Tohu Paetahi WaihangaBachelor of Architectural Studies
Design your environment
We're constantly shaping the physical world to meet new challenges—whether that’s tackling environmental sustainability, embracing new technologies, or responding to the changing ways people live and work. Architecture plays a key role in responding to these challenges.
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) lets you explore one of four majors: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Architectural History and Theory.
In your first year, you’ll learn about all of these areas to build a broad foundation. In your second year, you’ll focus on the major that suits your interests and goals.
What you’ll learn
The BAS gives you the knowledge and practical skills to be an innovator in your area of study. You’ll develop the skills to design solutions that serve people, strengthen communities and cities, and protect the environment.
Depending on your major subject, you could learn about the development, design, and planning of:
- houses
- high-rises
- infrastructure
- interiors
- history
- landscapes
- urban streets and squares
- water systems.
You’ll also learn about new sustainable construction technologies, ideas, and theories.
Year breakdown
First year
Your first year of the BAS will give you a solid understanding of the built environment—both in New Zealand and globally.
You’ll study eight core introductory courses—four of these are common to the BAS and Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc). Some of the core courses will introduce you to the concepts, history, and theory of design, as well as the ways that design is communicated. Other courses focus on the technology used in creating the built environment in a sustainable way.
By the end of your first year, you’ll have a strong grasp of the main ideas, vocabulary, and technology of the architectural world. You’ll also have a good idea of what you want to study from there.
Second year
This is the year you begin to focus on your chosen major—Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Architecture History and Theory. Courses in your second year focus on small-scale projects, such as houses, individual room design, small gardens, and the basics of construction, especially in timber
Depending on your major, your study will look closely at specific areas like building technologies, culture and heritage, design communication, and site systems and ecology. Each major brings together the courses that best support your learning in that area.
The number of places in the second year of each BAS major is limited, and entry is based on your academic performance.
Architecture and Design—limited entry
Third year
In your third year of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, you’ll delve even further into your chosen subject and apply what you’ve learned to large-scale projects and research assignments. You’ll start to really understand your specialist subjects and put them into practice.
Courses in your third year focus on larger, more complex buildings, office fit-outs, larger scale parks and urban intervention projects. Courses feature more teaching around concrete, steel, and mass timber construction.
You’ll gain strong knowledge in a specific area and learn how to apply it. Your third year will prepare you to continue on to fourth year Master’s courses.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
How our degrees work
Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Get accepted into this programme
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:
A New Zealand university entrance qualification or equivalent. Entry to second year is based on academic performance in the first year.
Entry for domestic students
- Your acceptance to this programme is based on your previous qualifications or experience.
- If you’re not sure what admission type you are, you can use our tool to check.
Degree requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the BAS
For this degree, you need to complete at least 360 points, of which:
- At least 270 points must be from courses listed for the BAS and
- At least 210 points must be at 200 and 300 level
- Of the 210 points, at least 180 points must be from courses listed for the BAS
- Of the 180 points, at least 75 points must be at 300 level
- Of the 210 points, at least 180 points must be from courses listed for the BAS
You need to complete eight core courses at 100 level (in first year):
- Introduction to Design Processes / He Tīmatanga Kōrero mō Ngā Mahi Whakarākei (SARC 111)
- Design Processes / Ngā Tukanga (SARC 112)
- Introduction to Built Environment Technology / He Tīmatanga Kōrero mō Ngā Whare Hangahanga (SARC 121)
- Introduction to Environmental Design Sciences / He Timatanga Kōrero mō te Taiao Hoahoa (SARC 122)
- Introduction to Sustainability in the Designed Environment / He Timatanga Kōrero mō Te Whakaora i Te Taiao Hangahanga (SARC 131)
- Introduction to Design History and Theory / He Timatanga Kōrero mō Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho i te ao Whakarākei (SARC 151)
- Introduction to Design Communication / He Timatanga Kōrero mō Te Mahi Ngātahi i Te Ao Whakarākei (SARC 161)
- Design Communication / Te Whakarākei me te Mahi Ngātahi (SARC 162)
You also need to meet the requirements for a major subject.
Majors in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Explore more degree options by adding an optional second major or minor. How our flexible degrees work.
Major subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
BAS subjects
Architecture
Architecture History and Theory
Interior Architecture
Landscape Architecture
No matching majors found.
Build your degree
Conjoint degrees
You can choose to combine your BAS with another degree in a conjoint or double degree. This will take less time than completing two degrees separately. For instance, you might combine your BAS with the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc).
Flexibility in our undergraduate degrees
The BAS degree is highly structured, so you will have to do some careful planning to do a conjoint or double degree. Talk to a Student Adviser about making a plan.
Specialise in Māori Design and Environments
You can study a BAS degree with a major in Architecture and specialise in Māori Design and Environments.
You’ll work with key concepts in Mātauranga Māori based in both practice and theory. You’ll develop key conceptual design skills that incorporate an understanding of kaupapa Māori through the use of novel multimedia exploration and craft.
Future careers
Bachelor of Architectural Studies graduates complete their degrees with a mix of in-demand creative, problem-solving, interpersonal, and technical skills.
Students often get graduate-level roles as architects, landscape architects or interior designers—especially in summer jobs or as part-time assistants during the year.
Our alumni also go on to a range of careers, from general design practice to specialisations.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Architectural Studies.
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 first-year and school-leaver 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 Architectural Studies
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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
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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
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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.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also have specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Architectural Studies
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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
Become a registered professional
The BAS is the first step to becoming a registered architect or landscape architect. You’ll also need to complete the accredited Master of Architecture (Professional) or Master of Landscape Architecture afterwards.
Once you’ve worked for about three years, you can register as a professional architect or landscape architect. Your accreditation will be recognised in New Zealand and around the world, opening doors to international opportunities.
Postgraduate study
At the end of your Bachelor’s degree, you can continue to study for a Master’s degree or a PhD—both of which are recognised worldwide.
We offer a range of postgraduate study options based on your area of interest.
Accommodation
Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:
- catered halls of residence
- self-catered apartments or flats
- self-catered studios.
We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.
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.
And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.