Programme overview
The Master of Architecture (Professional) and Heritage Conservation (MArch(Prof)HerCons) will give you a sound platform for the realities of contemporary practice.
In less time than it takes to complete both degrees separately, you will gain the qualification necessary to practice as a professional architect*, as well as develop the skills and knowledge to assess, value and work with heritage buildings.
This programme 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).
*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.
Programme structure
This programme combines courses from both standalone masters programmes.
Through taught seminars and studios, you will further your design and theoretical skills, as well as learning how to accurately assess the condition of buildings and how they can be preserved or adapted. You will be able to explore areas of interest and submit a design thesis of personal research.
Seminars and assessment critiques are often led by leading practitioners, giving you the chance to network and gain valuable insight into the profession.
- Core courses: 150 points
- Elective courses: 30 points. Find out more about Elective Seminar options.
- Thesis: 120 points
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- HERCONS 700
- Name:
- Heritage Processes
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- HERCONS 701
- Name:
- Heritage Assessment and Conservation Planning
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- HERCONS 702
- Name:
- Conservation of Materials
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- HERCONS 703
- Name:
- Diagnosis and Adaptation
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 702
- Name:
- Adaptive Reuse
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHGEN 703
- Name:
- Design as Research
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective Seminar
- Type:
- Elective Seminar
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 700
- Name:
- Advanced Design 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHPRM 701
- Name:
- Professional Studies 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective Seminar
- Type:
- Elective Seminar
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 796A
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Thesis
- Points:
- 60 pts
Year 3 60 points
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 796B
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Thesis
- Points:
- 60 pts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
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.
-
Study optionTaught 300 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Further programme requirements
Taught 300 points
You must have completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) with a GPA of 4.0 over 90 points at Stage III, and a GPA of 5.0 over 75 points at Stage III.
You 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.
Submit your portfolio, written statement and CV via the portfolio system Slideroom by 8 December.
Programme requirements
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.
-
Study optionTaught 300 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
An undergraduate degree in architecture
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 300 points
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.
Other pathways to study
The University’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree 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.
How much does a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Heritage Conservation cost per year?
2023 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,171.60*
- International students
- NZ$48,622*
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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
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.
Key dates
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.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2024
- 8 December 2023
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 27 February |
---|---|
Ends – 26 June |
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study at the School of Architecture and Planning. Contact our postgraduate adviser:
Postgraduate Adviser
Dr Julia Gatley
Email: julia.gatley@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
Successful completion of an MArch(Prof)HerCons 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 heritage conservationist, historian or consultant.
Jobs related to this programme
- Architect (following successful completion of additional professional registration requirements)
- Architectural historian
- Building technologist
- Conservation architect
- Cultural adviser
- Heritage consultant

Daniel made the switch from Sydney to Auckland so he could combine his passion for Heritage Conservation with a professional qualification in Architecture.
Read Daniel's storyStudent career planning service
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