Tabbed menu for the main content

Transform the buildings we live in

Explore building construction and performance, project management, and how building materials function. The Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc) combines architectural science research methods and an industry-related project for real-world experience in the field. Learn to manage the development and ongoing performance of the built environment.

Study the MArchSc to learn about key issues in the industry—sustainability, construction law, managing facilities, and the relationship between buildings and their environment. Consider the role of tikanga and mātauranga Māori in architectural design and decision-making.

You’ll also get a practical grounding in how buildings impact on the natural world through their design, construction, operation, and maintenance, with the option to specialise in Project Management or Sustainable Engineering Systems. You’ll prepare for the future of the industry—for digital advances and increased requirements for efficient, sustainable buildings.

Programmes

New qualification names

From late 2025 these qualifications will have new names*:

  • The Master of Architectural Science will become the Master of Building Science.
  • The Master of Architectural Science (Research) will become the Master of Construction and Building Science (Research).
  • The Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Sciences will become the Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science.
  • The Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Sciences will become the Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science.
*Subject to regulatory approval.

Professional recognition

The MArchSc is widely recognised by the industry for its excellence and distinctions— it’s professionally recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB).

It is a great opportunity for professionals working in the construction industry to advance their expertise and career opportunities in the field.

It’s also an ideal pathway for graduates to develop a more unique skillset to advance their career opportunities.

Everyone should be entitled to have access to good buildings

Video preview

Tailor your study

The 180-point Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc) is a twelve-month professional programme that combines coursework in Trimesters 1 and 2 with an industry-related project or practicum in Trimester 3.

You can complete the MArchSc with a specialisation in either:

  • Project Management, or
  • Sustainable Engineering Systems.

Project Management specialisation

Specialising in Project Management gives you the skills you need to manage a project in the construction industry across all its stages. These include:

  • contract management
  • design integration
  • performance monitoring.
You’ll learn the most advanced techniques and tools to manage projects and built facilities.

Sustainable Engineering Systems specialisation

Specialising in Sustainable Engineering Systems allows you to focus on developing energy- and resource-efficient systems for the built environment. You’ll learn how to evaluate the sustainability of existing buildings and facilities, with assessment systems used in Aotearoa New Zealand and worldwide. These include:

  • building performance
  • energy efficiency
  • reducing environmental impact from the construction industry.

portrait photo

I liked the idea of Architecture, but the logic and science of the Architectural Science programme drew me to the Postgraduate Diploma, and then onto the Master of Architectural Science.

Georgia Alexander

Graduate, Master of Architectural Science

Full story

Pick the qualification that matches your goals

Choose from a selection of qualifications to suit your career goals and availability.

The 180-point Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc) is a one-year professional programme that combines an architectural science research-methods course and an industry-related project or practicum for real-world experience in the field. It is professionally recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB).

The 120-point Master of Architectural Science (Research) (MArchSc(Res)) thesis programme focuses on self-directed research. Before enrolling in this one-year research thesis, you need to have completed the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science.

A shorter 60-point Postgraduate Certificate or 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science are also available as earlier exit points or for those already in industry who want to deepen their knowledge with part-time study.

Get the postgraduate Architecture and Design Innovation handbook

Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation handbook.

Download the handbook

portrait photo

The knowledge I gained from studying at the Wellington School of Architecture has helped me immensely. It’s given me the theoretical background of building science which I now use every day in my current role.

Jackson Prattley-Jones

Graduate, Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Science (Sustainable Engineering Systems)

Full story

Future careers

The Master of Architectural Science gives you unique skills and knowledge that go beyond Bachelor’s learnings or industry experience. It will give you the professional recognition you need to pursue a career in the design and development of our built environment.

You might start your own practice, or work as an employee in a firm or government organisation.

You’ll be qualified to take on leadership roles in the construction and building performance and management sectors.

You could work as a:

  • sustainability consultant
  • energy efficiency consultant
  • project coordinator
  • building services engineer
  • contracts manager
  • construction project manager
  • green building analyst
  • quantity surveyor
  • environmental systems designer
  • risk manager
  • sustainable design consultant
  • construction consultant
  • renewable energy specialist
  • building control officer
  • building performance analyst
  • development manager
  • construction planner/scheduler
  • energy auditor.

Architectural and Building Science Careers

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

Applicable scholarships

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support.

Talk to a student finance adviser

Financing your study

MArchSc Master of Architectural Science

  • Duration 3 trimesters
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Fees
  • Schedule Online courses and in-person block classes
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Lectures, coursework and practicum or project
  • Location Wellington campuses
  • Complete 180 points (8-9 courses)
  • Entry A Bachelor of Building Science or Bachelor of Architectural Studies or equivalent, with at least a B average. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
Courses and requirements

MArchSc(Res) Master of Architectural Science (Research)

  • Duration 3 trimesters
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Fees
  • Schedule Self-directed research
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Research
  • Location Wellington campuses
  • Complete 120 points (1 course)
  • Entry A Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science, or equivalent, with at least a B average. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
Courses and requirements

PGDipArchSc Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science

  • Duration 2 trimesters
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Fees
  • Schedule Lectures
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Lectures and coursework
  • Location Wellington campuses
  • Complete 120 points (6-8 courses)
  • Entry A Bachelor of Building Science or Bachelor of Architectural Studies or equivalent, with at least a B average. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
Courses and requirements

PGCertArchSc Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Science

  • Duration 1 trimester
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Fees
  • Schedule Lectures
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Lectures and coursework
  • Location Wellington campuses
  • Complete 60 points (3-4 courses)
  • Entry A Bachelor of Building Science or Bachelor of Architectural Studies or equivalent, with at least a B average. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
Courses and requirements

Work opportunities

Work as a tutor

You may be able to tutor undergraduate courses in the School of Architecture. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, get in contact with the tutor coordinator, or staff will seek out tutors for their classes.

Applications usually open in October and May. Contact soaadmin@vuw.ac.nz to show your interest.

Work as a research assistant

You may be able to work as a research assistant while you study. These are fixed-term, short contracts where you assist an academic on a specific research project.

These contracts are decided in negotiation with academics in an area of interest.

Join our postgraduate community

Studying as part of the Wellington School of Architecture gives you the unique experience of studying in a broad community of architecture students. We have students in programmes that cover all aspects of the construction industry—across Architecture,Landsacpe, Urban Planning, Architectural Science, and Interior Architecture. The relationships we can make across campus are unique to New Zealand.

Connect across the university

Postgraduate study will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues. Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Postgraduate students in the Wellington School of Architecture play a vital role in developing high-quality research outputs. Research findings are often presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Many of our postgraduate alumni have become industry leaders in their chosen field. You’ll also benefit from the expertise of working professionals through the Faculty’s connections with local industry.

Architecture research

Next

Explore all postgraduate subjects

Find out more:

Need help?