Build your architecture expertise
Postgraduate study in Architecture gives you both theoretical and practical knowledge to design and construct the places and spaces we use every day.
Consider historical and environmental issues. Solve problems using the latest materials, technologies, and design systems.
A postgraduate qualification in Architecture can advance your career prospects—whether you’ve just completed your Bachelor’s or you’re getting ahead in your career, making a change, or deep-diving into research.
Choose your study path
There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Architecture with us.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
Add Architecture to your toolkit
If you studied a different major in your Bachelor of Architecture, a certificate or diploma can help you upskill so that you can go on to study the Master of Architecture (Professional).
- Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments
- Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
Learn about Architecture practice in New Zealand
If you have qualifications from outside of New Zealand or you're a working architect looking for professional development, a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma is a good option.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Designed Environments
- Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments
These qualifications can also be a step towards studying for the Master of Architecture (Professional).
Become a registered architect
Study our accredited Master of Architecture (Professional) To become a professional, registered architect.
After your study you will need to complete three or more years of postgraduate work experience. You can then register with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board.
Focus on research
Go deeper in your specialist area. You may want to build on your Bachelor's degree, or be working as an architect.
- Master of Architecture
- Doctor of Philosophy
We have four main research areas
- Creative and critical—design research, representation, history, and theory.
- Building performance and technology—construction technologies and materials, simulation methods, and virtual spaces.
- Sustainability and wellbeing—research about resilient and sustainable cities, designing for wellbeing and positive social impact, and design for Indigenous people and minorities.
- Te Ao Hurihuri—design, architecture, urban design, and building science by tangata whenua with a focus on mātauranga Māori and kaupapa Māori research.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Industry connections
We have industry connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations:
Future careers
Postgraduate study will give you the skills and knowledge to excel in an architectural role. You could become a:
- registered architect
- building conservation designer
- community planner
- environmental designer
- heritage consultant
- project manager
- urban designer.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Architecture
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...
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Warren and Mahoney established this award in 2021 to support Māori and Pasifika students who have a passion for Architecture and Design. Warren and Mahoney wishes to support more diversity in the design profession, particularly Māori and Pasifika. In addition, this scholarship will provide opportunities for the student to build their skills and have closer ties to Warren and Mahoney...
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Architecture
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Research areas
Our Architecture academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.