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
- 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).
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:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| 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 (Sem B) (ARCH5123-SB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 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. |
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.
