The Wellington School of Architecture offers a range of postgraduate qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, Master’s programmes, and PhD degrees.
Stand out, get ahead, or change career
Our programmes are tailored to meet the growing needs of the profession while addressing the future demands people have for their built environments. Each qualification offers you the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations.
Get the Postgraduate Architecture and Design Innovation handbook
Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation handbook.
Master’s programmes
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Master of Architecture (MArch)
Explore the theoretical side of architecture and dive deeper into its history and theory. Develop your analysis and critical thinking skills with in-depth study into your area of interest. In this thesis-based programme, you can build on the knowledge you gained at undergraduate level. Or, if you’re already working in the industry, you can expand your knowledge through research.
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Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch[Prof])
Prepare to work as a professional architect. Hone your skills as a designer, develop your ability to think visually and in three dimensions, and learn how to best meet your clients’ needs through practical, real-life experiences. Graduates with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Architecture and a Master of Architecture (Professional) will have met the academic requirements to register as a professional architect.
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Master of Building Science (MBildSc)
Become an expert in the science of the built environment and increase your understanding of the connections between architecture, engineering, testing, and building research. The MBildSc is professionally recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB).
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Master of Construction (MConst)
Lead the transformation of our built environment. The MConst gives you the skills to build smarter, faster, and more sustainably using advanced construction techniques with AI, robotics, and low-carbon design methods. It's your chance to shape the systems, lead the transition, and build the sustainable future our world needs.
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Master of Construction Law (MConsLaw)
Develop specialised expertise in construction law. Deal with key topics such as contracts, negligence, bonds, guarantees, risk management and liability, tendering, and claims. The Master of Construction Law is tailored to working professionals looking to boost their career in the construction industry and related areas.
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Master of Interior Architecture (MIA)
Become a specialist in the architectural design of interior spaces. Examine the relationships between materials, people, and space. Make a difference to people’s wellbeing through the innovative design of interior spaces. Our MIA is internationally recognised through two professional bodies.
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Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Develop your creative expertise and become a professional landscape architect. Gain the knowledge and skills to create innovative design solutions for outdoor spaces. Our MLA is one of only three programmes in New Zealand that meet the standards for accreditation with the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA).
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Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURPlan)
Learn how to shape and improve cities, towns, and regions. Develop the expertise to make our urban and rural environments more functional, sustainable, and appealing. The MURPlan meets the standards for accreditation with the New Zealand Planning Institute.
Research
Academic staff and postgraduate students in the School of Architecture are involved in individual and group research projects at the cutting-edge of design and research. Our projects cover a wide range of topics, both local and international.
A pathway to a Master’s degree
Not ready for a Master’s just yet? Or perhaps you want to pursue professional development or advanced study in an area like project management. We have other offerings that could be perfect for you.
Our certificate and diploma qualifications let you select courses based on your needs and interests, spanning all the specialisations we offer. These programmes are valuable on their own, and they can also be a stepping stone to a Master’s qualification.
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Graduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science
The GCertCBSc is designed for people with a background in architecture, construction, building science, engineering, or environmental science. This 60-point (one trimester) Certificate will help you bring your skills up to date.
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Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments
Enhance your knowledge of how the built environment is designed. Take a detailed look at current issues, new technologies, and advancements within the built environment. This 60-point (one trimester) Certificate would suit practising professionals who want to further develop their skills within the built environment field.
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Graduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science
Select from a range of new courses to build the qualification you need to go further. Courses are available in architecture, building science, construction, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning, as well as engineering, health, and science. This 120-point (two trimesters) Diploma will prepare your for postgraduate study.
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Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
Choose from a variety of learning options in areas within the built environment including architecture, landscape architecture, and building science. This 120-point (two trimesters) Diploma would suit graduates who want to add depth to their Bachelor of Architectural Studies or Bachelor of Building Science studies, or who want to change specialisations.
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Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Law (PGCertConsLaw)
The Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Law invites you to choose 60 points from 3–4 online and in-person courses arranged to ease studying while working. This certificate is perfect for students and professionals who already have a first degree in a law-related field and are looking to enhance their qualifications. If you complete this certificate and decide to further your education, the courses you’ve taken may be credited towards the full Master of Construction Law programme.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law (PGDipConsLaw)
The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law requires you to choose 120 points from eight online and in-person courses arranged to ease studying while working. This diploma is ideal for students and professionals who already have a first degree in a law-related field and are looking to enhance their qualifications. If you complete this diploma and decide to further your education, the courses you’ve taken may be credited towards the full Master of Construction Law programme.
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Postgraduate Certificate in Designed Environments
Build on your knowledge of the designed environment and open the door to further postgraduate study in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban and Regional Planning. The 60-point PGCertDE can be completed in one trimester of full-time study or two trimesters part time. For those already in the industry, it provides up-to-date professional development.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments
Expand your expertise in designed environments with postgraduate courses in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban and Regional Planning. The 120-point PGDipDE can be completed in two trimesters of full-time study or four trimesters part time. Take it for professional development or as a pathway to Master’s-level study.
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Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies
Unlock your professional potential with this flexible programme that spans more than 1,000 courses across six areas, allowing you to tailor your qualification to your career goals and interests. The 60-point PGCertPS can be completed in one trimester of full-time study or three trimesters part time. Choose to upskill, bridge knowledge gaps, or transition into a new field, whether for professional development or as a pathway to Master’s-level study.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD is the highest degree offered by the Wellington School of Architecture. It is completed by thesis only and is restricted to areas where appropriate supervision is available.
Attribution
The image in the banner at the top of this page is from Translating Ulysses: The House That James Built, an award-winning work by Master of Architecture (Professional) student Patrick Kelly. Photo by David St George.