Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2024 Late Year Term – 1 December
2025 Semester One – 3 March
Available locations
City
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

Programme overview

The Master of Architecture is a research-based programme that allows you to further develop your personal interests, choosing to specialise in either architecture or sustainable design. Your study will be self-directed, with support from an academic supervisor from our nationally and internationally recognised staff, featuring leading practitioners, designers and scholars.

Important: The MArch is not a professionally accredited qualification and will not prepare you for professional registration.

Programme structure

You can choose to complete your MArch entirely as research, or combine your research with coursework.

Both options allow you to build an academic context around your architectural investigations, concluding in the submission of a 35,000–40,000 word thesis.

Research masters

  • Thesis: 120 points

or

  • Research portfolio: 90 points
  • Elective courses: 30 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.

Specialisations

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

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
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

    Bachelor of Architecture, Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture, or Master of Architecture (Professional)

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Research 120 points

You must have completed the Bachelor of Architecture, Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture, or Master of Architecture (Professional) with a GPA of 5.0 in your final year.  

You must also submit a research proposal.

Other pathways to study

The University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture is a suitable pathway into the MArch for those who do not hold the required entrance qualifications and/or do not meet the GPA requirement.

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
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    An undergraduate degree in architecture or equivalent 

  • 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

Research 120 points

You must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree, or at least a one-year postgraduate degree following a three-year undergraduate degree. This study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and in the field of architecture. You will need a GPE of 5.0. 

You must also submit a research proposal.

Other pathways to study

If you have not completed the required prior qualifications, or do not meet the required GPE, the University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture programme is a suitable pathway into the MArch.

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 cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,015.60*
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 $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.

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

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

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
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025
Late Year Semester 2025
11 November 2025

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 this programme. Contact our postgraduate adviser:
 
Postgraduate Adviser 
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?

While MArch graduates often look to build a career in research and academia, you can also contribute to the industry as a designer, project manager, consultant or client liaison. Graduates have been known to utilise their creative thinking in other fields, such as film or web design.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Academic
  • Architectural historian
  • Architectural researcher/writer
  • Building industry consultant
  • Building technologist
  • Digital design professional
  • Cultural adviser
  • Design-based librarian or archivist

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.

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