Programme overview
The Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) (MArch(Prof)UrbPlan(Prof)) will give you a sound platform for the realities of contemporary practice.
In less time than it takes to complete the two degrees separately, you will gain the qualification necessary to practice as a professional architect*, and the skills to shape the economic, social, environmental and cultural development of our urban spaces.
This programme has received its professional accreditation and is 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), as well as the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
*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 the two standalone masters programmes.
Through taught seminars and studios, you will further your design and theoretical skills and examine a range of local and international examples of best urban planning practice. 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: 240 points
- Elective course: 30 points. Learn about the Elective Seminar options.
- Thesis: 90 points
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year one 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
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 701
- Name:
- Urban Planning Contexts
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 701
- Name:
- Advanced Design 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHGEN 703
- Name:
- Design as Research
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 706
- Name:
- Māori Planning Issues
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year two 120 points
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 702
- Name:
- Urban Planning Law
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 707
- Name:
- Urban Economic Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 709
- Name:
- Housing and Community Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 711
- Name:
- Urban Planning Theory
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 716
- Name:
- Contemporary Wicked Problem Studio
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 717
- Name:
- Community Design Studio
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
Year three 120 points
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 797A
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective Seminar
- Type:
- Elective taught courses
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- ARCHDES 797B
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Thesis
- Points:
- 60 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective Seminar
- Type:
- Elective taught courses
- Points:
- 15 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 360 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Further programme requirements
Taught 360 points
You must have completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) with a GPA of 4.0 in 90 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 360 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
An undergraduate degree in architecture or equivalent
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 360 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
University of Auckland programmes that are suitable alternative pathways into the MArch(Prof)UrbPlan(Prof):
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS)
- Graduate Diploma in Architectural Studies (GradDipAS)
If you hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, such as spatial design or architectural technology, you may also be eligible to transfer credit towards your Bachelor of Architectural Studies. For more information, please see External transfer of credit.
How much does a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,993.60*
- International students
- NZ$52,842*
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 $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 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 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 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 advisers:
Postgraduate Adviser
Dr Lee Beattie
Email: l.beattie@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
Successful completion of a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) qualifies you to work as an architectural graduate, with the goal of gaining full professional registration, or as an urban planner with enhanced design skills. You can also contribute in a variety of roles in a private or public organisation, as well as parallel roles within the industry.
Jobs related to this programme
- Architect (following successful completion of additional professional registration requirements)
- Cultural adviser
- Environmental planner
- Policy analyst
- Urban planner
- Urban designer
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513