The art of design, the science of building
Architecture is a blend of imagination and technical skill. It’s about designing inspiring spaces and using the right materials and methods to bring them to life. Learn the creative, social and technical aspects of the built environment.
Tackling the climate crisis and the housing shortage calls for creative minds who can design a more resilient future. Study Architecture to address changes in society, ecology, and technology. Actively explore environmental design and consider how you might design resilient, sustainable buildings for the future.
If you like problem solving and want to use your creativity to design and build spaces for work, home, and play, then focusing on Architecture might be right for you.
Choose your study path
You can do Architecture as your major subject in a three-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).
If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, Architectural Studies goes well with Arts, Commerce, or Law. The BAS is highly structured, so you will have to do some careful planning to do a conjoint or double degree.
Pathway to becoming an architect
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) majoring in Architecture is the first step to becoming a registered architect. After completing the BAS, you’ll then need to continue your study and complete the Master of Architecture (Professional).
Once you have worked for about three years, you’ll be able to register professionally as an architect. Professional registration is recognised in New Zealand and internationally. It opens up opportunities to work overseas as an architect or start your own practice.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Majoring in Architecture will give you the platform to build a career in architecture or construction. You could work designing anything from houses to schools, stadiums to museums.
It can also open the door to a design-related career in theatre, film, furniture, fashion, robotics, and more. Many of the tools you learn studying Architecture cross over into the arts.
Your skills in project management can apply to roles that bring creative projects to life—for example, event planning.
Jobs you might do
As an architectural graduate, you could work in a role such as:
- architect
- creative consultant
- graphic designer
- project manager
- set designer
- urban designer
More career information
Find out more about careers in Architecture.
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.
Scholarships for Architecture
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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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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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
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 offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Architecture
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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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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.
Further study
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to postgraduate study. You could study for an accredited qualification, or for a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
The BAS is the first step to becoming a registered architect. You’ll also need to complete the accredited Master of Architecture (Professional).
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.
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.