Welcome to the School of Architecture and Built Environment

We align our teaching and research under the broad theme of Planning, Designing and Constructing Resilient Communities; where resilience is defined as the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change and sustain vibrancy in the face of adversity.

Through the research it undertakes and the programs it offers, we advance knowledge in its fields of expertise, and develop professionals who serve their communities in ways that show particular respect for Country, the sustainability of our environment and the principles of social justice, equity and diversity.

Country-guided practices

Country-guided practices

Acknowledging Country through an Indigenous lens in the built environment

Study with us

Our graduates are highly sought after, equipped to become leaders in the industry. Students gain the tools and practical knowledge to become creative and innovative graduates. Our degrees are accredited by respective national and international professional bodies.

World top 200 ? for Architecture and the Built Environment
88.5% employed ? within four months of graduating

Student work

An Architecture students work
An Architecture students work
Student model
Reviewing a model
Student fixing model
An Architecture students work
An Architecture students work
Research that matters

Research that matters

The School of Architecture and Built Environment at Newcastle has developed an international reputation for research into design and the built environment. Academic staff in our School have been awarded national and international prizes for research and design.

Our People

Our People

Meet the staff who make up the School of Architecture and Built Environment.

BHP sustainable steelmaking program wins national AFR Higher Education Award

BHP sustainable steelmaking program wins national AFR Higher Education Award

National recognition for a partnership driving the future of sustainable steelmaking.

CSIRO backs next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM talent with $1.5 million scholarship program

CSIRO backs next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM talent with $1.5 million scholarship program

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and other energy transition-related degrees at the University of Newcastle will benefit from a major new scholarship initiative funded by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

Young innovators explore sustainable housing through SMART eco-house program

Young innovators explore sustainable housing through SMART eco-house program

Primary school students are building clay-and-straw eco-houses, testing them with thermal imaging cameras and exploring renewable energy through a collaboration between the University of Newcastle's SMART Program and the School of Architecture and Built Environment.

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Researchers uncover a silver lining to Australia’s solar panel landfill problem

Researchers uncover a silver lining to Australia’s solar panel landfill problem

Australia’s growing mountain of solar panel waste could become far more valuable, with University of Newcastle researchers taking a major step towards making solar panel-recycling economically sustainable.

From Classroom Theory to Curiosity in Action | Experiment Fest 2026

From Classroom Theory to Curiosity in Action | Experiment Fest 2026

Curiosity, discovery and hands-on learning were at the heart of this year’s Experiment Fest, which welcomed almost 1,400 high school students from across the Hunter, Central Coast and beyond. Led by the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, the annual initiative gives students a unique opportunity to learn from university academics and explore...

National intelligence funding secured to turn hackers’ thinking against them

National intelligence funding secured to turn hackers’ thinking against them

A University of Newcastle project designed to expose and exploit weaknesses in the way cyber attackers think has been awarded $783,409 Office of National Intelligence funding through the National Intelligence Discovery Grant program, funded by the Australian Government.

From Research to Region | National Science Week

From Research to Region | National Science Week

This National Science week, see how STEM research is driving local impact on the Central Coast. Our special edition of the From Research to Region seminar series highlights how University of Newcastle research spanning construction, food science and environmental conservation are delivering real-world outcomes locally.

STEM Messages Matter | National Science Week

STEM Messages Matter | National Science Week

Clarity and cut-through in science communication We work in a crowded and fast-moving information landscape. In this environment, STEM communicators are increasingly challenged to ensure their messages are heard, understood, and trusted. Join us for a panel discussion exploring the challenges of communicating big, complex issues.

Global Experience Week

Global Experience Week

Current Student event for seeing the world while you study or intern overseas. Newcastle Students can register for an event or simply walk up to a pop up stall to ask any question about travelling through the University of Newcastle Global Experience Team.

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Newcastle Tech Futures

Newcastle Tech Futures

Newcastle Tech Futures is your opportunity to meet leading tech employers from across the region. This event can help you explore career options, find job and placement opportunities, and expand your professional network.

National Science and Engineering Challenge Final

National Science and Engineering Challenge Final

This year’s National Science and Engineering Challenge final will be held in the Great Hall at Australian Parliament House, Canberra. The top scoring school from each state and territory, plus a local wild card school will compete in increasingly difficult STEM challenges with the winner crowned as National Champions for 2026!