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

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Degree Plan
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

The Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design blends courses from two standalone masters programmes. In less time than it takes to complete the two degrees separately, you will gain a combined qualification to practice as a professional architect*.

The programme will build a sound platform for the realities of contemporary practice. During your studies, you will investigate the ecological, social and economic conditions that support great cities and urban spaces.

The MArch(Prof)UrbDes 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).

Read the full programme regulations for the Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design in the University of Auckland Calendar.

*If you wish to become a practising architect, you must complete this programme (or any of our MArch(Prof) programmes) as well as additional requirements from the registration boards.

Successful completion of a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design qualifies you to work as an architectural graduate, with the goal of gaining full professional registration. However, you can also contribute to the industry as an urban designer in a private or public organisation.

Architect (following successful completion of additional professional registration requirements)
Cultural adviser
Design consultant
Environmental planner
Policy analyst
Urban designer

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

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

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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.

Taught (300-point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Architecture Studies

Taught 300 points

You must have completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.

Your must have completed your degree within two years of commencing this programme.

If your BAS was completed more than two years prior to starting this programme, 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.

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

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.

The University’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree programme is a suitable pathway into this combined masters programme.

You may also be eligible to transfer credit towards your BAS if you hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, such as spatial design or architectural technology. For more information, see External transfer of credit.

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.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

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 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.

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.

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.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	08 December 2025	02 March 2026	29 June 2026

1 - 1

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

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

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant needs to meet the admission requirements for the Master of Architecture (Professional).

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.

2 a A student admitted to this degree must pass courses with a total value of 300 points.

b The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 340 points.

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

4 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.

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

6 A student enrolled for this degree must, before enrolment in ARCHDES 796, achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher over 120 points in the taught courses of this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design cannot continue.

7 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.

8 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.

9 a A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Architecture (Professional) once.

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

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

10 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

11 a A student must complete the requirements for this degree within five semesters if enrolled full-time or ten 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.

12 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.

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

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.