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 course 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 this Masters programme (or an equivalent) to meet the study component of registration. You’ll then need three or more years of professional experience before you can seek registration.
NZRAB accredited degree
The Master of Architecture (Professional) is accredited by the NZ Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects. In addition to the five-yearly accreditation visit by a National Visiting Panel, there are annual visits by a regional panel, which always includes an overseas academic. The programme is regularly monitored (as required by NZQA) and is subject to a rigorous and extensive external 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 this MA programme (or an equivalent) to meet the study component of registration. You’ll then need three or more years of professional experience before you can seek registration.
Studying part-time
Part-time study is not automatically available to all international students. You will need to be on the correct type of visa to allow this and you’ll need to follow all advice given to you by Immigration NZ.
NZRAB accredited degree
The Master of Architecture (Professional) is accredited by the NZ Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects. In addition to the five-yearly accreditation visit by a National Visiting Panel, there are annual visits by a regional panel, which always includes an overseas academic. The programme is regularly monitored (as required by NZQA) and is subject to a rigorous and extensive external 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 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (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.
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Application
Got any questions?
Email Architecture@op.ac.nz if you have any questions about your application or portfolio.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
