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Overview

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.

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.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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

MArch(Prof) - Master of Architecture (Professional)

MArch(Prof)HerCons - Master of Architecture (Professional) and Heritage Conservation

MArch(Prof)UrbDes - Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design

MArchProfUrbPlanProf - Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional)

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

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry 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 Entry 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 by 8 December. Your statement should tell us a bit about yourself, and why you would like to study architecture at the University of Auckland.

English language requirements

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.

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. 

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 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this graduate diploma 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 programme, a student needs to have completed the requirements for:

either

a (i) a Bachelors degree in interior architecture, interior design, spatial design or an equivalent qualification, as approved by Senate or its representative

and

(ii) achieved a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher for their entry qualification

or

b (i) a Bachelor of Architectural Studies with a major in architectural technology or a three-year Diploma in Architecture or the equivalent, as approved by Senate or its representative

and

(ii) achieved a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher for their entry qualification.

2 Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of work that provides evidence that they have an appropriate level of skill in architectural design and graphic communication.

Duration and Total Points Value

3 A student admitted to this graduate diploma under Regulation 1a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 150 points

and

b complete within three semesters.

4 A student admitted to this graduate diploma under Regulation 1b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within two semesters.

Structure and Content

5 A student enrolled for this graduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Graduate Diploma in Architectural Studies Schedule.

6 The programme for each student requires the approval of the Head of School of Architecture and Planning or nominee.

7 Cross-credits will not be granted towards the Graduate Diploma in Architectural Studies.

8 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Variations

9 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

10 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2021.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of the Head of School of Architecture and Planning or nominee.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 150 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 150 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

150 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

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