Build your architecture expertise

Postgraduate Architecture History and Theory gives you both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Learn how to consider historical and environmental issues. Solve problems using the latest materials, technologies, and design systems.

Advance your career prospects with a postgraduate qualification—whether you’re working towards becoming a registered architect, completing a Bachelor’s degree, advancing your career, making a change, or deep-diving into research.

Choose your study path

There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Architecture History and Theory with us.

Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.

Add Architecture to your toolkit

If you studied a different major in your Bachelor of Architecture, a certificate or diploma can help you upskill so that you can go on to study the Master of Architecture (Professional).

  • Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments
  • Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments

Learn about Architecture practice in New Zealand

If you have qualifications from outside of New Zealand or you're a working architect looking for professional development, a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma is a good option.

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Designed Environments
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments

These qualifications can also be a step towards studying for the Master of Architecture (Professional).

Focus on research

Go deeper in your specialist area. You may want to build on your Bachelor's degree, or be working as an architect.

  • Master of Architecture
  • Doctor of Philosophy
We have four main research areas
  • Creative and critical—design research, representation, history, and theory.
  • Building performance and technology—construction technologies and materials, simulation methods, and virtual spaces.
  • Sustainability and wellbeing—research about resilient and sustainable cities, designing for wellbeing and positive social impact, and design for Indigenous people and minorities.
  • Te Ao Hurihuri—design, architecture, urban design, and building science by tangata whenua with a focus on mātauranga Māori and kaupapa Māori research.

Qualification support and advice

We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.

If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.

If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.

For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.

A man and woman have discussion at a table

Study options

Find out how you can study Postgraduate Architecture History and Theory at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Tiwhikete, Taiao Hoahoa

Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments—GCertDE

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Enhance your knowledge of how the built environment is designed, in an area of architecture you haven't studied before.
Duration
0.5 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu mō te Taiao Hoahoa

Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments—GDipDE

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Enhance your knowledge in a new area of the built environment. Add depth to your previous study or prepare for a Master’s.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Paerunga Taiao Hoahoa

Postgraduate Certificate in Designed Environments—PGCertDE

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Develop a higher level of understanding and specialist skills in your area of architecture and the built environment and open the door to Master's level study.
Duration
0.5 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Paerunga mō te Taiao Hoahoa

Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments—PGDipDE

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Expand your expertise with postgraduate courses in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban and Regional Planning.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Paerua, Waihanga

Master of Architecture—MArch

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Delve deeper into the history and theory of architecture with the research and thesis-based Master of Architecture (MArch).
Duration
1 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research and research project
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Paerua, Waihanga (Mātanga)

Master of Architecture (Professional)—MArch(Prof)

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Shape our built environment. Prepare to work as a registered architect through accredited, advanced postgraduate study.
Duration
2 years
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
240
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework, research, research project, and creative project
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Kairangi

Doctor of Philosophy—PhD

POSTGRADUATEDOCTORATE
Study for a PhD to complete advanced research and make an original contribution to your field.
Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn, Pipitea, Te Aro, and Miramar Creative Centre campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Future careers

Postgraduate study will give you the skills and knowledge to excel in an architectural role. You could become a:

  • registered architect
  • building conservation designer
  • community planner
  • environmental designer
  • heritage consultant
  • project manager
  • urban designer.

More career information

Find out more about careers.

The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.

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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

Scholarships for Architecture

  • Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

  • Worth: $2,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2027

    This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...

  • Worth: $5000 Closing: 10 November, 2027

    Warren and Mahoney established this award in 2021 to support Māori and Pasifika students who have a passion for Architecture and Design. Warren and Mahoney wishes to support more diversity in the design profession, particularly Māori and Pasifika. In addition, this scholarship will provide opportunities for the student to build their skills and have closer ties to Warren and Mahoney...

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.

Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Other scholarships

We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

Scholarships for Architecture

  • Worth: $1,000 Closing: 31 March, 2027

    This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.

  • Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

  • Worth: $2,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2027

    This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...

Join our postgraduate community

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

Postgraduate Students’ Association

MAI ki Pōneke

MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.

Find out more about MAI ki Pōneke

Research areas

Our Architecture academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas. 

Get help to manage your finances

We can help you:

  • budget your money
  • manage your student loan or allowance
  • work out your accommodation payment schedule.

If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.

You may be eligible for government or community support, too.

Two smiling people facing each other across a table

Apply for a New Zealand study visa

You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.

You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū

Get in touch about postgraduate study

Need some help before you apply? Complete the enquiry form below. 

Get in touch about postgraduate study

Need some help before you apply? Complete the enquiry form below.