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.
Meet with us
Students who didn’t study their undergraduate degree with Unitec will need to meet with an academic to discuss their professional background, which may require a review of your academic and/or professional portfolio.
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
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
You must have completed at least one of the following:
- 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
- A recognised postgraduate diploma in a discipline appropriate to the proposed project, with a B- average. Or
- A professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as being equivalent to the above
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6.5 with no band score lower than 6
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Non-Academic requirements
- Students who didn’t study their undergraduate degree with us will need to meet with an academic to discuss their professional background, which may require a review of your academic and/or professional portfolio.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 475 KB)
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 2025; 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. |
