Advance your undergraduate knowledge
Whether you’re a recent graduate or already working in the industry, the Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments (GCertDE) offers you a select amount of study at an advanced undergraduate level.
The GCertDE is a 60-point qualification over one trimester of full-time study, or usually two trimesters for part-time, domestic students. You’ll study undergraduate courses from 200 to 400 level, and tailor the courses you study to your new area of interest, career goals, or specialisation.
You can learn who and what a building is for, how the structure works, and how it fits in with the surrounding landscape. You’ll also consider modern challenges such as environmental sustainability, the evolution of technology, and the changing needs of human habitation.
Who can study for this qualification
The GCertDE is open to students with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies (BAS), Building Science (BBSc), Design Innovation (BDI), or an equivalent qualification.
You may also be able to study the GCertDE if you have equivalent practical, professional, or scholarly experience—this is decided by the head of school.
It could be a good fit if you:
- want to add a new area of designed environments to your previous study to deepen or broaden your knowledge from your undergraduate degree—for example, if you studied the BAS majoring in Interior Architecture you could study some courses in Landscape Architecture with the GCertDE
- already work in the industry and want to do a short qualification with a few courses to learn the latest information.
What you’ll learn
For your GCertDE you’ll choose one of the following areas to study.
Architecture
Architecture History and Theory
Interior Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Project Management
Sustainable Engineering Systems
How you’ll study
You’ll study a combination of courses from 200 to 400-level in your chosen subject, totalling 60 points. Studying full time, you’ll complete the GCertDE in a single trimester.
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.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the GCertDE shall have:
(i) completed a BAS, BBSc, BConst or BDI degree or an equivalent qualification; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the head of school for a candidate who has practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
Entry requirements
Your acceptance into this programme is based on your previous qualifications and experience.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the GradCertDE
2. (a) The personal course of study for the GCertDE shall consist of a coherent programme of study approved by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation on the recommendation of the head of school. Except as provided in (b), it shall include at least 60 points from courses listed on the BAS, BBSc, BConst, MArch(Prof), MArchSc, MConsLaw, MConst, MIA, MLA, or MURPlan schedules, of which at least 45 points shall be in courses numbered 300 or above.
(b) At the discretion of the associate dean, up to 15 points in the GCertDE may be replaced with approved courses from other programmes offered at this university.
3. (a) A candidate for the GCertDE shall be enrolled for at least one trimester and shall complete the requirements of the certificate within two years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in (a) in special cases.
Major subjects
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Major subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
GCertDE subjects
Architecture
Architecture History and Theory
Interior Architecture
Landscape Architecture
No matching majors found.
Future careers
Graduates have the practical design skills, creativity, knowledge, and research skills to excel in a range of design roles.
Many design skills are transferable across different industries and roles.
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 Designed Environments
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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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 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.
Scholarships for international students
We’re 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 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 Designed Environments
-
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 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.
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.
Further research or study
We offer a range of postgraduate qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, and Master’s programmes.
After a Graduate Certificate, you could carry on to study for a Graduate Diploma, a Master’s Degree, or a PhD.
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.