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Study Architecture and Architectural Technology at Unitec

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Develop a sound understanding of architectural design, urban housing design, and the history and theory of architecture. Explore different styles of architecture, and become knowledgeable about architectural site analysis and ways to achieve sustainability.

Level
7
Credits
360 (3.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February (full-time and part-time) or July (part-time only). The July intake is only open to domestic students.
Duration
Full-time for three years or part-time options can be negotiated

Call us now on 0800 10 95 10

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Programme overview

Are you interested in architecture and urban design? This programme is the first step towards a career in architecture. Develop the drawing, design and graphic presentation skills to express architectural concepts. Analyse architectural sites and explore how to ensure the environmental sustainability of architectural projects. Gain an overview of the business of architecture, and become familiar with New Zealand building law, construction technology, basic contract management procedures, taha Māori and Māori perspectives as they relate to architecture.

Get Industry Recognised 

This programme is recognised by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, New Zealand Institute of Architects, and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. Which means this leads to initial industry registration as an architect in New Zealand. 

Highlights

  • Leads to industry registration: together with the Master of Architecture (Professional), the Bachelor of Architectural Studies forms a five-year package that helps you become a registered architect
  • Real design projects and work placements 
  • Regular opportunities for overseas field trips to countries such as Brazil, China, Italy and Japan, where you work on projects with students and local community groups
  • Option to study abroad with one of our international exchange partners in Australia, China, Germany, India, Mexico and the UK Bachelor of Architectural Studies

 

Scholarship 

We are awarding a $1,000 Architecture Study Scholarships to encourage students beginning their Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Unitec and to help cover education-related costs. Find out more about the scholarship. 

 

 

Portfolios

When you apply for this programme you'll be asked to upload a portfolio. Should you be asked in for an application interview, you'll also need to bring a hard copy of your portfolio with you.

If you can’t upload your portfolio please email a PDF file to study@unitec.ac.nz or bring your PDF file to your nearest Unitec Student Central and we will attach it to your application.

What to include: Your portfolio must include 6-10 A4 size PDF images not exceeding 60MB in total.

Your images could include (but are not limited) to:

  • Design work showing final images AND design process
  • Your bursary board or similar Year 12 or 13 work
  • Other drawings, photographs or three-dimensional models
  • Drawings with an emphasis on observational skills and/or personal expression
  • Photography with an emphasis on visual skills and technique
  • Art/design project work
  • Sketches or notebook pages illustrating visual art/ design concepts
  • Art/design related work from another discipline, for example jewellery or craft
  • Images that demonstrate a visual narrative or sequence
  • Group work you’ve been involved in (including a description of your involvement and contribution to the finished result).
Read more about preparing your portfolio.

Admission requirements

For this programme, you will need the following:

1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:

  • 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and
  • 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)

2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)

3. 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau

4. Complete an interview with an academic member of the programme at which you'll present a hardcopy of your portfolio

5. Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have one or more of the following:

  • Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance
  • Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
  • Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

Don't have NCEA? We also accept:

  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above or an equivalent qualification; OR
  • Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission.

For more information download the programme regulations:

Programme Regulations

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2024; please check back again soon.

Compulsory courses Elective courses
Level 5 Level 6 Level 7
Level 6 Level 7
Courses Credits Aim
Architecture & Context (ARCH5011) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide a stimulating introduction to studies in architecture.
Design Studio 1 (Sem A) (ARCH5112-SA) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To introduce the main concepts and parameters governing architectural design, through the exploration and resolution of simple architectural propositions.
Design Studio 1 (Sem B) (ARCH5112-SB) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To introduce the main concepts and parameters governing architectural design, through the exploration and resolution of simple architectural propositions.
Design Studio 1B (ARCH5123) 30.0 credits (0.25 EFTS) To introduce a selection of the main concepts and parameters governing architectural design, through the exploration and resolution of simple architectural propositions.
Architectural Representation 1 (ARCH5213) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop skills in freehand drawing and physical modelling.
Design Communication (ARCH5214) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop skills in academic literacy relevant to the practice of architecture.
Critical Studies 1 (ARCH5311) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop, through studies in a chronological framework, a sound understanding of significant eras, periods and movements in Western architectural history, and an awareness of the architectural histories of major non-Western cultures to the mid-eighteenth century AD.
Courses Credits Aim
Design Studio 2 (Sem A) (ARCH6112-SA) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of moderate complexity.
Design Studio 2 (Sem B) (ARCH6112-SB) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of moderate complexity.
Architectural Representation 2 (ARCH6213) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop skills in 2D digital drawing and extend skills in physical modelling.
Critical Studies 2 (ARCH6311) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop, through studies in a chronological framework, a sound understanding of significant eras, periods and movements in Western architectural history, and an awareness of the architectural histories of major non-Western cultures from the mid-eighteenth century AD to the present era.
Critical Studies 3 (ARCH6312) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To explore the theoretical foundations of the discipline of architecture.
Architectural Technology 1 (ARCH6411) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop a sound understanding of small-scale construction, structure and associated services, with particular reference to residential buildings of both non-specific and specific design.
Architectural Technology 2 (ARCH6412) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop a sound understanding of medium-scale construction, structure and associated services (translating broad design outcomes into a detailed design and documentation), with particular reference to residential, light industrial and commercial buildings.
Courses Credits Aim
Design Studio 3 (Sem A) (ARCH7111-SA) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To further develop design capabilities through projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
Design Studio 3 (Sem B) (ARCH7111-SB) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To further develop design capabilities through projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
Critical Studies 4 (ARCH7311) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To explore the dynamic nature of urban form and the factors which influence its evolution, and the role of the architect as a major contributor to the development of sustainable urban environments.
Architectural Technology 3 (ARCH7410) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) Module 1: Environment and Building - To explore the interaction of buildings with the natural Environment. Module 2: Architectural Science - To develop a sound understanding of the acoustic, thermal and lighting factors that affect building performance and occupant health and comfort in the built environment.
Architectural Technology 4 (ARCH7411) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop a sound understanding of large-scale and multi-storey construction, structure and associated services.
Professional Studies (ARCH7511) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an appreciation of the legal context within which the New Zealand building industry and architectural practice operate; and to develop skills in the planning and management of architectural projects.
Courses Credits Aim
Design Studio 2A (ARCH6121) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of low to moderate complexity.
Design Studio 2B (ARCH6123) 30 credits (0.25 EFTS) To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of moderate complexity.
Brazilian Modernism (ARCH6615) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To explore modern tropical expression produced by Brazil, and with reference to other peripheral tropical countries such as Mexico and India, in the context of the modern movement.
Design Process (ARCH6618) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop a sound understanding of architectural design process theory in the context of the general problem-solving theory of human intelligence and creativity, and apply that understanding to a small design and build assignment.
Essentials of Energy Efficient Housing Design (ARCH6623) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To explore the ways in which architects can design healthy and energy efficient houses.
Architectural Photography - Mediating Architecture through the Lens of a Camera (ARCH6628) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop a sound understanding of the practice of Architectural Photography, with reference to historical and contemporary Architectural Photographers, and Architects who practice photography.
Analytical Drawing (ARCH6629) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an understanding of how to apply research to design through analytical drawing.
Courses Credits Aim
Design Studio 3A (ARCH7121) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To continue to develop design capabilities through selected projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
Design Studio 3B (ARCH7122) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To further develop design capabilities through selected projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
Negotiated Study 7611 (ARCH7611) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To explore the student’s chosen topic in the discipline or practice of architecture, in a supervised 15-credit study at Level 7.
Urban Housing_H1 (ARCH7617) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To explore principles of design for medium density urban housing.
Special Topic 3 (ARCH7624) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To explore a special topic in the discipline or practice of architecture.
New Zealand Architectural History (ARCH7626) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop through studies in a chronological framework, a sound understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand?s architectural history, from the pre-European period to the present era.
Generative Design (ARCH7627) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop skills in algorithmic and generative design and fabrication using the 3D modelling programme Rhino and the visual programming language Grasshopper.
[re]Source Matters - Materials for Climate Change (ARCH7629) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To address the critical issue of Climate Change through the architectural investigation of material resources in a dynamic design workshop environment.
Negotiated Study - Professional Studies (ARCH7631) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an appreciation of the legal context within which the New Zealand building industry and architectural practice operate; and to develop skills in the planning and management of architectural projects through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.
Negotiated Study - Light Timber Frame Construction (ARCH7632) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an understanding of small-scale light timber framed construction as it is used in the practice of architecture in New Zealand, through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.
Negotiated Study - Seismic Design (ARCH7633) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an architectural appreciation of the seismic design and construction context within which the New Zealand building industry and architectural/engineering practices operate. And to specifically review one convergent area within that context through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.
Negotiated Study - New Zealand Architectural Theory and Culture (ARCH7634) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations of architecture as practiced in New Zealand through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.

Unitec is part of Te Pūkenga

On 1 October 2022 Unitec became part of Te Pūkenga. Find out more about Te Pūkenga and what this means for you.

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Page last edited: 06 Sep 2023