Specialise in interior spaces
Examine the relationships between materials, people, and space. Consider interiors in a range of contexts—social and cultural, ecological and technological, historical, and contemporary.
Postgraduate Interior Architecture study gives you the option to continue from your undergraduate study, add to your professional experience, or deep dive into an area that interests you with a Master’s or PhD.
Make a difference to people’s wellbeing and create a better future through the innovative design of interior spaces.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate Interior Architecture with us. Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
Add Interior 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 Interior Architecture.
- Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments
- Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
Learn about Interior Architecture practice in New Zealand
If you have qualifications from outside of New Zealand or you're a working interior 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 Interior Architecture.
Become an interior architect
Study our nationally and internationally recognised Master of Interior Architecture.
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.
Find out more about supervising staff, research streams, and study options available in our main research clusters.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Interior Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Internationally recognised
Our Master of Interior Architecture is internationally recognised through affiliations to the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers and the Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association.
Industry connections
We have industry connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations:
Future careers
As an Interior Architecture graduate, you might work as a specialist professional within an interior design or architecture firm, or in the interior division of a large, multidisciplinary design company.
You might also work as:
- an exhibition designer
- stage or screen set designer
- retail designer
- lighting designer
- furniture designer
- environmental designer.
You might also make a career in teaching or research.
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
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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.
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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...
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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
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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.
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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.
-
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.
Academic staff research areas
Daniele Abreu e Lima
Lecturer
Michael Dudding
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Christine McCarthy
Senior Lecturer
Warwick McLeod
Senior Lecturer
Joanna Merwood-Salisbury
Associate Dean, Postgraduate Research (PGR)
Natasha Perkins
Senior Lecturer
Mark Southcombe
Associate Professor
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.
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.