Architecture

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2010 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page

• Overview
• Undergraduate Information
• Postgraduate Information
• How to find out more
• Related subjects and Careers

This subject is taught by the School of Architecture.

Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures for human shelter or use. Architectural works are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and, sometimes, as works of art. Historical civilizations are often known primarily through their architectural achievements.

Studying Architecture at Victoria will give you a thorough grounding in architectural design together with the ability to address and integrate a broad range of related areas.

You will:

• gain a knowledge of the history and contemporary theory of the built environment which we inhabit
• develop an understanding of sustainable design solutions within the built environment
• study architectural structural systems, materials and construction techniques
• develop an ability to consider the impact on the environment humans and buildings have
• learn how this can affect comfort, efficiency, mood and meaning.

Architecture is a new specialisation within the new Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), which will replace the current five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2010. The Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Architecture is a three-year programme, leading into a two-year Master of Architecture (Professional) degree for students wishing to become professional Architects.

Undergraduate Information

Entry requirements

To study Architecture at Victoria you will need to have a university entrance qualification. A background in mathematics with calculus, statistics and modelling, physics, English, technology, art, design or graphics can be useful.

If you do not have a minimum of 14 NCEA credits at Level 3 credits in each of two of the following subjects: Mathematics with calculus, statistics and modelling and/or physics – you will need to include SARC 122 Introduction to Applied Physics, Numerical Methods and Statistics for Designers in you first year programme.

Architecture specialisation requirements

The BAS in Architecture is a three-year undergraduate programme consisting of 360 points in total. The degree is structured into two main parts. Part one is the first year of the Architectural Studies programme, worth a total of 120 points. In your first year, you’ll study the same courses as Building Science, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Architecture History and Theory.

You will complete of total of eight 100 level courses, of these eight courses seven are mandatory. SARC 122 may be replaced by a chosen elective course providing you have achieved the necessary NCEA credits. More information can be found below.

In your first year you will take the following courses:

• SARC 111 Introduction to Design Processes
• SARC 112 Design Processes
• SARC 121 Introduction to Built Environment Technology
• SARC 131 Introduction to Sustainability in the Designed Environment
• SARC 151 Introduction to Design History and Theory
• SARC 161 Introduction to Design Communication
• SARC 162 Design Communication and
• SARC 122 Introduction to Applied Physics, Numerical Methods and Statistics for Designers*.

SARC 122 may be replaced by an elective course by students who have at least 14 NCEA credits at level 3 in each of two of the following: mathematics with calculus, physics, or statistics and modelling.

Part two consists of the second and third year of the architecture programme, where you will begin to specialise in the architecture discipline. Entry into part two is based on your academic performance in the first year courses listed above. Part two requires a total of 240 points; you will take 120 points in your second year and 120 points in your third year.

The second and third year programme is discipline focused, comprising a series of studio-based courses together with courses in Architectural History and Theory, Building Technology and Professional Studies.

In your second year you will take the following courses:

• ARCI 211 Architecture Design
• ARCI 212 Architecture Design Integration
• ARCI 251 Architecture History and Theory
• SARC 221 Building Materials and Construction
• SARC 222 Structural Systems
• SARC 223 Human Environmental Science and
• one 15 point elective course.

In your third year you will take the following courses:

• ARCI 311 Architecture Design
• ARCI 312 Architecture Design Integration
• SARC 321 Construction
• SARC 351 Urban Design Theory and Practice
• SARC 352 Pacific Designed Environments
• SARC 362 Introduction to Practice and Management and
• one 15 point elective course.

Pathways

Professional Recognition

Victoria’s Architecture programme is recognised both nationally and internationally. The BAS in Architecture along with a Master of Architecture (Professional) will fulfil the academic requirements needed to register as an architect with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) and join the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

Students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) or who have graduated prior 2010.

For those students who completed the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) prior to 2010 or are currently enrolled and would like to enrol in the Master of Architecture (Professional) information regarding the transitional arrangements will be available from here within the upcoming weeks.

Postgraduate Qualifications in Architecture

• Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
  
• Master of Architecture (Professional)
• PhD

The BAS leads into two-year Master’s programmes. There is the unique opportunity in the School to work across disciplines at postgraduate level providing the necessary courses have been completed at undergraduate level.

The School of Architecture Student Administration Office offers additional information on:

• admission
• qualifications and courses
• course advice and selection criteria
• exemptions and prerequisites and
• your Application to study.

Architecture courses are taught at the School of Architecture, Te Aro Campus, 139 Vivian Street, Wellington.

For further assistance, please contact us:
Phone: 0-4-463 6200
Email: architecture@vuw.ac.nz

If you would like to receive posted information on this subject, you can use our Request for Study Material form. (Note: use the Graduate and Undergraduate links to get the form. The form enables you to join Victoria University’s database. Once you have joined, you will automatically receive information about the subjects you are interested in as soon as that information becomes available).

Also, Victoria’s Student Recruitment and Course Advice Office offers a range of advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

For all course information please contact the Faculty office.

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