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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

If you wish to become a practising architect, you must complete the MArch(Prof) programme or one of our associated combined masters programmes (followed by additional requirements from the registration boards).

The MArch(Prof) 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).

Following a year of advanced study, you will complete a design thesis. This will allow you to explore an individual architectural design proposition, supported by a strong theoretical foundation.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Successful completion of an MArch(Prof) qualifies you to work as an architectural graduate, with the goal of gaining full professional registration. You can also contribute to the industry as a designer, project manager, consultant or client liaison. Graduates also utilise their creative thinking in other fields, such as film or web design.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Architect (following successful completion of additional professional registration requirements)
  • Building industry consultant
  • Digital design professional
  • Heritage or cultural consultant
  • Project manager
  • Urban designer

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

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements


University of Auckland 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Research (240-point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average                                                             

Bachelor of Architecture Studies   

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Research 240 points

If your BAS was completed more than two years prior to starting your MArch(Prof), 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.

Submit your portfolio, written statement and CV via the portfolio system Slideroom by 8 December.

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.

Other Pathways to Study

You must have completed your Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) from this University with a GPA of 4.0 or higher over 60 points above Stage II. You must have completed your degree within two years of commencing the MArch(Prof). 

If you have no more than 20 points remaining to complete your BAS, and have an average grade of B (or higher) in your final year of study, you may still apply for entry into the MArch(Prof).

You will need to complete your remaining BAS points within 12 months of enrolling in the MArch(Prof).

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. 

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

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
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 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 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 must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0, 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.

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

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant 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.

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

4 A student admitted to this degree must pass courses with a total value of 240 points.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 280 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Architecture (Professional) Schedule.

7 A student who has not completed ARCHPRM 305, ARCHTECH 314, 315 or equivalent courses must complete one or both of ARCHPRM 700, ARCHTECH 706 as approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

8 The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director.

9 A student enrolled for this degree must, before enrolment in the thesis component, achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher over 90 points in the taught courses of this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Architecture (Professional) cannot continue.

10 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

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

b The thesis topic and mode of presentation must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment in the thesis. The mode of presentation will normally include an exhibition of finished work (including some or all of digital, graphic and/or three-dimensional components) and an oral presentation of the finished work to examiners, supervisors, academic staff and other students in the cohort being examined.

c The exhibition and oral presentation shall be organised by the Programme Director in consultation with faculty academic services.

d The exhibition and oral presentation will be followed by the submission of the thesis.

e Recordings of exhibitions and oral presentations are not deposited in the University Library, nor deposited with the University’s digital repository.

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

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 a A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) once.

b A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Architecture (Professional) and Heritage Conservation once.

c A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design once.

d A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Architecture (Professional) to the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Studies.

e All courses that can be reassigned must be reassigned including courses not completed.

Distinction

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

Deadlines for Completion

14 a A student must complete the requirements for this degree within four semesters if enrolled full-time or eight semesters if enrolled part-time or equivalent.

b A student enrolled in this degree must complete their thesis by the date approved by the Programme Director which will be no earlier than the last day of the twelfth week in the final semester of enrolment and no later than the last day of the final semester of enrolment.

c With the approval of the Programme Director a student may submit their thesis up to 12 months after the student’s initial enrolment in the thesis if enrolled full-time, or its part-time equivalent.

Variations

15 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

16 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

A student who has not completed ARCHPRM 305, ARCHTECH 314, 315 or equivalent courses must complete one or both of ARCHPRM 700, ARCHTECH 706 as approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director.

Programme Schedules

Complete 240 points comprising:

  • 90 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 30 points from Elective Courses, and
  • 120 points for all Thesis, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Compulsory Courses

Complete 90 points for ALL of the following:

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Up to 30 points may be substituted from other approved 700 level courses offered at this University.

Thesis

Complete 120 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Master of Architecture (Professional)

Year 1
Semester One
Advanced Design 1
Compulsory Courses
30.0 Points
Practice Management
Compulsory Courses
15.0 Points
Elective Courses
15.0 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Advanced Design 2
Compulsory Courses
30.0 Points
Design as Research
Compulsory Courses
15.0 Points
Elective Courses
15.0 Points
Year 2
Semester One
Thesis - Level 9
Thesis
60.0 Points
Semester Two
Thesis - Level 9
Thesis
60.0 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