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Any building you enter has a complex history—from concept, to design, and to construction.

Study Building Science and gain a solid understanding of what it takes to develop a building that’s efficient and sustainable and safe—fitting the needs of occupants now and in the future.

Gain expertise in the science, technology, and economics of creating buildings, as well as an understanding of architecture. Learn how to organise teams, plan the construction process, and manage contractors and construction sites.

Get the basics alongside Architecture students in the first year, then specialise in Sustainable Engineering Systems, Project Management, or both.

At the end of your Bachelor’s degree you can stay on and study for a Master of Building Science. You’ll graduate skilled and work ready.

portrait photo

Students learn the science behind a good building and how to use this knowledge to improve buildings.

Guy Marriage

Senior lecturer in Building Science and practising architect

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Learn from the best

Learn from internationally acclaimed researchers and thinkers.

Their experience and collaboration with industry professionals mean you'll get the best learning opportunities.

$2.33 billion

Value of the work carried out by contractors on the Canterbury Home Repair Programme (to Sept 2015).

Modelling the effect of the environment

Building Science students examining a model

Building Science students examining a model

Students examining a model as part of group work, which is an important part of the Building Science programme.

Warrander Studio house by Ben Sutherland

The Warrander Studio, a house project designed and built as part of the SARC 591 March(Prof) Thesis, by Ben Sutherland.

Whole building Northerly

Aerodynamic evaluation (northerly), of the 2005 Alvaro Siza Serpentine Pavilion, for BILD 421 Integrated Technologies, by Ethan Duff.

Wind break at 20m

Aerodynamic evaluation (windbreak at 20m), of the 2005 Alvaro Siza Serpentine Pavilion, for BILD 421 Integrated Technologies, by Ethan Duff.

Indie Swirls

Aerodynamic evaluation (indie swirls), of the 2005 Alvaro Siza Serpentine Pavilion, for BILD 421 Integrated Technologies, by Ethan Duff.

Atrium with Velocity Vectors

Aerodynamic analysis of wind velocity vectors on natural ventilation of the Atrium in the School of Architecture, for BILD 422 Sustainable Engineering Systems, by Riley Willis.

Particle trace

Aerodynamic analysis of wind velocity vectors on natural ventilation of the Atrium in the School of Architecture, for BILD 422 Sustainable Engineering Systems, by Riley Willis.

Wireframe particle trace

Aerodynamic analysis of wind velocity vectors on natural ventilation of the Atrium in the School of Architecture, for BILD 422 Sustainable Engineering Systems, by Riley Willis.

Real-world connections

Victoria University of Wellington's close ties with the industry and government mean you'll learn from leading professionals and get to work on real projects.

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

After you graduate

The University is an international leader in the field of building science and our graduates are in high demand. You might find work in project management, sustainable engineering design, or facilities and asset management.

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.

In the thick of it

The Wellington School of Architecture is near the famous Cuba Mall. Buskers, bars, food and fashion—perfect for inspiration or entertainment.

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Related subject areas

  • Architectural Studies

  • Art History

  • Design

  • History