Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2026 Semester One – 2 March
2026 Semester Two – 20 July
Available locations
City
Points
240
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

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 alow you to explore an individual architectural design proposition, supported by a strong theoretical foundation.

Programme structure

The first year of the MArch(Prof) includes advanced studio courses and two taught seminars where you can choose between sustainable design, urban design, material and digital fabrication, and history and theory of architecture.
 
In your second year, you will complete a design-led thesis in a specific aspect of the built environment that interests you.
 
Our seminars and assessment critiques are often guided by leading professionals. This will give you the chance to network and gain valuable insight into real-world practice.  
 
Year One:
  • Core courses: 90 points
  • Elective courses: 30 points or 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. Learn more about the Elective Seminar options.
  • Thesis: 120 points

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 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 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
  • Name:
    Elective Seminar
    Type:
    Elective Seminar
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    ARCHDES 796A
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Thesis
    Points:
    60 pts
  • Code:
    ARCHDES 796B
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Thesis
    Points:
    60 pts

2025 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 option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

    Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme 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.

Other pathways to study

You must have completed your Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) 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. 

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 option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    An undergraduate degree in architecture or equivalent

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Research 240 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):

If you hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, such as spatial design or architectural technology, you may be eligible to transfer credit towards your Bachelor of Architectural Studies. For more information, please see External transfer of credit.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Architecture (Professional) cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,015.60*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

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
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

We welcome any questions you may have about this programme. Contact our postgraduate adviser:

Postgraduate Adviser
Dr Emilio Garcia
Email: e.garcia@auckland.ac.nz

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

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

Further study options

See all study options
Risha

Rishav Sarmah

Architecture school is your chance to experiment, develop your creative practice, and discover what kind of architect you want to be, says Rishav.

Read Rishav's story

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