Master of Architecture

Credits 240 (2.0 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Start dates February or July

Duration Full-time for 18 months or part-time for 2.5 years

Career opportunities

• Architecture practitioner (senior level)

• Architecture lecturer (senior level)

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: this Master’s is “by project” which means 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. Students in both programmes get together for seminars and workshops to foster collaboration, new ideas and new approaches to interdisciplinary practice.

• Interaction with international academics and practitioners.

Annual fees $7,900 (NZD) for 120 credits (Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

This Master’s programme is for architecture professionals who have an architecture degree and/or are currently practising in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture or design. In this programme, you’ll explore an area of personal or professional interest to advance your skills in your field.

Programme overview

In this Master’s by project, you’ll advance your knowledge of current design techniques and learn to present your work effectively to interdisciplinary audiences. You’ll 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’s level project that demonstrates your specialised skill and knowledge in your area of chosen expertise. Using the project as a learning experience, you’ll identify the unique qualities of your work and how to use these to forge new directions for your design practice.

This is not an accredited degree to become a registered architect – for this you’ll need to complete the Master of Architecture (Professional) (see pg. 13).

Seminars and workshops

In semester one, you’ll complete a seminar series that explores current design theory and practice, and will help you develop your research question and a draft research proposal. Then, you’ll present your draft project proposal at a workshop where you’ll receive feedback from your colleagues, tutors and invited expert guests.

When your proposal is confirmed, you’ll 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.

Portfolios

If you’re invited for an interview as part of the application process, you’ll be asked to present a portfolio of your design work. You should be ready to discuss your professional history, the ideas within your work, your interests and the area of research by design that you’re considering. You should have a significant portfolio of professional work that will enable you to reflect critically on your practice. Portfolio guidelines can be found on our website.

Admission requirements

For this programme, you’ll need to have:

Academic

1. Completed 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.

• A postgraduate diploma in a discipline relevant to your proposed programme of study, with an average grade of B- or higher.

2. A significant portfolio of professional work which enables us to critically reflect on your prior practice.

3. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English or Te Reo Māori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)

English

If English is not your first language, you’ll need one or more of the following:

• Achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance

• Provide evidence that you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency such as IELTS

• Achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available.

There are additional English requirements for international students – you can find more information on our website.

Other options:

If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll need one of the following:

• A relevant qualification at Level 3 or above on the NZQF or equivalent

• Evidence you’re eligible for special or discretionary admission

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/architecture

International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international