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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

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.

Potential Careers

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

Student career planning services

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

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Late Year Term11 November 202601 December 202627 February 2027
2027 Semester One08 December 202601 March 202728 June 2027
2027 Semester Two04 July 202719 July 202715 November 2027
2027 Late Year Term11 November 202701 December 202726 February 2028

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on Key Dates

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

Entry Requirements

My highest qualification is from the University of Auckland

Programme Entry Requirements

University of Auckland Qualification

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.

4.0 - Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

You must have completed the Bachelor of Architectural Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

Research (120 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average in a Master of Architecture (Professional) or Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture

Research (180 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average in a Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Other Pathways to Study

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

My highest qualification is from another tertiary institution

English Language Entry Requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

For more information about the requirements and English proficiency tests, please see Postgraduate English language requirements.

Programme Entry Requirements External

Qualification from another tertiary institution

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.

4.0 - Grade Point Equivalent

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further Programme Entry Requirements External

Research (120 point)

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 4.0. 

You must also submit a research proposal.

Research (180 point)

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in architecture or equivalent which includes landscape architecture, interior architecture, or a similar discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a Grade Point Equivalent of 4.0 or higher.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

Other Pathways to Study External

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

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Regulations

Disclaimer

Please note that while regulations and course outlines for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Master of Architecture (Professional) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

3 Equivalence in Regulations 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Architecture Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in their first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree prior to enrolment in ARCHGEN 793. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Architecture cannot continue.

9 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

10 a The thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

11 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture or Postgraduate Certificate in Architecture.

Honours

12 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

13 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

14 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule/Programme Rules

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 120 to 180 points for one Specialisation from Master of Architecture Schedule, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism