Programme overview
The Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design will give you a sound platform for the realities of contemporary practice.
In less time than it takes to complete the two degrees separately, you will gain the qualification necessary to practice as a professional architect*, and investigate the ecological, social and economic conditions of good urban cities and spaces.
The MArch(Prof)UrbDes is professionally accredited, recognised by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA).
Read the full programme regulations for the Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design in the University of Auckland Calendar.
*If you wish to become a practising architect, you must complete this programme (or any of our MArch(Prof) programmes) as well as additional requirements from the registration boards.
Programme structure
This programme combines courses from the two standalone masters programmes.
Through taught seminars and studios, you will further your design and theoretical skills and respond to real world urban design issues, such as sustainable design, physical and social infrastructures and urban development. You will be able to explore areas of interest and submit a design thesis of personal research.
Seminars and assessment critiques are often led by leading practitioners, giving you the chance to network and gain valuable insight into the profession.
- Core courses: 165 points
- Elective course: 15 points. Learn about the Elective Seminar options.
- Thesis: 120 points
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- URBDES 710
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 702
- Name:
- Urban Design Theory and Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHPRM 701
- Name:
- Professional Studies 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 720
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 707
- Name:
- Urban Economic Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHGEN 703
- Name:
- Design as Research
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 700
- Name:
- Advanced Design 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective Seminar
- Type:
- Elective Seminar
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective Seminar
- Type:
- Elective Seminar
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 796A
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Thesis
- Points:
- 60 pts
Year 3 60 points
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 796B
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Thesis
- Points:
- 60 pts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 300 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Further programme requirements
Taught 300 points
You must have completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 90 points at Stage III.
Your must have completed your degree within two years of commencing this programme.
If your BAS was completed more than two years prior to starting this programme, you must submit a portfolio, written statement and CV via the portfolio system Slideroom.
Portfolio content
Your portfolio should convey your design ability and sensibility, your creativity and your skill with a range of architectural media. It must consist of between 12 and 15 pages of your own drawings and / or other creative works.
- You can choose any page size up to a maximum of A3 to present your work. You may display one or multiple images on each page.
- Each PDF file submitted must not exceed one page in length.
- Each digital experiment counts as one page.
View sample MArch(Prof) portfolio
Written statement
This one page document should outline your reasons for wanting to participate in the MArch(Prof) programme.
CV content
This brief CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience or any other activities considered relevant to the application. Details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes should also be included.
Other pathways to study
The University’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree programme is a suitable pathway into this combined masters programme.
You may also be eligible to transfer credit towards your BAS if you hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, such as spatial design or architectural technology. For more information, see External transfer of credit.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 300 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
An undergraduate degree in architecture
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 300 points
You must submit a portfolio, written statement and CV via the portfolio system Slideroom.
Portfolio content
Your portfolio should convey your design ability and sensibility, your creativity and your skill with a range of architectural media. It must consist of between 12 and 15 pages of your own drawings and / or other creative works.
- You can choose any page size up to a maximum of A3 to present your work.
- You may display one or multiple images on each page.
- Each PDF file submitted must not exceed one page in length.
- Each digital experiment counts as one page.
View sample MArch(Prof) portfolio
Written statement
This one-page document should outline your reasons for wanting to participate in the MArch(Prof) programme.
CV content
This brief CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience or any other activities considered relevant to the application. Details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes should also be included.
Other pathways to study
The University’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree programme is a suitable pathway into this combined masters programme.
You may also be eligible to transfer credit towards your BAS if you hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, such as spatial design or architectural technology. For more information, see External transfer of credit.
How much does a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,993.60*
- International students
- NZ$50,810*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2024
- 8 December 2023
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study at the School of Architecture and Planning. Contact our postgraduate adviser:
Postgraduate Adviser
Dr Lee Beattie
Email: l.beattie@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
Successful completion of a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design qualifies you to work as an architectural graduate, with the goal of gaining full professional registration. However, you can also contribute to the industry as an urban designer in a private or public organisation.
Jobs related to this programme
- Architect (following successful completion of additional professional registration requirements)
- Cultural adviser
- Design consultant
- Environmental planner
- Policy analyst
- Urban designer
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513