Master of Architecture (Professional)

Overview

Get prepared to work as a professional architect. Hone your skills as a designer, develop your ability to think visually and in three dimensions and learn how to best meet your clients' needs through practical, real-life experiences.

Learn through a combination of taught courses and a written thesis or research portfolio that involves self-directed, design-led research. You'll graduate with a range of design projects that demonstrate mastery in your area of interest.

Professional accreditation

Your MArch(Prof) from Victoria will be recognized by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) as fulfilling the academic requirements for registration to practice as an architect. You'll need to spend two to three years gaining practical experience before you can apply to register. The Board will then assess your professional competence.

The MArch(Prof) is also accepted by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) as fulfilling their academic requirements for membership and registration. However, you will have to meet some other requirements such as evidence of coursework and practical experience.

You'll also meet the academic requirements for professional registration as a practicing architect with the industry organization, the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can also give you information on the study at Victoria and provides a voice for you on campus.

Careers

You'll graduate ready for a career in mainstream architecture in a private practice or a government organization.

However, your broad range of skills will be adaptable to many related careers so you will also find opportunities outside the mainstream profession. These might include urban planner or urban designer, interior designer, stage or movie set designer, a property developer, project manager, teacher or researcher or work in construction law.

Returning to study

Many students pick up postgraduate study after several years away. If it's been a while since you've studied, our liaison officers can help you get back into university life.

Scholarships

The School of Architecture has a number of prizes and scholarships available each year.

You can also look for other scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

Advance your expertise with Ph.D. study

If you do well in your Master's research, you'll be able to apply to do a Ph.D. Alternatively, you may be able to upgrade your Masters' thesis to a Ph.D. thesis. A Ph.D. thesis is an original and sustained research completed under supervision.

Ph.D. candidates are supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR), which also handles all applications.

Before applying, you should talk to the Chair of the School of Architecture Research Committee about available supervision for Ph.D. study in Architecture.