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There’s more to Architectural Studies than just sketching a building design. It involves understanding what the building is for, who's going to use it, how the structure works, and how it will fit in with the surrounding landscape.

Today we face challenges such as environmental sustainability, the evolution of technology, and the changing needs of human inhabitation. As we respond to these challenges, we are constantly making and remaking the physical world. At the Wellington School of Architecture you will be a part of this.

You’ll work in world-class design studios and use state-of-the-art tools and software to become an innovator in the science, design, or construction of buildings and landscapes.

Your study will bring together history, theory, technology, and communications. You’ll be equipped to consider—and contribute solutions to—today’s most pressing challenges around contemporary architecture practice and the built environment, both locally and globally.

Our programmes span a range of disciplines at the core of the built environment. And they’ve been developed to meet the growing needs of the design and building sectors.

Learn from experts

The Wellington School of Architecture is known worldwide for its quality research and teaching—you'll learn from lecturers who are industry leaders.

Take a look at our public lectures to find out more about what we do.

Download our handbook

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

Get the handbook

Māori Design and Environments

BAS degrees with majors in Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture can be taken with a specialisation in Māori Design and Environments.

In your second or third year, you’ll be able to study dedicated courses such as SARC 216 Mātauranga Māori and the Built and Natural Environment. These courses will complement existing course content, allowing you to focus on specific approaches underpinned by mātauranga Māori. Students taking this specialisation will work with key concepts in mātauranga Māori based in both practice and theory that will prepare them for working in their respective creative industries. You will have the opportunity to develop key conceptual design skills that incorporate an understanding of kaupapa Māori through the use of novel multimedia exploration and craft.

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Within the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, we are really mentored by the best and we work closely with our peers and lecturers, which makes for a very collaborative learning environment.

Josh Horne

Bachelor of Architecture Studies student in Interior Architecture

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Designing ideas

Plan B Hive: An Outpost in the Hinterland, for SARC 591 March(Prof) Thesis, by Ben Allnatt.

Plan B Hive: An Outpost in the Hinterland, for SARC 591 MArch(Prof) Thesis, by Ben Allnatt.

Prison + Education + Architecture, a model of a proposed new law school, for ARCI 311 Architecture Design, by Thomas Zahner

A Space of My Own, for SARC 111 Introduction to Design, by Mitra Homolja.

School of Music, for ARCI 312 Architecture Design Integration, by Elyana Roach.

Cabin of Curiosity (infill house, Antico Street, Newtown, Wellington), for ARCI 212 Design studio, by Jesse Ewart.

Arkhitekton

The word architecture comes from the Greek work arkhitekton, meaning ‘chief builder’.

Where to next

At the end of your Bachelor’s degree, you can continue to study for a Master’s degree or a PhD—both of which are recognised worldwide. We offer a range of postgraduate qualifications in our six disciplines.

Our professional Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees meet the academic requirements for professional registration as an architect or landscape architect.

After you graduate

Architectural Studies graduates have a reputation for having the creative, technical, and communication skills to deliver innovative work. You might start by working for a company or consultancy—and then go on to set up your own business.

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The campus is near Cuba Street, with plenty of cafés and restaurants. The tone of the city creates a vibrant backdrop, allowing creativity to flow.

Jesse Ewart, Ngāti Kahungunu

Bachelor of Architectural Studies student in Architecture

Creative campus

You'll have the opportunity to experience exhibitions, public lectures, seminars, and conferences featuring the School's research.

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My time at the Wellington School of Architecture has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is really cool to be able to look back at past projects and see the growth and development of my work. This is such a supportive and creative programme to be involved in.

Mariana Restrepo Sierra

Master of Interior Architecture student

Support for students

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you get the best out of your time at university.

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Related subject areas

  • Art History

  • Building Science

  • Design

  • Geography

  • History