Duration
Full-time: 30 months
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
300
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

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.

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

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
  • Name:
    Elective Seminar
    Type:
    Elective Seminar
    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
  • Code:
    ARCHPRM 701
    Name:
    Practice Management
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    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

2025 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 option
    Taught 300 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

    Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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 at least 60 points above Stage II.

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 option
    Taught 300 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    An undergraduate degree in architecture

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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.

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 Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,993.60*
International students
NZ$52,842*

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 2024
8 December 2023

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.

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

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?

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

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.

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