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
A certificate or diploma in Designed Environments allows you to specialise in Architecture.
If you studied a major in your BAS other than Architecture, a certificate or diploma can help you catch up on the courses you missed to then continue on to a Master of Architecture.
- Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments
- Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
- Postgraduate Certificate in Designed Environments
- Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments
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.
- Master of Architecture (Professional)
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:
- Building Research Association of New Zealand
- Designers Institute of New Zealand
- New Zealand Institute of Architects
- New Zealand Institute of Building
- New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects
- New Zealand Registered Architects Board
- New Zealand Planning Institute
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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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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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...
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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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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...
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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.
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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.
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.