Explore your options
Study architecture at Unitec and you’ll develop the skills to design culturally aware buildings that enhance the urban environment and respond to pressing needs of our time like climate change. You’ll learn how to plan, design, detail, and advise on the construction of new and existing buildings. At the same time you will learn how to be collaborative by working with other disciplines, external communities, professionals, authorities, and by seeing your ideas take shape.
Our architecture programmes include lots of applied hands-on practice. Undergraduate students take part in a large scale fabrication studio for events that connects students with community and industry, and there are opportunities to build your own designs using our workshop and fabrication facilities. You will see how buildings come together using real materials and technologies.
Master of Architecture (Professional) students take part in projects at architecture practices which provide you the opportunity to see what it is to be an architect day-to-day. By working with respected architects and academics you will see your capabilities develop to help you become prepared for a career in architecture.
And if you’re interested in Maori architecture and technology, you’ll love Te Hononga, our Māori design studio where we work with mana whenua and combine traditional materials with new technologies.
You’ll also have the opportunity to go on study tours or student exchange to England, the US, Germany, India, China, Italy or the Pacific.
Browse our Architecture and Architectural Technology programmes below. Talk to us about part-time study options for post-graduate study and take a look at our scholarship options.
Programmes and study path
| PROGRAMME | LEVEL | DURATION | CAREER OPTIONS | START DATES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Architecture | 4 | Full-time for 16 weeks or part-time options available. | This programme prepares you for study toward a career in architecture and architectural technology | February or July |
| New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology | 6 | Full-time for two years, or part-time options available | Architectural technician, Architectural Technologist, CAD technician, Design draftsperson, Design technician, Draughtsperson | February or July |
| Bachelor of Architectural Studies | 7 | Full-time for three years or part-time options can be negotiated | Architectural designer, Architectural historian or writer, Building industry consultant, Digital design professional, Design manager, Design technician, Draftsperson, Project manager | February (full-time and part-time) or July (part-time only). The July intake is only open to domestic students. |
| Master of Architecture | 9 | Full-time for 18 months or part-time for two-and-a-half years | Architecture lecturer (senior level), Architecture practitioner (senior level) | February or July |
| Master of Architecture (Professional) | 9 | Full-time for 2 years or part-time options available | Architect working in a range of settings | February or July. |
Industry connections
Unitec’s architecture programmes focus on the profession, with courses focused towards understanding the application of their topic to architecture practice today.
You will hear from and be tested by established academics and architects throughout your study as you build your understanding.
We’re endorsed by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, meaning that you can enjoy recognition of your qualification with international jurisdictions through the agreements of these professional bodies.
Facilities
Our architecture programmes are supported by a dedicated building that includes dedicated design studios and high-end computer labs with current industry standard software.
You will study alongside other disciplines like landscape architecture and interior design and see how your work complements theirs through seeing each others work in our common learning and exhibition lounge.
Hard material workshop and maker-space facilities provide the access to technology, tools, and space to make your ideas come to physical reality.
And our library provides you the window to research your ideas so that you develop your thinking to explore innovative and creative design projects.
