Master of Architecture (Professional)
Deepen your knowledge and understanding of architecture, and progress on your journey towards becoming a Registered Architect. Taught at our custom-built architecture school, the Master of Architecture (Professional) is the only programme of its kind in the South Island.
Domestic
About the programme
If you already have an undergraduate degree in architecture, this qualification is an exciting next step towards becoming an Architect.
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 create first-class work in a collaborative environment.
Sustainability is a key focus of this programme and our students will develop the critical skills and understanding needed to tackle the climate crisis and adapt our built environment to the challenges we all face. New Zealand has a rich architectural history stretching back centuries; the architecture of the 21st century and beyond must serve its people and communities with the lowest possible impact on the environment.
Project-based learning and problem-solving is at the heart of what we do, and our graduates are sought after for being among the best prepared for a career in architecture after graduation.
As a student of the Master of Architecture (Professional) you will:
- Learn and engage with the most up-to-date sustainable building design practices
- Critically engage with and work on designs for complex buildings such as hospitals and airports
- Become proficient with ideas and practices around place-based architecture, such as the inclusion of meta-narrative in heritage, civic and cultural buildings
- Have a wide range of work experience opportunities in one of New Zealand’s oldest and most tightly-knit architecture communities
- Use and enjoy modern facilities custom-built for the School of Architecture
- Have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of elective courses and undertake 480 hours of work experience, giving you valuable industry insights and understanding.
How you’ll learn
The aim of this qualification is to enable you to practice architecture in a way that regularly challenges notions of architectural value. We ask our students to reflect critically on their own creative production, as well as on architectural problems in general, and as part of our student body you will be a member of a dynamic, robust and inspiring architectural community.
Our studio strategies enable students to construct viable, progressive projects that incorporate novel design research with productive new models of practice. These forms of practice strive to achieve collective goals such as public legibility, the active engagement of new technologies, and creative means of implementation.
This kind of practice is open to innovation, experimentation, and a thirst for the unexpected results that open-ended enquiry can bring.
Did you know?
In New Zealand, you can’t legally call yourself an Architect unless you’re registered by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). To use the job title of ‘architect’ you’ll need to complete an accredited Masters programme to meet the study component of registration. You’ll then need three or more years of professional experience before you can seek registration.
The Master of Architecture (Professional) is modelled on Unitec Institute of Technology's accredited Master of Architecture (Professional) programme. The programme is regularly monitored (as required by NZQA) and is subject to a rigorous external moderation and examination process.
The Master of Architecture (Professional) has been designed to meet the academic accreditation requirements for registration as an architect in New Zealand. Subject to accreditation by the Australian and New Zealand Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure (ANZ APAP) and an approved period of practical experience, graduates will be eligible to take the professional practice interview to become registered architects.
International
About the programme
If you already have an undergraduate degree in architecture, this qualification is an exciting next step towards becoming an Architect.
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 create first-class work in a collaborative environment.
Sustainability is a key focus of this programme and our students will develop the critical skills and understanding needed to tackle the climate crisis and adapt our built environment to the challenges we all face. New Zealand has a rich architectural history stretching back centuries; the architecture of the 21st century and beyond must serve its people and communities with the lowest possible impact on the environment.
Project-based learning and problem-solving is at the heart of what we do, and our graduates are sought after for being among the best prepared for a career in architecture after graduation.
As a student of the Master of Architecture (Professional) you will:
- Learn and engage with the most up-to-date sustainable building design practices
- Critically engage with and work on designs for complex buildings such as hospitals and airports
- Become proficient with ideas and practices around place-based architecture, such as the inclusion of meta-narrative in heritage, civic and cultural buildings
- Have a wide range of work experience opportunities in one of New Zealand’s oldest and most tightly-knit architecture communities
- Use and enjoy modern facilities custom-built for the School of Architecture
- Have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of elective courses and undertake 480 hours of work experience, giving you valuable industry insights and understanding.
How you’ll learn
The aim of this qualification is to enable you to practice architecture in a way that regularly challenges notions of architectural value. We ask our students to reflect critically on their own creative production, as well as on architectural problems in general, and as part of our student body you will be a member of a dynamic, robust and inspiring architectural community.
Our studio strategies enable students to construct viable, progressive projects that incorporate novel design research with productive new models of practice. These forms of practice strive to achieve collective goals such as public legibility, the active engagement of new technologies, and creative means of implementation.
This kind of practice is open to innovation, experimentation, and a thirst for the unexpected results that open-ended enquiry can bring.
Did you know?
In New Zealand, you can’t legally call yourself an Architect unless you’re registered by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). To use the job title of ‘architect’ you’ll need to complete an accredited Masters programme to meet the study component of registration. You’ll then need three or more years of professional experience before you can seek registration.
The Master of Architecture (Professional) is modelled on Unitec Institute of Technology's accredited Master of Architecture (Professional) programme. The programme is regularly monitored (as required by NZQA) and is subject to a rigorous external moderation and examination process.
The Master of Architecture (Professional) has been designed to meet the academic accreditation requirements for registration as an architect in New Zealand. Subject to accreditation by the Australian and New Zealand Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure (ANZ APAP) and an approved period of practical experience, graduates will be eligible to take the professional practice interview to become registered architects.
What You Study
Your courses
| Course name | Credits |
| Research Methods | 15 |
| Studio 1 | 15 |
| Studio 2 | 30 |
| Architectural Theory | 15 |
| Architectural Technology | 15 |
| Professional Business Management | 15 |
| Research Project | 120 |
| One elective from a range of relevant topics | 15 |
Practical and work-experience components
In order to graduate you must complete 480 hours of approved work experience within the discipline of architecture, and present a log of this work to a standard and in a format approved by the relevant Academic Authority.
Learners who have completed appropriate practical work prior to enrolling in the programme may apply to the Programme Committee to have this work recognised. Normally no more than 240 hours will be recognised, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Workload
40 hours per week of both class time and self-directed learning, as well as exciting field trips and exposure to relevant practitioners in the industry.
Entry
Entry requirements
Application deadline
30 January (for February intake)
General admission
To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester in which they wish to enrol or provide a completed Early Release Exemption form), and meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must have a recognised undergraduate degree in the discipline of architecture with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher for all level 7 courses.
Special admission
Applicants must have:
- attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the semester in which study for the Certificate programme is to commence; and
- hold a recognised undergraduate degree in architecture and has a significant portfolio of professional work, or
- have a recognised postgraduate qualification in architecture, or
- can demonstrate competencies equivalent to a bachelor level graduate in architecture and has a significant portfolio of professional work.
Discretionary admission
There is no discretionary admission for this programme.
English Language requirements
Applicants must have achieved a minimum standard of English as demonstrated by a minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing).
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).
Selection criteria
Where there are more applicants than places available, selection will be made according to the level and relevance of the formal qualifications of each applicant, and the standard of their portfolio of professional work, should it be required to be presented.
Selection process
Selection will be made by Otago Polytechnic staff members with the delegated authority to offer places to applicants. These staff members will select students on the basis of written information supplied on the enrolment form. At the discretion of the delegated staff members, an interview (face-to-face or electronic) may be required. A list of delegations for offering places will be noted annually by the Head of Architecture responsible for the programme.
Applicants must have a recognised undergraduate degree in the discipline of architecture with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher for all level 7 courses.
or
Applicant holds a recognised undergraduate degree in architecture and has a significant portfolio of professional work.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
$800-1000 per year for printing and model-making materials.
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.
Application
Got any questions?
Email Architecture@op.ac.nz if you have any questions about your application or portfolio.
