Shape the future of cities

Harness the power of digital technologies to design intelligent buildings and infrastructure.

Use AI, digital twins, and virtual reality to optimise the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure. Analyse and interpret data from various sources to inform decision-making in the planning, design, and management of smart-built environments.

Become an innovator using building information modelling and data analytics to create sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Choose your study path

There are two ways that you can study Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments.

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.

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

Find out how you can study Postgraduate Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Tiwhikete, Pūtaiao Hanga Whare

Graduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science—GCertCBSc

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Shape the future of our built environment. Study construction, sustainability, and building technology to design smarter, healthier, and more resilient spaces.

Duration
0.5 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
21 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
4 Jul 2027
Tohu, Pūtaiao Hanga Whare

Graduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science—GDipCBSc

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE DIPLOMA

Gain the knowledge and practical skills that will prepare you for a successful career in the construction industry. 

Duration
1 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
21 Feb 2027
Tohu Paerua mo te Hanga Whare (Rangahau)

Master of Construction and Building Science (Research) / Te Tohu Paerua o te Mātai (Rangahau) ā-Hanganga—MCBSc(Res)

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Research the connections between architecture, engineering, testing, sustainability, building performance, and building research.
Duration
1 year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
21 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Kairangi

Doctor of Philosophy—PhD

POSTGRADUATEDOCTORATE
Study for a PhD to complete advanced research and make an original contribution to your field.
Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn, Pipitea, Te Aro, and Miramar Creative Centre campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Why Wellington

Wellington gives you direct access to construction firms, government agencies, and research institutes—with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative research.

The city’s unique geography and rich cultural heritage make it an exciting place to study and apply your construction knowledge. 

Interior of a large timber-framed building

Resources and facilities

You’ll have access to workspaces and technologies at the School of Architecture. These include model-making facilities, and support for using ArcGIS and graphic design software. 

Future careers

Careers in construction now require construction expertise combined with digital innovation, sustainability leadership, and strategic management.

Studying Postgraduate Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments opens up opportunities in many organisations:

  • construction companies
  • consultancies
  • property developers
  • government agencies
  • engineering firms
  •  design and delivery firms.

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 and Building Science

  • Worth: $1,000 Closing: 31 March, 2027

    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.

  • Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    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.

  • Worth: $4,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    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 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 and Building Science

  • Worth: $1,000 Closing: 31 March, 2027

    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.

  • Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    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.

Find out more about MAI ki Pōneke

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.

Two smiling people facing each other across a table

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.

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū