Preserve the past, protect the future

Be a guardian of history, restoration, and adaptation for modern living. Preserve our architectural treasures and natural wonders.

The major in Built and Natural Heritage Conservation will give you a comprehensive understanding of heritage conservation principles, theories, and practices.

What you’ll learn

You’ll learn the art and science of conservation, blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques to safeguard our heritage for future generations.

Over three years, the Built and Natural Heritage Conservation major includes these courses:

First year:

Second year:

Third year:

Choose your study path

You can study Built and Natural Heritage Conservation in one of two degrees: the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) or the Bachelor of Construction (BConst).

  • In the BBSc, you can take this subject as your first or second major. You can also take it as a minor subject.
  • In the BConst, you can take Built and Natural Heritage Conservation as a second major, along with one of the majors from the BConst.

Over the three years of your Bachelor’s degree, you’ll balance core courses with specialised courses in Built and Natural Heritage Conservation.

Two related degrees

We offer two closely related degrees: the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) and Bachelor of Construction (BConst). Which one is right for you?

If you want to focus on the science and technology of buildings—and the mechanics behind how buildings work and perform—then the BBSc will be a good match for you.

If you want to focus more on managing construction projects from start to finish—including safety, planning, and sustainability—then the BConst will be a better fit for you.

Conjoint degrees

You may be able to do a conjoint degree—combining your BBSc or BConst with another degree. This will take less time than completing two degrees separately. For instance, you might combine your BBSc with the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).

Flexibility in our undergraduate degrees

Talk to a Future Student Adviser

Download our handbook

Fill in a form to find out more about your study options at the School of Architecture in our qualification handbook. 

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.

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Study options

Find out how you can study Built and Natural Heritage Conservation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Paetahi Whare Hangahanga

Bachelor of Building Science—BBSc

UNDERGRADUATEBACHELOR'S DEGREE

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

Duration
3 years
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Undergraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
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

Future careers

A major in Built and Natural Heritage Conservation could lead to the following jobs:

  • conservation advisor
  • heritage consultant
  • heritage planner
  • heritage policy analyst.

More career information

Find out more about careers in Building Science.

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.

Studio Pacific Architecture and Design Scholarship

Scholarships for Building Science

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 Building Science

There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.

Further study

After completing a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Built and Natural Heritage Conservation, you can continue your studies at a more advanced level through a Master of Building Science or Master of Construction.

Find out more about our postgraduate study options at the School of Architecture:

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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.

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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.

Wellington Global Exchange
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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. 

Study Abroad and Exchange

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū