Master of Architectural Science – MArchSc
Extend your expertise in building science and focus on managing the development and ongoing performance of the built environment. Increase your understanding of the connections between architecture, engineering, testing, and building research.
Find out about your options for postgraduate Architectural Science qualifications and discover what and how you'll study.
Qualification family structure
There are four qualifications available in postgraduate Architectural Science:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science
- Master of Architectural Science
- Master of Architectural Science (Research)
These are ‘staircased’, so you can complete the courses required for the Certificate or Diploma and then continue your study to complete the Master of Architectural Science. If you enrol in the MArchSc but can’t complete it for whatever reason, you may have enough points to be awarded the Certificate or Diploma.
The Master of Architectural Science (Research) involves an additional year after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science, during which you’ll conduct independent research and write your thesis.
Select your programme
Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Science
Warning
As an international student, you cannot enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Science.
The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Science takes one trimester to complete when studied full time. You can complete it on its own as an introduction to postgraduate architectural science, or continue your study with the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science.
Subjects
There are three subjects to choose from in the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science: Construction Law, Project Management, or Sustainable Engineering Systems.
Specialise in Construction Law if you’re interested in the legal side of the construction industry. You’ll gain advanced expertise in contract law, Māori land law, and Indigenous land rights, while developing your knowledge of legal and dispute-resolution issues in the industry.
Choose Project Management and gain the skills required to manage a construction project, including contract management, design integration, and performance monitoring. You’ll graduate with the most up-to-date techniques and tools used to manage projects and built facilities.
Specialise in Sustainable Engineering Systems and you’ll focus on developing energy- and resource-efficient systems for the built environment. Learn how to evaluate the sustainability of existing buildings and facilities, with assessment systems used in New Zealand and worldwide.
Other programmes
Master of Architectural Science
Master of Architectural Science (Research)
Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science
Workload
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are planning to work while studying.
Advance your expertise with PhD study
If you complete the Master of Architectural Science (Research), you may be able to apply to do a PhD. This is the highest academic qualification offered by the University and involves original and sustained research under supervision.
PhD students are supported by the Wellington Faculty of Graduate Research (WFGR), which also handles all applications.
Before applying, you should talk to the Chair of the School of Architecture Research Committee about available supervision for PhD study in architecture.
Previous
Qualification overviewNext
Requirements