Explore your options
Study architecture at Unitec and you’ll develop the skills to create buildings that enhance the urban environment. You’ll also learn how to plan, design and advise on the construction of new and existing buildings.
Our architecture programmes include lots of hands-on practice. Undergraduate students take part in a large scale fabrication studio for events like Auckland Art Week and FESTA. Master of Architecture (Professional) students take part in research projects at architecture practices and complete work experience. And if you’re interested in Māori architecture and technology, you’ll love Te hononga, our Māori studio where we combine traditional materials with new technologies.
Some architecture students even build their own designs, using Unitec’s cutting edge technology. And you’ll also have the opportunity to go on study tours or student exchange to England, the US, Germany, India, China, Italy or the Pacific Islands.
Browse our Architecture and Architectural Technology programmes below. And if you’re thinking of applying we also recommend that you also take a look at our portfolio tips to assist your application, and our scholarships to help fund your studies.
Programmes and study path
| PROGRAMME | LEVEL | DURATION | CAREER OPTIONS | START DATES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Architecture | 4 | Full-time for 16 weeks or part-time options available. | This programme prepares you for study toward a career in architecture and architectural technology | February or July |
| New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology | 6 | Full-time for two years, or part-time options available | Design draftsperson, Architectural technician, Design technician, CAD technician, Draughtsperson, Architectural Technologist | February or July |
| Bachelor of Architectural Studies | 7 | Full-time for three years or part-time options can be negotiated | Architectural designer, Design manager, Design technician, Draftsperson | February (full-time and part-time) or July (part-time only). The July intake is only open to domestic students. |
| Master of Architecture (Professional) | 9 | Full-time for 2 years or part-time options available | Architect working in a range of settings | February or July. |
| Master of Architecture | 9 | Full-time for 18 months or part-time for two-and-a-half years | Architecture practitioner (senior level), Architecture lecturer (senior level) | February or July |
Industry connections
Unitec’s architecture courses focus on building performance and the act of construction. They’re also taught by established architects from New Zealand and around the world.
That’s why we’re endorsed by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, the New Zealand Registered Architects Board and the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
Facilities
Whichever architecture programme you choose you’ll have access to sophisticated technology to help you put theory into practice.
There’s a photography studio, a film and TV unit for final compositing work, high-end animation and multimedia tools and top-of-the-line video and digital cameras. There’s also a laser-cutter/engraver for you to cut materials for model building and to create sculptural and experimental projects. And of course, there are good old-fashioned drawing boards in the studios.
We regularly upgrade our computer software to give you the latest in CAD, graphics, animation and video editing. The powerful 70-station 'render farm' processes your animation work without you monitoring it - saving you time to get on with the real creative process. And $60,000 worth of printing gear allows you to present your work to a professional standard.
