Duration
Full-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 150
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

The GradDipAS provides a pathway into architecture at an advanced level. It is designed for tertiary graduates from related disciplines. The programme broadens knowledge and skills in architecture to prepare graduates for study in one of our masters programmes.

Programme structure

The GradDipAS comprises courses from the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, allowing you to broaden your knowledge and understanding of both the practical and theoretical elements of architecture. These courses also enable you to critically engage with areas of architectural enquiry that you will have otherwise not covered in prior tertiary studies.

The subject areas covered within the GradDipAS are: Design, Technology, Media, Professional Studies, and History, Theory and Criticism. The GradDipAS will, depending on your prior academic studies, be structured as either a 150 point or 120 point programme that will be split across these areas:

120 points

• Architectural Design: 60 points
• Architectural Technology: 30 points
• Architectural Professional Studies: 15 points
• Architectural History, Theory, and Criticism: 15 points

150 points

• Architectural Design: 60 points
• Architectural Technology: 60 points
• Architectural Professional Studies: 15 points
• Architectural History, Theory and Criticism: 15 points

Duration of the GradDipAS programme: 1 year (120 points) or 1.5 years (150 points).

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Plan 1 120 points

  • Code:
    ARCHDES 300
    Name:
    Design 5
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHHTC 341
    Name:
    Worlds of Architecture
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHTECH 315
    Name:
    Design Technology III
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHDES 301
    Name:
    Design 6
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHPRM 305
    Name:
    Professional Studies 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHTECH 314
    Name:
    Environmental Design II
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Plan 2 150 points

  • Code:
    ARCHDES 300
    Name:
    Design 5
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHTECH 207
    Name:
    Design Technology I
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHTECH 315
    Name:
    Design Technology III
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHHTC 341
    Name:
    Worlds of Architecture
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHDES 301
    Name:
    Design 6
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHPRM 305
    Name:
    Professional Studies 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHTECH 210
    Name:
    Environmental Design 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHTECH 314
    Name:
    Environmental Design II
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

2025 entry requirements

Programme requirements

An application for the GradDipAS includes two sections: your prior academic studies and a portfolio of creative works. The entry requirements for our two programme options are:

150 points
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in interior architecture, interior design, spatial design or a similar discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a Grade Point Equivalent of 5 or higher.

120 points
You must have completed an undergraduate degree or three-year diploma in architectural studies, architectural technology or a similar discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a Grade Point Equivalent of 5 or higher.

Note
Due to the content of our undergraduate programmes, the GradDipAS is not intended for University of Auckland graduates, including those who have completed the University’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Selection into the GradDipAS programme will be based on the combined strength of your academic achievement, portfolio and written statement. All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work and a one-page written statement via the portfolio portal system SlideRoom. Your statement should tell us a bit about yourself, and why you would like to study architecture at the University of Auckland.

See the Portfolio Guidelines tab for detailed information on submitting a portfolio.

Note: If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no bands less than 5.5. For further information please see the International English Language Requirements.

Selection into the GradDipAS programme will be based on the combined strength of your academic achievement, portfolio and written statement. All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work and a one-page written statement via the portfolio portal system SlideRoom. Your statement should tell us a bit about yourself, and why you would like to study architecture at the University of Auckland.

See the Portfolio Guidelines tab for detailed information on submitting a portfolio.

Note: If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no bands less than 5.5. For further information please see the International English Language Requirements.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Graduate Diploma in Architectural Studies cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,857.60*
International students
NZ$49,666*

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 2025
8 December 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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. 

Written statement

This one-page document should outline your reasons for wanting to participate in the GradDipAS 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. 

Submit your portfolio, written statement and CV via the portfolio system SlideRoom by 8 December.

Contact us

If you have any queries about this programme, please contact our Postgraduate Adviser:

Dr Alessandro Premier
Email: alessandro.premier@auckland.ac.nz

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

This is a pathway programme. Upon successful completion of the GradDipAS, with the required Grade Point Average, you will be able to move directly into the Master of Architecture (Professional) or any one of the three combined masters degrees that build on it.

Further study options

See all study options

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.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

button for easy access to information about this qualification button for easy access to information about this qualification

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513