Some are largely design-focussed, some lean more to a sociological position, whilst others are more technical. All schools are reviewed by the profession to determine that they satisfy the accreditation criteria of the professional bodies. Recognition by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects also ensures recognition by the Commonwealth Association of Architects, which provides the international status of Australian degrees in architecture. In order to achieve recognition, the schools must satisfy the education policy of the profession. Courses are typically five years long, with a further year of practical experience required by some schools between the third and fourth years of their courses.
Some schools offer the possibility of undertaking study on a part-time basis.
The differences between the courses offered by the separate schools are due in part to the nature of their different locations. These range from the tropical heat of Darwin to the benign sub tropics of Brisbane, down to the more temperate climates of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide and the cooler climates of Tasmania. Typically the courses are taught using project-based learning, to address architectural issues and problems through design. The subject of design integrates the principles and skills gained from other subject streams, such as architectural technology, environmental studies and history and theory. The close relationship between the Schools and the profession enables new areas of study to be embraced as the need arises.