Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
Build on your knowledge of the designed environment and open the door to Master's level study.
Build on your knowledge of the designed environment and open the door to further postgraduate study in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning.
If you’re already working in the industry, the Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments (PGDipDE) can be completed part time and will give you up-to-date professional development.
Pathway towards a Master’s degree
You’ll study four postgraduate (400-level) courses in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning. The programme can be completed full time over one trimester, or (for domestic students) part time over at most two years.
The PGDipDE acts as a stepping stone towards five Master’s programmes:
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Architecture (Professional)
- Master of Interior Architecture
- Master of Landscape Architecture
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
Get the postgraduate Architecture and Design Innovation handbook
Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation handbook.
Download the handbook
What you'll study
You will receive a world-class education at the School of Architecture. During your studies, you will have access to state-of-the-art workshops, studios, and computer labs. You’ll learn through lectures, studio sessions, seminars, laboratories, and field trips. And you’ll be encouraged to learn, design, and create through different mediums.
In the studio sessions, you’ll be taught in person through interactive lectures, one-to-one design tutorials, small-group design tutorials, and informal and formal presentations.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Networking opportunities
Networking is a valuable part of your in-person study experience. You’ll have the opportunity to study alongside likeminded creatives, meet people working in the industry, and take part in public lectures.
Street life and city living
Students at Te Aro campus enjoy the vibrant Cuba street culture, great coffee, and shopping nearby—everything is easy to access in this compact city. Students also have access to the student services and resources of the University’s nearby Kelburn campus.
Live and study in New Zealand’s compact and vibrant capital. As well as being the country’s political, cultural, and creative hub, Wellington is a harbour city with easy access to the great outdoors.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree or equivalent qualification, with at least a B average.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.