Each year, you'll need to spend about $750-$900 on course-related materials.
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Architectural Technology) or (Interior Architecture)
Prepare to work as an Architectural Technologist or Interior Architect or for the further study needed if you want to become a Registered Architect. Build your skills in drawing, computer-aided design, building science, construction and communication, while learning in our new, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailor your degree through a range of elective options.
Domestic
International
Domestic
Duration
3 Years Full-time
5 Years Part-time
Level
7
Credits
360
Fees
$9,615
*Approximate first year tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February
About the programme
Gain the skills you need to pursue a career in architectural design and the building industry.
Prepare to work as an Architectural Technologist or Interior Architect or for the further study needed if you want to become a Registered Architect. In addition, develop your awareness of the social responsibilities of designers and technologists within the built environment.
This programme will give you the analytical and conceptual skills to put your creative ideas into practice, and the academic skills to pursue higher levels of study. You will have the knowledge and skills in drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), building construction and science to bring your designs to life in accordance with legislation and codes.
Elective options will enable you to choose specialist areas that interest you most, you’ll have the chance to demonstrate your talent through design competitions and will gain fantastic work prospects and opportunities to design locally, nationally and internationally.
Studying part-time
We know that full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer a part-time option where you can study over five years.
Further study and becoming a Registered Architect
In New Zealand, you can’t legally call yourself an Architect unless you’re registered by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). If you want to become an Architect, you’ll need to complete this degree (or equivalent) and a two-year Master of Architecture (Professional) to meet the study component of registration with the NZRAB. You’ll also need three (plus) years of professional experience.
Our Master of Architecture (Professional) programme is the only of its kind in the South Island. You’ll develop advanced knowledge of complex architectural and heritage design opportunities in New Zealand, undertake a major research project, and explore what it takes to collaboratively create first-class architectural works that promote ethical and ecologically-sustainable approaches.
You’ll also have the opportunity to select a wide range of elective courses and do 480 hours of work experience giving you valuable industry insights and experience.
International
Duration
3 Years Full-time
Level
7
Credits
360
Fees
$26,000
*Approximate first year tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February
About the programme
Gain the skills you need to pursue a career in architectural design and the building industry.
Prepare to work as an Architectural Technologist or Interior Architect or for the further study needed if you want to become a Registered Architect. In addition, develop your awareness of the social responsibilities of designers and technologists within the built environment.
This programme will give you the analytical and conceptual skills to put your creative ideas into practice, and the academic skills to pursue higher levels of study. You will have the knowledge and skills in drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), building construction and science to bring your designs to life in accordance with legislation and codes.
Elective options will enable you to choose specialist areas that interest you most, you’ll have the chance to demonstrate your talent through design competitions and will gain fantastic work prospects and opportunities to design locally, nationally and internationally.
Studying part-time
We know that full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer a part-time option where you can study over five years.
Further study and becoming a Registered Architect
In New Zealand, you can’t legally call yourself an Architect unless you’re registered by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). If you want to become an Architect, you’ll need to complete this degree (or equivalent) and a two-year Master of Architecture (Professional) to meet the study component of registration with the NZRAB. You’ll also need three (plus) years of professional experience.
From 2023, we will be offering the Master of Architecture (Professional) – this programme is still subject to final approval and we’ll be adding more detailed information as soon as we can.
Offered for the first time at a location in the South Island, you’ll develop advanced knowledge of complex architectural and heritage design opportunities in New Zealand, undertake a major research project, and explore what it takes to collaboratively create first-class architectural works that promote ethical and ecologically-sustainable approaches.
You’ll also have the opportunity to select a wide range of elective courses and do 480 hours of work experience giving you valuable industry insights and experience.
What you study
Workload
Entry
Fees
What You Study
This programme offers two specialisation options: Architectural Technology or Interior Architecture.
You will learn about architectural design theory as well as the evolution of architectural design through time. You will also learn how to communicate relevant information effectively to the various stakeholders of the industry.
During year one and semester one of year two, you will study core courses such as Contextual Studies and Architectural Science. From semester two of year two, you will start to choose a series of electives depending on your area of interest.
| Course | Level | Credits | Description |
|
Contextual studies 1 |
5 |
15 |
Be introduced to key themes and ideas central to the creative industries. This is based on an overview of significant theories informing creative practice across a range of historical and cultural contexts. |
|
Architectural Science |
5 |
15 |
Develop your knowledge of relevant aspects of building science in order to solve discrete problems as applied to the built environment. |
|
Construction |
5 |
15 |
Learn about the technologies, materials, manufacturing techniques and construction methods as applied to the built environment. |
|
Architectural Design Studio 1 |
5 |
30 |
Be introduced to the fundamentals, theory and practice of design as it applies to the practice of architecture. Develop visual and presentation skills through drawn media, model making and verbal communication. |
|
Documentation Foundation |
5 | 15 |
Develop your understanding of methodologies, techniques and processes to present organise and communicate architectural solutions clearly and appropriately, and develop your technical documentation. |
| Architectural Communication | 5 | 15 | Develop your understanding of methodologies, techniques and processes to present organise and communicate architectural design concepts, and develop your perceptual awareness, visual, compositional, observational and conceptual skills. |
|
Documentation Studio 1 |
5 |
15 |
To advance your understanding of methodologies, techniques and processes to present organise and communicate architectural solutions clearly and appropriately, and to advance your technical documentation. |
|
Contextual Studies 2 |
6 |
15 |
Extend your ability to research, analyse and discuss theories shaping creative practice across a range of cultural and historical contexts. |
|
Architectural Technologies |
6 |
30 |
Further develop your knowledge of relevant aspects of building technologies in order to solve problems as applied to the built environment. |
|
Architectural Design Studio 2 |
6 |
30 |
Extend your understanding of architectural form, space and geometry, surface and textures. Apply theory to real-world scenarios. |
|
Documentation Studio 2 |
6 |
30 |
Further develop your understanding of methodologies, techniques and processes to present, organise and communicate architectural solutions clearly and appropriately. |
|
Research Project |
7 |
15 |
Develop the skills to conduct and report research under supervision. |
|
Architectural Design Studio 3 |
7 |
30 |
Develop the theory and practice of the design of architecture. |
|
Design studio Major |
7 |
30 |
Take the opportunity to apply architectural design or documentation activity, and to generate your own focus of study and to work independently in a self-directed manner. |
|
ELECTIVES* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Building Typologies |
7 |
30 |
Analyse key design aspects and challenges of various common building typologies and employ key design considerations. |
|
Furniture Design 1 |
6 |
15 |
Develop the theory and practice of designing furniture. |
|
Restoration and Conservation 1 |
6 |
15 |
Explore a range of techniques and principles required for solving design problems relating to the restoration and conservation of buildings. |
|
Sustainable Practice |
6 |
15 |
Evolve as sustainable practitioners by developing a theoretical and practical understanding of community resilience, place identity and sustainable material cultures. |
|
Furniture Design 2 |
7 |
15 |
Advance the knowledge, skills and awareness that you gained in Furniture Design 1 and develop an enhanced understanding of furniture design. |
|
Computer Aided Communication 2 |
6 |
15 |
Draw, manipulate, customise and manage complex 3D Computer Aided Design Drawings/graphics employing a variety of currently available software packages used by the industry. |
|
New Zealand Architects |
7 |
15 |
Extend your understanding of the ideas of architectural thinkers and how their concepts informed architectural design in New Zealand. |
|
Architectural Internship |
7 |
15 |
Embrace the opportunity to operate at an entry level in an Architectural or Interior Architecture design office/practice. You will make a creditable application for ongoing employment in the building industry and self-analyse your performance against employers’ expectations. Eligibility for internships is at the discretion of the Programme Leader and requires a minimum of a B grade in all of the following subjects: BACS500, BAAS500, BACT500, BADE500, BADS500 and BADS600 (all of year 1 plus documentation studio 2). |
|
BIM Project |
7 |
15 |
Learn about the principles of BIM (Building Information Modelling) and its application to collaborative interdisciplinary design, construction and use of building developments. Topics include: project organisation, coding and protocols, BIM deliverables, component standardisation, levels of development, appropriate software, interoperability, project visualisation and design. |
|
Special Topic |
6/7 |
15 |
Carry out an independent study in your area of specialty. |
|
* not all offered in any one year |
|||
Workload
Your workload
Workload is 40 hours per week, with about two thirds of that time spent in a directed learning environment. Learning activities include lectures, seminars, tutorials, Moodle discussion, audio/video analysis, site visits and/or attendance of performances and exhibitions (if available).
Entry
Entry requirements
- NCEA Level 3
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
- 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
Alternative requirements
- Evidence of literacy, numeracy and an ability to study at the appropriate level. This can be through study, work and/or life experience. Otago Polytechnic literacy assessments are available.
International students will be individually assessed to ensure they have an acceptable level of secondary school achievement.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Other requirements
- You must provide a portfolio and cover letter. Please see 'Your portfolio' section below for more details.
- Applicants should be motivated and talented individuals with a strong interest in and aptitude for the technological and/or creative fields of architecture.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
We've got certificate pathway options to help you build the skills you need. Email us and we can help you find the pathway that's right for you.
Your portfolio
You need to submit a portfolio that demonstrates your design, graphic and/or art skills equivalent to NCEA Level 3. We will assess your portfolio against these criteria: composition, concepts - ideas and content, variety and range of media, and drawing skills.
You also need to send us a cover letter.
Selection process
Selection is based on your portfolio and your previous secondary or tertiary academic record or work and/or life experiences. We accept applications until late November, but early applications get priority. We will process late applications in the order we receive them and create a wait list if we receive more applications than there are places available.
We may need to interview you to determine if you meet alternative entry requirements for special admission. If you are sitting NCEA you may be accepted conditionally pending notification of your NCEA results. It is your responsibility to contact us once you have your results. In the event that you don't achieve the required result, we will reassess your application and suggest alternatives.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786 and your message will be sent to the appropriate department.
Fees
Domestic fees
First year
Standard
$9,615
Second year
Standard
$9,625
Third year
Standard
$9,620
International fees
First year
Standard
$26,000
Second year
Standard
$26,000
Third year
Standard
$26,000
Additional costs
Multi-year fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
