Master of Architecture

Take your undergraduate learning further or deepen your architectural practice by researching a particular aspect of architecture.

Gain expertise through research

Delve deeper into the history and theory of architecture with the research and thesis-based Master of Architecture (MArch).

In this Master’s programme, you’ll complete a detailed piece of research. This will help you develop your critical thinking, analysis, and discussion skills. You’ll increase your understanding of how architectural history and theory are applied to design. You’ll also learn to express your own ideas and conclusions within a robust theoretical framework.

This qualification might suit you if you want to build on your knowledge from undergraduate study. It might also suit you if you already work in architecture and want to use research to deepen your understanding of a particular aspect of it.

If you’re interested in studying to become a professional architect, you should look at the Master of Architecture (Professional).

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

Choosing your thesis topic

Choose a thesis topic that reflects your current knowledge of the intellectual, technical, aesthetic, and cultural conditions of architecture.

You’ll get quality supervision and support from passionate staff with excellent reputations for teaching, research, and publishing.

Talk to your superviser to find out if you can include media such as a drawing portfolio or video with your thesis submission.

Past research topics include:

• architectural and urban design processes
• sustainability in architecture
• architectural history, theory, and criticism
• energy and environmental design of buildings, including sustainable design.

Part-time study option

Studying part time for 20 hours a week, you can complete a MArch in a minimum of six trimesters.

Make sure you take this into account if you are balancing work or other commitments.

Duration and workload

The Master of Architecture can be completed within three trimesters—or one calendar year—of full-time study.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.

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.

Future careers

The MArch adds a new level of expertise to your practice. The research skills and knowledge you gain will could support you in a role such as:

• architectural conservator
• archivist
• museum researcher
• critic or writer
• curator
• historian
• librarian.

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

• Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships

The Wellington School of Architecture has a variety of scholarships and awards available to their students.

Applicable scholarships

• John Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Work opportunities

Work as a research assistant

You may be able to work as a research assistant while you study. These are short fixed-term contracts where you assist an academic on a specific research project.

These contracts are decided in negotiation with academics in an area of interest.

Work as a tutor

You may be able to tutor undergraduate Architecture courses. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, contact the tutor coordinator. Sometimes academic staff will seek out tutors for their classes.

Join our postgraduate community

Through postgraduate study, you’ll build valuable relationships and networks with peers, University staff, and future colleagues. Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Industry connections

The Wellington School of Architecture has industry connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations.

Advance your expertise with a PhD

If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a PhD. Find out more about studying a PhD in the School of Architecture.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.