Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2026 Late Year Term – 1 December
2027 Semester One – 1 March
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

Programme overview

The Master of Architecture (MArch) is an advanced, independent investigation into a significant architectural question – pursued with creative depth, scholarly rigour, and critical ambition.

Suitable for graduates holding a professional or academic qualification in architecture or a closely related discipline, the MArch is a research-based programme in which you will develop and interrogate a body of architectural knowledge. The programme is structured to support sustained, focused investigation in design practice, theory, media, technology, sustainability, indigeneity, history, or heritage conservation.

The programme develops your capacity to practice architecture and critically reflect on, challenge, and contribute to its foundations and wider context, preparing graduates for leadership in research, practice, academia, and the public sector. It also provides a pathway to doctoral study.

Programme structure

You can choose to complete your MArch entirely as thesis, or as a substantial research portfolio alongside advanced coursework. Both options allow you to build an academic context around your investigations, concluding in the submission of a 35,000–40,000 word thesis.

MArch (120 points)

  • Thesis: 120 points
    or
  • Research portfolio: 90 points
  • Elective courses: 30 points
     

MArch (180 points)

  • Thesis: 120 points
  • Compulsory course: 15 points
  • Elective Courses: 45 points
     

Note: Te Pare School of Architecture, Planning, and Design offers postgraduate study in Architecture through the MArch and MArch(Prof) degrees. The MArch(Prof) and combined masters are professionally accredited by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA).

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

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Specialisations

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

2027 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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

    Master of Architecture (Professional) or Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

    Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

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-

Other pathways to study

Research 180 points

You must have completed the Bachelor of Architectural Studies from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    Honours or postgraduate degree in architecture or equivalent 

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    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

Select your study option:

You must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree, or at least a one-year postgraduate degree following a three-year undergraduate degree. This study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and in the field of architecture. You will need a GPE of 4.0. 

You must also submit a research proposal.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in architecture or equivalent which includes landscape architecture, interior architecture, or a similar discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a Grade Point Equivalent of 4.0 or higher.

Other pathways to study

If you have not completed the required prior qualifications, or do not meet the required GPE, the University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture programme is a suitable pathway into the MArch.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Architecture cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,555.60*
International students
NZ$55,484*

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 $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

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 2027
8 December 2026
Semester Two 2027
4 July 2027
Late Year Semester 2025
11 November 2025
Late Year Semester 2026
11 November 2026

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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit 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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

While MArch graduates often look to build a career in research and academia, you can also contribute to the industry as a designer, project manager, consultant or client liaison. Graduates have been known to utilise their creative thinking in other fields, such as film or web design.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Academic
  • Architectural historian
  • Architectural researcher/writer
  • Building industry consultant
  • Building technologist
  • Digital design professional
  • Cultural adviser
  • Design-based librarian or archivist

Further study options

See all study options

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?

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(09) 923 5025
Outside Auckland:
0800 61 62 63
International:
+64 9 373 7513