Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Learn to design and shape the built environment—majoring in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Architecture History and Theory.

Design your environment

We are constantly shaping the physical world to meet new challenges—whether that’s tackling environmental sustainability, embracing new technologies, or responding to the changing ways people live and work. Architecture plays a key role in responding to these challenges.

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) lets you explore one of four majors: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Architectural History and Theory. In your first year, you’ll learn about all of these areas to build a broad foundation. In your second year, you’ll focus on the major that suits your interests and goals.

What you’ll learn

The BAS gives you the knowledge and practical skills to be an innovator in your area of study. You’ll develop the skills to design solutions that serve people, strengthen communities and cities, and protect the environment.

You’ll learn about the development, design, and planning of:

• houses
• high-rises
• infrastructure
• urban streets and squares
• water systems.

You’ll also learn about new sustainable construction technologies, ideas, and theories.

Get a taste for university

Watch this short taster lecture to help you decide which degree is right for you. If you're curious to explore more, check out our full library of taster lectures.

Become a registered professional

The BAS is the first step to becoming a registered architect or landscape architect. You’ll also need to complete the accredited Master of Architecture (Professional) or Master of Landscape Architecture afterwards.

• Master of Architecture (Professional)
• Master of Landscape Architecture

Once you’ve worked for about 3 years, you can register as a professional architect or landscape architect. Your accreditation will be recognised in New Zealand and around the world, opening doors to international opportunities.

Build your degree

Conjoint and double degrees

You can choose to combine your BAS with another degree in a conjoint or double degree. This will take you less time than completing two degrees separately. For instance, you might combine your BAS with the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc). Flexibility in our undergraduate degrees The BAS degree is highly structured, so you will have to do some careful planning to do a conjoint or double degree. Talk to a Student Adviser about making a plan. Find a Future Student Adviser

Specialise in Māori Design and Environments

You can study a BAS degree with a major in Architecture and specialise in Māori Design and Environments.

You’ll work with key concepts in Mātauranga Māori based in both practice and theory. You’ll develop key conceptual design skills that incorporate an understanding of kaupapa Māori through the use of novel multimedia exploration and craft.

Download our handbook

Fill in a form to find out more about your study options at the School of Architecture in our qualification handbook.

Cutting-edge facilities and equipment

During your study you’ll have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology in purpose-built studios.

You’ll make the most of resources such as 3D printers, photographic equipment, and a design library. You’ll also have access to specialist in-house support from staff and excellent workshop facilities for both hand-crafted and machine-made modelling.

Find out about the facilities, technology, and equipment on offer. Facilities—Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation

Learn design by doing design

The design studio is at the heart of our programme. You’ll interact with and learn collaboratively from academic staff, practicing architects, and postgraduate students—as well as learning teamwork with your peers.

You’ll be encouraged to think creatively and practice experimentally. You’ll address problem-based design projects that range from the abstract and conceptual to real-world scenarios.

You’ll gain an awareness of cultural practices like Mātauranga Māori and how to apply them to your design.

Design studio courses also provide a powerful platform to apply and explore principles that you learn in other courses, including:

• communication
• construction materials
• digital technologies
• history and theory
• spatial planning.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Year breakdown

When you study a BAS, your first year of study is an introduction, your second year is wider learning, and your third year focusses on detail.

First year

Your first year of the BAS will give you a solid understanding of the built environment—both in New Zealand and globally.

You’ll study eight core introductory courses. The BAS and Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) share first-year core courses. Some will introduce you to the concepts, history, and theory of design, as well as the ways that design is communicated. Other courses focus on the technology used in creating the built environment in a sustainable way.

By the end of your first year, you’ll have a strong grasp of the main ideas, vocabulary, and technology of the architectural world. You’ll also have a good idea of what you want to study from there.

Second year

This is the year you begin to focus on your chosen major—Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Architecture History and Theory.

Depending on your major, your study will look closely at specific areas like building technologies, culture and heritage, design communication, and site systems and ecology. Each major brings together the courses that best support your learning in that area.

The number of places in the second year of each BAS major is limited, and entry is based on your academic performance. Architecture and Design—Limited entry

Third year

In your third year of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, you’ll delve even further into your chosen subject and apply what you’ve learned to large-scale projects and research assignments.

You’ll gain strong knowledge in a specific area and learn how to apply it. Your third year will prepare you to continue on to fourth year Master’s-level courses.

Postgraduate study

At the end of your Bachelor’s degree, you can continue to study for a Master’s degree or other postgraduate qualification.

We offer a range of postgraduate study options based on your area of interest.

• Postgraduate Architecture
• Postgraduate Landscape Architecture
• Postgraduate Interior Architecture
• Postgraduate Architecture History and Theory
• Doctor of Philosophy.

Get a Master’s degree

You’ll need a Master’s degree to be formally recognised by the professional bodies of architecture and landscape architecture.

Future careers with your degree

Bachelor of Architectural Studies graduates complete their degrees with a mix of in-demand creative, problem-solving, interpersonal, and technical skills.