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Architecture

The School of Architecture offers three two-year professional Master's degrees in Architecture, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory that leads into a non-professional Master of Architecture by thesis. The Master's degree programmes are structured to provide students with a sound progression into writing a thesis paper in the second year of study.

The first year of the Master's programmes sees students developing the skills required to undertake in-depth research into their chosen field within the built environment.

Research requirements

To make an enquiry please email the School of Architecture's Student Administration office. Include in your query a comprehensive description of your qualifications and your initial research interests. All postgraduate students are expected to conduct their research with a high level of competency in the English language. 

Research opportunities are enhanced by the presence of the Centre for Building Performance Research and the Earthquake Hazard Centre at the School of Architecture .

The School of Architecture offers the following postgraduate programmes:

Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory (PGDipAHT)

The one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory (PGDipAHT) provides a pathway from a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) in Architecture History and Theory to the non-professional Master of Architecture (MArch). This theory-based qualification provides students with the ability to independently research and analyse historical and theoretical material and to apply history, theory and precedent to the critical analysis of architectural issues.

The PGDipAHT is suitable for those students wanting a four-year qualification that will lead into a Master of Architecture (MArch).

Duration

One year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory (PGDipAHT) normally requires

  • a New Zealand Bachelor’s degree; or
  • an equivalent qualification approved by the Faculty; and
  • approval by the Head of School as being capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.

For more information on the PGDipAHT please contact the School of Architecture.

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Master of Architecture (MArch)

The Master of Architecture (MArch) follows the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory for students wishing to pursue a Master-level qualification in this field. The MArch degree is undertaken as a written thesis. The thesis topic of study must have a theoretical and methodical foundation. As design may be a primary research method in a MArch thesis, it must be placed within an explicitly stated theoretical framework.

For more information on the MArch please contact the School of Architecture.

Please note: The MArch is not accepted as a professional qualification for the purposes of registering as an architect.

Duration

A minimum of 9 months full-time, or 18 months part-time.

The thesis must be presented within three years of first enrolment.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Master of Architecture (MArch) normally requires:

  • a Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree; or
  • a Victoria  University of Wellington Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory (PDGipAHT); or
  • entry at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design
  • or, an equivalent qualification approved by the Faculty.

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Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch [Prof])

The Master of Architecture (Professional) consists of two parts and is the pathway from a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) in Architecture into postgraduate study in this specialisation.

Part one consists of coursework worth a total of 120 points. You will complete six core courses and one elective course of your choosing. Your core courses focus on architectural design research, technology, architecture history and theory, professional studies and research methodology.

Part two consists of either a full-time research thesis worth a total of 120 points or a research thesis worth a total of 90 points, with the remainder of points made by from elective courses closely related to your chosen thesis topic.

For more information on the MArch (Prof) please contact the School of Architecture.

Please note: Graduates of the BAS in Architecture together with the MArch (Prof) will have met the academic requirements for professional registration as a practising architect with the NZIA.

Duration

Two years of full-time study or up to four years part-time.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch [Prof]) normally requires:

  • a Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree; or
  • a Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments (GDipDE) in Architecture; or
  • entry at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design
  • or, an equivalent qualification approved by the Faculty.

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Master of Interior Architecture (MIA)

The Master of Interior Architecture consists of two parts and is the pathway from a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) in Interior Architecture into postgraduate study in this specialisation.

Part one consists of coursework worth a total of 120 points. You will complete six core courses and one elective course of your choosing. Your core courses focus on architectural design research, technology, architecture history and theory, professional studies and research methodology, from an Interior Architecture perspective.

Part two consists of either a full-time research thesis worth a total of 120 points or a research thesis worth a total of 90 points, with the remainder of points made up from elective courses closely related to your chosen thesis topic.

For more information on the MIA please contact the School of Architecture.

Duration

Two years of full-time study or up to four years part-time.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Master of Interior Architecture (MIA) normally requires:

  • a Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree; or
  • a Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments (GDipDE) in Interior Architecture; or
  • entry at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design
  • or, an equivalent qualification approved by the Faculty.

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Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

The Master of Landscape Architecture consists of two parts and is the pathway from a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) in Landscape Architecture into postgraduate study in this specialisation.

Part one consists of coursework worth a total of 120 points. You will complete six core courses and one elective course of your choosing. Your core courses focus on architectural design research, technology, architecture history and theory, professional studies and research methodology, from a Landscape Architecture perspective.

Part two consists of either a full-time research thesis worth a total of 120 points or a research thesis worth a total of 90 points, with the remainder of points made up from elective courses closely related to your chosen thesis topic.

For more information on the MLA please contact the School of Architecture.

Duration

Two years of full-time study or up to four years part-time.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) normally requires:

  • a Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree; or
  • a Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments (GDipDE) in Landscape Architecture; or
  • entry at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design
  • or, an equivalent qualification approved by the Faculty.

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PhD in Architecture

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest degree offered by the School of Architecture. It is completed by thesis only and is restricted to areas where appropriate supervision is available.

The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) is the first port of call for all students interested in enrolling in a PhD at Victoria. The Faculty website provides application forms, details of available funding, application dates, and answers to a host of questions. The FGR continues to provide support to PhD students throughout their studies at Victoria.

How to find out more

The School of Architecture's Student Administration office offers additional information on:

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

These postgraduate qualifications 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:  address

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