accepted this event as gaining credit towards their programs. It is up to students to negotiate credit with their own institutions.


Q.
Are there any courses I can take in Australia following on from the Master Class?
A.
There are no specific courses that follow the issues addressed in the Master Class. There are some programs at Masters degree level available in Australia.

Q.
My travel plans don't tie in with the coach transfers indicated in the program. Can the coach wait for me, and, if not, what other transfer options do I have?
A.
Unfortunately, to meet our tight schedules, we are unable to delay the departure of the coaches. We strongly suggest that you arrange your travel around the coach transfers provided for the Master Class, since, in a sparsely populated country such as Australia, public transport links to small regional centres - such as Nowra (near Riversdale) - are neither frequent or convenient.

Q.
Will the studio work be structured according to teams, individuals or pairs?
A.
It is Glenn Murcutt’s preference that you will work in teams of two, three or more with direct tutorial support from Glenn and the other tutors. If you absolutely insist, it may be possible for you to work alone. In the second week, selected undergraduate students will be available to assist you in the production of models and drawings.

Q.
I am not an architect or architecture student, but I admire Glenn Murcutt’s work. Can I attend the master class?
A.
The structure of the program is such that only those with advanced architectural skills will be able to participate.

Q.
Are there any scholarships or bursaries available to students?
A.
The program is run as a non-profit event on a cost recovery basis. However, in order to encourage participation from poorer countries, we offer two 50% scholarships each year to applicants from ‘developing economies’ – currently rated as below US$6,000 GDP per capita per annum by UN. Applicants for these scholarships should state this in the statement at the end of the application form. If eligible, they will be required to provide confidential referees to support their academic and/or professional credentials

Q.
Is the price inclusive of airfares?
A.
No. The price does include all transfers, accommodation and most food (excluding meals on free evenings during the second week in Sydney).

Q.
Can I pay by credit card?
A.
No. As we are a not-for-profit ‘foundation’ we do not have credit card facilities. Payments are made by direct funds transfer to our bank account which can be arranged by your bank or done on-line using internet banking. We will give you instructions.

 

Q.
How much spending money should I bring?
A.
You will need to bring enough money for a few short trips via public transport to and from the accommodation and the studio in week 2 plus enough for five evening meals on free evenings. Aside from that, only as much as you will wish to spend on extra food and drink, film, souvenirs and incidentals.

Q.
Would it be worth my while staying a few days or weeks in Australia after the master class? Are there many things I would wish to see and do?
A.
Yes and YES! Please tell us your interests, and we’ll make some suggestions for your itinerary. Many of the international participants make the Master Class the centrepiece of an extended stay in Australia. There are advantages in planning a stay after, rather than before, the Master Class as local knowledge and contacts gained during the program can simplify things.

 

Q.
Do I need a visa to come to Australia to do the Master Class?
A.
Yes, VERY IMPORTANT. You should travel on a tourist visa. Student visas are only required for those enrolling in mainstream academic programs. Temporary working visas may be obtained for longer stays with the possibility of obtaining paid work. We have had a few “disasters” with people failing to get visas on time and having to abandon at the last minute. ALSO, check if you need transit visas for any countries in which you have to touch down en route (eg. Hawaii is part of US and may need visa for transit). Some countries need original letters from the organisers to support visa applications – which we can provide. APPLY EARLY FOR VISAS – AS THESE CAN TAKE SOME TIME.

More responses to frequently asked questions will appear here shortly.
Please e-mail info@ozetecture.org for further information.