Specialise in interior spaces
Examine the relationships between materials, people, and space. Consider interiors in a range of contexts—social and cultural, ecological and technological, historical, and contemporary.
Postgraduate Interior Architecture study gives you the option to continue from your undergraduate study, add to your professional experience, or deep dive into an area that interests you with a Master’s or PhD.
Make a difference to people’s wellbeing and create a better future through the innovative design of interior spaces.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate Interior Architecture with us. Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
Add Interior Architecture to your toolkit
A certificate or diploma in Designed Environments allows you to specialise in Interior Architecture.
- Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments
- Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
- Postgraduate Certificate in Designed Environments
- Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments
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.
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.
Find out more about supervising staff, research streams, and study options available in our main research clusters.
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 Interior Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Internationally recognised
Our Master of Interior Architecture is internationally recognised through affiliations to the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers and the Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association.
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
As an Interior Architecture graduate, you might work as a specialist professional within an interior design or architecture firm, or in the interior division of a large, multidisciplinary design company.
You might also work as:
- an exhibition designer
- stage or screen set designer
- retail designer
- lighting designer
- furniture designer
- environmental designer.
You might also make a career in teaching or research.
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
-
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.
Academic staff research areas
Daniele Abreu e Lima
Lecturer
Michael Dudding
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Christine McCarthy
Senior Lecturer
Warwick McLeod
Senior Lecturer
Joanna Merwood-Salisbury
Associate Dean, Postgraduate Research (PGR)
Natasha Perkins
Senior Lecturer
Mark Southcombe
Associate Professor
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.