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Master of Architecture

  • Masters (Coursework)

Undertake your own architecture design project. Identify the unique qualities of your work and how to use these to forge new directions for your design practice.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$8,100 per year
International Fees
$32,877 per year

About this course

Are you currently practising in the field of architecture, landscape architecture or design, or do you have an architecture degree? The Master of Architecture is a qualification for people who have practised in one of these areas and want to advance their skills and explore their area of interest. In this master by project you'll advance your knowledge of current design techniques, and learn to present your work effectively to interdisciplinary audiences. You will improve your understanding of how to look at architecture sites and briefs from different angles, and use techniques to construct interesting and unique responses.

The key outcome of this programme is a master level project that demonstrates your specialised skill and/or knowledge in your area of chosen expertise. This is not an accredited degree to become a registered architect - for this you'll need to complete the Master of Architecture (Professional).

Highlights
  • Enables practising architects to study part-time, learn new techniques, sharpen their design skills and keep abreast of current theory
  • Focus on practical projects: the degree is "by project", which means that you undertake a project based on an aspect of your architecture practice to date
  • No coursework
  • Collaborative approach: the Master of Architecture, together with the Master of Landscape Architecture, is part of a suite of design programmes at Unitec. Students in both programmes get together for seminars and workshops in order to foster collaboration, new ideas and new approaches to interdisciplinary practice.
  • Interaction with international academics and practitioners
Seminars and workshops

In Semester One you complete a seminar series that explores current design theory and practice, and helps you develop your research question and a draft research proposal. Then, present your draft project proposal at a workshop where you receive feedback from your colleagues, tutors and invited expert guests. If your proposal is confirmed, you embark on a series of workshops at which you present your work in progress for critique and evaluation by invited architects, landscape architects and designers. These regular workshops aim to stimulate you to move beyond current models, trends and preconceptions. There will also be sessions offered throughout the year to discuss your project.

Portfolio requirements

If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to present a portfolio of your design work. You should be ready to discuss your design history, the ideas within your work, your interests and the area of research by design that you are considering. Follow our portfolio guidelines on what to include, what not to include and how to lay it all out.

Qualification

Once you've successfully completed this programme you'll receive the qualification: Master of Architecture.

Scholarships and Awards

We want to manaaki student success wherever we can - and scholarships are one of the ways we can do that. We have scholarships that recognise the achievements and challenges of dedicating yourself to learning.
Check out the Master of Architecture Scholarship we have on offer or have a chat with our Scholarship Advisor- Postgraduate Scholarships

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students
Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • An undergraduate degree in a discipline relevant to your proposed programme of study, with an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses. Or
  • A postgraduate diploma in a discipline relevant to your proposed programme of study, with an average grade of B- or higher
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
  • University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
  • Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Non-Academic requirements
  • A significant portfolio of professional work sufficient to enable critical reflection on their prior practice at the outset of the programme of study.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

  • If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
  • If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 73 KB)

International students Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • An undergraduate degree in a discipline relevant to your proposed programme of study, with an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses. Or
  • A postgraduate diploma in a discipline relevant to your proposed programme of study, with an average grade of B- or higher

And English entry requirements;

If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

  • Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6.5 with no band score lower than 6
  • University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
  • Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Non-Academic requirements
  • A significant portfolio of professional work sufficient to enable critical reflection on their prior practice at the outset of the programme of study.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

  • If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
  • If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 73 KB)

Study locations

Mt Albert

Career pathways

- Architecture practitioner (senior level) - Architecture lecturer (senior level)