Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments

Enhance your knowledge of how the built environment is designed by completing a GDipDE in an area of architecture you haven't studied before.

This 120-point Diploma provides a way to add depth to your BAS or BBSc or similar degree, and can act as a stepping stone to Master's study. If you're already working in the industry, the Diploma will give you up-to-date professional development in your area of interest.

Choose from a variety of specialist learning options in areas within the built environment including architecture, landscape, and building science.

You'll study a combination of courses from 200 to 400 level. The Diploma gives you the flexibility to choose courses that fit your career goals, and can help you decide on a topic for your Master's research if you intend to do a Master of Architectural Studies.

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. Victoria University of Wellington ranks in the top 1 percent of the world’s universities in 15 subject areas (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). 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

• 170+ subjects
• 18 undergraduate programmes
• 180 postgraduate programmes
• 40+ research institutes
• 4 libraries
• 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
• 140+ clubs and societies.
  
  

Top rankings

• 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
• #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest six-yearly assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
• Top 2 percent of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• Top 100 in the world in 10 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Victoria University of Wellington consistently ranks among the world's best universities. In addition to receiving Five Stars Plus in the latest QS Stars audit, the University earned five stars in each of the eight audited categories: arts, employability, facilities, inclusiveness, global engagement, research, teaching, and library and information management.

Graduate outcomes*

• 96% of students employed within 6 months of graduating
• 76% were in full-time employment.

*Based on those who completed the 2022–2023 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.

Student support

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:

• help with international applications and admissions
• 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
• personal, cultural, and academic support and referrals
• Studentsafe insurance support
• student visa support.

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 Wellington International Leadership Programme, which is also free to join.

The University’s campuses

We have three main campuses, each focused on specific areas of study. These are the Kelburn campus, Pipitea campus, and Te Aro campus, and they are all within walking distance from one another around Wellington city. Students may also be eligible for a free bus pass if they are travelling between campuses for classes on the same day.