Get ready for your architecture career
The Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch(Prof)) prepares you for a career as a practising architect. You’ll hone your skills as a designer of buildings and spaces by developing your ability to think visually and in three dimensions. You’ll understand and put solutions into practice for complex buildings.
The MArch(Prof) gives you the creative and intellectual skills to tackle big 21st century challenges, including climate change and a lack of affordable housing. You’ll consider architectural challenges as well as creative, technical, and cultural issues, and learn how to best meet your clients’ needs.
Our industry connections in Wellington and throughout New Zealand will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience working with practitioners in research and construction projects.
Pathway to becoming an architect
The MArch(Prof) is accredited by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). This means it meets academic requirements for registration to practice as an architect.
After your MArch(Prof), you’ll need to spend three or more years gaining practical work experience before you can apply for registration. The board will assess your professional competence before allowing you to register.
Our MArch(Prof) can also lead to registration or licensing in Australia, some parts of the United States, and the UK.
You’ll also be able to become a member of the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), the professional organisation for architects.
Master of Architecture (Professional)
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 experiences.
How you’ll study
Learn through a combination of taught courses and a major design research project that will prepare you for professional practice and develop mastery in your area of interest.
Part 1—coursework
In your first year of the MArch(Prof) you’ll take seven taught courses.
You’ll study:
- advanced architectural design
- advanced construction theory and practice—including the integration of technology
- contemporary architectural theories
- professional practice
- advanced research techniques, including historical and theoretical approaches.
Part 2—research
During the second year, you’ll complete a design-led research portfolio or thesis supported by a supervisor.
There are 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.
You’ll be part of a strong culture of research and work with experienced staff who have published scholarly articles, books, and conference papers.
Find out more about supervising staff, research streams, and study options available in our main research clusters.
Consider a research-only Master's
If you are interested in researching a particular aspect of architecture or deepening your undergraduate learning, the Master of Architecture might suit you better.
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 university 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 MArch(Prof) degree shall have:
(i) completed a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington BAS degree in Architecture or Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments in Architecture, or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, 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 associate dean for a candidate who:
(i) has extensive professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind; or
(ii) initially enrolled in BArch and has satisfied all but 30 points of the requirements for a BAS degree. The MArch(Prof) shall not be awarded until the BAS is completed
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MArch(Prof)
2. (a) Except as provided for in (b) and (c) and in section 5 of these regulations, the course of study for the MArch(Prof) shall consist of courses worth at least 240 points, as follows:
Part 1: 120 400-level points including Architecture Design Research I / Te Mahi Rangahau o Te Whakarākei Whare I (ARCI 411), Architecture Design Capstone Project / Te Tikanga-Tūtohu o Te Whakarākei Whare (ARCI 412), Integrated Technologies / Te Whakakotahitanga o ngā Mahi Whakarākei (ARCI 421), Architectural Theory, Culture and Critique / Te Ariā Hoahoanga, Te Ahurea me Te Arohaehae (ARCI 451), Professional Practice / Ngā Mahi Ngāio (SARC 461), Research Methodologies / Ngā Momo Tikanga Rangahau (SARC 491)
Part 2: A 120-point research portfolio as listed on the MArch(Prof) Schedule and approved by the head of school. Parts 1 and 2 shall include such practical work as may be determined by the head of school.
(b) With the permission of the associate dean, a candidate who has completed an appropriate degree with Honours or other graduate study to an appropriate level may be exempted from Part 1 and admitted directly to Part 2.
(c) A candidate may proceed to Part 2 only with the permission of the head of school.
3. (a) A candidate whose course of study includes both Part 1 and Part 2 shall normally be enrolled for at least four trimesters (extended pro rata up to eight trimesters for students who are not full time), and shall complete the degree within two years and six months of first enrolling in it (extended pro rata up to five years for students who are not full time). The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
(b) The minimum and maximum periods of enrolment for Part 2 are specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations.
4. (a) A candidate who passes Part 1 and does not proceed to complete Part 2 may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments (PGDipDE) in Architecture.
(b) At the discretion of the head of school, a candidate who holds a PGDipDE in Architecture may credit those courses to the MArch(Prof) provided the candidate abandons the Postgraduate Diploma upon being awarded the MArch(Prof).
Industry connections
The School of Architecture has industry connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations:
Future careers
You'll graduate ready for a career in mainstream architecture in a private practice or a government organisation. You will also be able to adapt your broad range of skills to related careers outside the mainstream profession.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Architecture.
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
-
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.
-
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...
-
To encourage postgraduate research in architecture, construction, building science, design, design technology and user experience at Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, the faculty offers scholarships to students about to begin a full-time master’s by research degree.
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 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
-
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...
-
To encourage postgraduate research in architecture, construction, building science, design, design technology and user experience at Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, the faculty offers scholarships to students about to begin a full-time master’s by research degree.
-
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.
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.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Academic staff research areas
The people you work with and learn from are an important part of your studies. Learn who your potential supervisors could be for the MArch(Prof).
Nilesh Bakshi
Lecturer in Architectural Science and Sustainable Systems Design
Daniel Brown
Professor of Design Studio
Fabricio Chicca
Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching
Michael Dudding
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Wallace Enegbuma
Presenter
Professor Derek Kawiti
Professor in Maori Designed Environments
Sam Kebbell
Senior Lecturer
Adele Leah
Associate Professor (Teaching)
Guy Marriage
Associate Professor
Bruno Marques
Associate Dean, Academic Programmes
Christine McCarthy
Senior Lecturer
Jacqueline McIntosh
Senior Lecturer
Joanna Merwood-Salisbury
Associate Dean, Postgraduate Research (PGR)
Tane Moleta
Senior Lecturer
Emina Kristina Petrovic
Senior Lecturer in Sustainability in Design
Robin Skinner
Senior Lecturer
Jan Smitheram
Associate Professor
Mark Southcombe
Associate Professor
Simon Twose
Associate Professor
Peter Wood
Senior Lecturer
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.