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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The BAS introduces you to the fundamental aspects of architecture. Through studio courses, real-world case studies, and future-based speculation projects, you'll develop your design skills and creative practice. You'll have access to software used in the industry as well as fully-equipped workshops to bring your concepts to life.

To become a professional architect, you require the Master of Architecture (Professional); or one of our associated combined masters programmes. This qualification is usually undertaken immediately following the BAS programme.  

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Becoming a practising architect is a common outcome for BAS graduates once registered. However, you can also contribute to the industry as a designer, project manager or consultant, or work in client liaison. Graduates have also been known to utilise their creative thinking in other fields, such as film or web design.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Architect (following successful completion of MArch(Prof) or one of the associated combined masters degrees and professional registration)
  • Architectural historian or writer
  • Building industry consultant
  • Digital design professional
  • Heritage or cultural consultant
  • Interior designer
  • Project manager

Some career paths may require further study.

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.

Experience the University

Video

Take a 360°tour with Architecture students

Enjoy a 360° virtual tour of some of the Architecture spaces on campus.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Overseas qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained outside New Zealand, view our international entry requirements


New Zealand secondary school qualificationsYou are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

Qualification and Score required

NCEA - 230

CIE - 280      

IB - 31


New Zealand tertiary qualifications

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.  

Grade required

4.7 Grade Point average Calculate your Grade Point Average

4.7 Grade Point equivalent Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Further requirements

Selection into the BAS 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. 

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelor degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

Selection into the BAS 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.

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.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other Pathways to Study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

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.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2027 Semester One01 March 2027

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on Key Dates

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies has one intake per year, with applications due 8 December. Study commences in Semester One of the following year.

Regulations

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.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

Duration and Total Points Value

1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme of the equivalent of six full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 360 points, unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.

Structure and Content

2 A student must pass courses with a total value of 360 points as listed in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies Schedule.

3 A student who is required to meet the Academic English Language Requirement, as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic English Language Requirement, of the University Calendar, may substitute an academic English language course approved by Senate or its representative for 15 points of General Education.

General Education Exemptions

4 a A student is exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules who has:

either

(i) completed an undergraduate degree at a tertiary institution

or

(ii) commenced study for this degree at a tertiary institution before 1 January 2006

or

(iii) been admitted to this degree having completed 120 points or more of degree-level study at another tertiary institution

or

(iv) completed a minimum of 50 points of study towards this degree in one semester at an overseas institution, either through an overseas exchange programme or through prior approval under the Credit Regulations. 

b A student who has been exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules must substitute the requirement with courses approved by the Head of School of Architecture and Planning.

c A student who has been fully exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules is nonetheless required to complete the Academic Integrity course.

Variations

5 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

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

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 360 points comprising:

  • 345 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points from General Education Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

General Education Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

No credit will be given for WTRAED 100.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Year 1
Semester One
People, Place and Design Studio
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Environmental and Social Justice
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Media for Spatial Practices
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Waipapa Taumata Rau: Engineering and Design for the Built Environment in Aotearoa New Zealand
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Design 2
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Architectural Media 2
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Modern Architecture and Urbanism
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
General Education Courses
15 Points

Or AELR course if required

Year 2
Semester One
Design 3
Compulsory Courses
30 Points
Architectural Media 3
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Design Technology 1
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Semester Two
Design 4
Compulsory Courses
30 Points
Postmodern and Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Environmental Design 1
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Year 3
Semester One
Design 5
Compulsory Courses
30 Points
Premodern Architecture and Urbanism
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Environmental Design 2
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Semester Two
Design 6
Compulsory Courses
30 Points
Project Management
Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Design Technology 2
Compulsory Courses
15 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

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