Programme overview
This programme is the final step in becoming a fully registered architect. In this programme you explore at a postgraduate level what it takes to create architectural works of merit and value, and learn to incorporate innovative design research into your architecture practice. Develop the ability to promote sustainable and ethical approaches, and collaborate effectively with different disciplines on architectural design projects. You'll also further your ability to critically reflect on your own work and that of others.
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 Bachelor of Architectural Studies, it forms a five-year package that prepares you to become a registered architect.
- A lively, engaging and challenging architecture programme.
- Focus on advanced knowledge of architectural and urban design issues in New Zealand.
- Compulsory work experience of 480 hours over two years, giving you an essential insight into contemporary architectural practices.
- Includes a major research project on an area of your interest.
- Experienced lecturers, currently practicing part-time staff and visiting experts from New Zealand and overseas.
- A wide range of elective courses that cover topics like architecture in the Pacific, urban housing design, climate-responsive architecture, high-performance cladding, digital fabrication and design economics.
- Choose to take up the new elective course "Designing with Low Carbon Materials Elective (ARCH8624)". This course explores the environmental credentials, material properties and design implications of low carbon building materials.
Preparing for your application
Your GPA
Applicants must have a recognised undergraduate degree in the discipline of architecture with a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher for all level 7 courses. Open our GPA Calculator to determine your GPA.
Portfolio requirements
If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to present a portfolio of your design work. You should be ready to discuss your professional history, the ideas within your work, your interests and the area of research by design that you are considering.
You should have a significant portfolio of professional work that will enable you to reflect critically on your practice. See our portfolio guidelines to help you prepare.
Scholarships and Awards
We want to manaaki student success wherever we can – and scholarships are one of the ways we can do that. We have scholarships that recognise the achievements and challenges of dedicating yourself to learning.
Check out the Master of Architecture Scholarship we have on offer or have a chat with our Scholarship Advisor- Postgraduate Scholarships
Admission requirements
For this programme, you will need the following:
1. A recognised Bachelor's degree in the discipline of architecture, with a grade point average of 4.0 (grade of B-) or higher in all Level 7 courses. Or
2. A recognised postgraduate diploma in a discipline appropriate to the proposed project, with a B- average. Or
3. A professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as being equivalent to the above. And
4. A significant portfolio of professional work sufficient to enable critical reflection on your prior practice
5. A minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing)
6. If English is not your first language, you are required to have one or more of the following:
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency. Or
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years
Don't meet the requirements? We also accept:
- Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special admission.
For more information download the 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.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods (ARCH8011) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To develop the capability for devising and conducting an independent architectural research project. |
| Studio (ARCH8121) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To develop capability in the design of complex architectural projects included in the generality of urban, industrial, and city fringe architectures, with particular reference to highrise, long- span and large-volume typologies. |
| Studio (ARCH8122) | 30.0 credits (0.25 EFTS) | To develop capability in the design of complex architectural projects included in the generality of urban, industrial, and city fringe architectures, with particular reference to highrise, long- span and large-volume typologies. |
| Architectural Theory (ARCH8311) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To develop capability in the analysis and critical evaluation of the ideas of architecture and urban design as represented in texts, drawings and buildings. |
| Architectural Technology (ARCH8411) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To explore, in depth, the construction, structure and associated services requirements of unconventional, extreme, or innovative architectural projects. |
| Professional Business Management (ARCH8511) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To critically examine the strategic management of architectural businesses, and their business management models. |
| Year 2A Work Experience 120 Hours (ARCHWE803) | 0.0 credits (0 EFTS) | To record the work experience hours required for completing the Master of Architectiure (Professional) programme. |
| Year 2B Work Experience 120 Hours (ARCHWE804) | 0.0 credits (0 EFTS) | To record the work experience hours required for completing the Master of Architectiure (Professional) programme. |
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.
