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The Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments (PGDipDE) is a two-trimester, 120-point programme. You’ll study advanced-level coursework that will give you the knowledge you need to progress in an area of architecture.
You’ll develop further skills and expertise at postgraduate level in either Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban and Regional Planning.
The PGDipDE is a pathway to Master’s level study. If you’re already working in the industry, the PGDipDE will give you up-to-date professional development.
Who can study for this qualification
The PGDipDE is open to students who have completed a Bachelor of Architectural Science or an equivalent qualification. You may also be able to study a PGCertDE if you have relevant practical, professional, or scholarly experience.
It will suit you if you want to:
- take some postgraduate courses to specialise in a subject area relevant to your past study
- build on your skills and knowledge from working in the industry at a postgraduate level
- study towards a Master’s in stages—the courses you complete may count towards your further study and qualifications.
What you’ll learn
During your PGDipDE study, you'll study four postgraduate (400-level) courses. You’ll tailor your courses to one of the following areas:
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning.
You might be able to study without focusing on one subject—this is at the discretion of the associate dean.
How you’ll study
During your studies, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art workshops, studios, and computer labs.
You’ll learn through lectures, studio sessions, seminars, laboratories, and field trips. And you’ll be encouraged to learn, design, and create through different media.
Networking is part of your study experience. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people working in the industry and take part in public lectures.
In the studio sessions, you’ll be taught in face-to-face mode with interactive lectures, one-to-one design tutorials, small group design tutorials, and informal and formal presentations
Studying full time, you can complete the PGDipDE in two trimesters.
Part-time study options
If you're a domestic student, you can study part time and complete the PGDipDE over a maximum of four years.
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 PGDipDE shall have:
(i) completed a BAS degree or an equivalent qualification, with an average grade of at least B; 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 (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation 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 PGDipDE
2. The course of study for the PGDipDE shall consist of courses worth at least 120 points from the MArch(Prof), MIA, MLA, and MURPlan schedules.
3. (a) The PGDipDE shall be endorsed with, at most, one subject if the candidate’s programme consists entirely of courses selected from that subject as listed in section 4.
(b) The PGDipDE may be awarded without a subject providing the associate dean has approved the candidate’s set of courses.
(c) A candidate for the PGDipDE shall normally be enrolled for at least two trimesters and shall complete the diploma within four years of first enrolling in it.
(d) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
(e) A candidate who has been awarded a PGCertDE in a particular subject is required to abandon that qualification upon being awarded a PGDipDE in the same subject.
Subjects in the PGDipDE
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
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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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.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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.
-
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
After completing the PGDipDE, you may be able credit your points towards one of our Master’s, and complete it with one extra trimester of study.
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.