Victoria University Of Wellington Architecture

Be part of designing our physical world, and make a fundamental difference to the community. Our school offers a range of programmes that will teach you about all aspects of the built environment.



You’ll be able to use the world class facilities and exhibition spaces on our campus, located in the artistic Cuba Street area of central Wellington. The extensive research and experience of our expert staff mean you’ll receive a first class education.

About us

Find out about the Wellington School of Architecture.

The Wellington School of Architecture has an internationally recognised reputation as a leading tertiary provider in the built environment.

We have recently restructured our programmes to align with international standards. Students now complete a three year undergraduate degree followed by a two year Master’s qualification. On completion graduates can enter the industry as professional designers or as a practitioner in a range of careers.

Our programmes span a range of disciplines at the core of the built environment, from architecture, building science, landscape architecture and interior architecture to architecture history and theory. Our commitment to teaching and learning is underpinned by our ongoing research in these areas.

We have world class facilities on campus and students have access to our excellent resources and the latest technology for undergraduate study and postgraduate research.

Two research centres are supported by the School—the Earthquake Hazard Centre and the Centre of Building Performance Research. Each centre attracts significant industry interest and acts as a central point for staff research collaborations and research outputs.

We host regular events on campus, including exhibitions, public lectures, seminars and conferences, to feature our research and student work. Students and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Undergraduate study

The Wellington School of Architecture offers two undergraduate degrees—a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) and a Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc).

Architectural Studies

Be an innovator in the study, design and construction of buildings, urban spaces and parks, or residential and commercial interiors.

Available subjects
  • Architecture UG/PG
  • Architecture History and Theory UG/PG
  • Interior Architecture UG/PG
  • Landscape Architecture UG/PG

Building Science

Study the science, technology and economics of buildings. Gain an understanding of architecture, construction, project management and sustainability and look at how people interact with the built environment.

Available subjects
  • Project Management UG/PG
  • Sustainable Engineering Systems UG/PG

Postgraduate study

The Wellington School of Architecture offers a range of postgraduate qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, Master’s programmes and PhD degrees.

About our programmes

The Wellington School of Architecture offers a wide range of postgraduate options, from a graduate certificate to Master’s and PhD qualifications. Our programmes are tailored to meet the growing needs of the profession while addressing the future demands people have for their built environments.

If you are looking for professional development, our certificate or diploma qualifications allow you to select courses based on your interests and needs spanning all the specialisations we offer.

We have Master’s degrees in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Architectural Science which provide the necessary skills and knowledge base for entry into the professional industry within each area of specialisation.

If you want to explore the theoretical side of architecture, the non-professional Master of Architecture (MArch) is a research and thesis-based degree.

Each qualification offers you the flexibility to tailor your programme of study to develop your skills or consolidate your existing skill set to contribute to the research arena.

Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments (GCertDE)

This certificate would suit practising professionals who want to further develop their skills within the built environment. Find out more about the Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments.

Graduate Diploma

Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments (GDipDE)

This diploma would suit graduates who want to transition from a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) or Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) in one specialisation to pursue postgraduate study in a new specialisation. Find out more about the Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments.



Postgraduate Diploma

Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory (PGDipAHT)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory is no longer offered.

Master’s programmes

Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc)

Become an expert in the science of the built environment and increase your understanding of the connections between architecture, engineering, testing and building research. The Master of Architectural Science is professionally recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB).

Master of Architecture (MArch)

The Master of Architecture is a theory-based qualification involving research and a thesis for students who want to pursue further studies in the field of Architecture.

Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch[Prof])

This professional qualification is a combination of taught courses and an Architecture Research Thesis. Graduates with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) in Architecture and a Master of Architecture (Professional) will have met the academic requirements for professional architectural registration.

Master of Interior Architecture (MIA)

Our Master’s degree in Interior Architecture is a professionally recognised degree designed for students who wish to pursue a qualification at the highest level.

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Our Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture is distinctive in New Zealand for its cross-disciplinary capability. Graduates with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) in Landscape Architecture and a Master of Landscape Architecture will have met the academic requirements for professional registration in landscape architecture.

Master of Building Science (MBSc)

The Master of Building Science is closed to new applicants. We recommend students interested in studying postgraduate Building Science consider our new Master of Architectural Science.

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is the highest degree offered by the Wellington School of Architecture. It is completed by thesis only and is restricted to areas where appropriate supervision is available. Find out more about the PhD programme at the Wellington School of Architecture.

Contact us

Contact the Wellington School of Architecture, and find where they’re located.

Student and Academic Services

Contact Student and Academic Services for all study and general enquiries including admission requirements, degree planning, transfer of credit from other tertiary institutions, enrolment and examinations.

Architecture and Design Library

The Architecture and Design Library serves the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation at the University’s Te Aro campus. The library’s collection, selected to support the teaching and research of the Faculty, comprises roughly 25,000 books and 550 journal titles, trade literature, an architectural drawings archive, and a large collection of multimedia resources on architecture, design, and building science subjects.

The Architecture and Design Library is on located the far side of the atrium from the main entrance to the Te Aro campus building.

Location

The Wellington School of Architecture is part of Te Aro campus, which is centrally located at the heart of downtown Cuba Street. The campus draws from its creative surroundings within Wellington, New Zealand.

Students are able to engage in a range of activities, draw inspiration from their surroundings and re-design central hubs that are within our neighbouring suburbs. Students are also encouraged to take courses and engage with Kelburn and Pipitea campuses to gain exposure to the student experience that Victoria University of Wellington has to offer.

Our location, combined with our world class facilities mean that we are one of the best equipped architecture schools in Australasia. More information can be found on the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation website.

Postal address

Wellington School of Architecture
Victoria University of Wellington
PO Box 600
Wellington 6140
New Zealand

Physical address (couriers)



139 Vivian Street
Te Aro Campus
Wellington