Being one of the safest and diverse locations in the world, there’s a lot to see in New Zealand. With its beautiful untouched sceneries and its interesting local cultures, New Zealand is a good place for you to explore and enrich yourself with a wide range of things to enjoy and seek during your stay. Here are a few of the cream of the top Universities in New Zealand for you to checkout, for architecture and related fields.
1. University Of Auckland
The University of Auckland is the highest-ranked university in New Zealand, is ranked 1st by the QS World University Rankings in New Zealand, for its outstanding performance academically, and its prioritization of the student body, and the mental health of its student and faculty.
Courses offered by the University: Master of Architecture
- Annual Tuition: $24,473
- Cost of Living: $1642
2. University Of Otago
Amongst the top academic universities in New Zealand, the University of Otago is the place where lots of opportunities are offered to the students through their connections in research, fabrication, and social centers. The University of Otago provides programs to help students understand and execute the planning process and regulation of land use for better and more harmonious cities of the future.
Courses offered by the University: Bachelor of Science (Land Planning And Development)
- Annual Tuition: $21,000
3. University Of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury is the second oldest university in New Zealand and is one of the top institutions for academic practice. They offer more than 120 degrees in more than 150 fields of study. They have a program that directly addresses the under-evaluated issues of the modern cities, it addresses broader urban and community issues of the modern era.
Courses offered by the University: Master Urban Resilience and Renewal
- Annual Tuition: $58,854
- Cost of Living: $14,381
4. Vicotria University Of Wellington
Located in Wellington, North Island, Victoria University is a strong contestant amongst the top universities in New Zealand, with its state-of-the-art tools and facilities, they have world-class design studios and a college culture centered around the students.
Courses offered by the University:
Bachelors of Architecture
- Annual Tuition :$2183
Master of Architecture
- Annual Tuition: $24,90
5. Lincoln University
Located in Lincoln, South Island, Lincoln University is a tertiary University that is amongst the few universities in New Zealand that work on agriculture-related issues. They have international collaborations and a rich international student ratio of 40%. The progressive university aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students with its gender-neutral campus with girls to boy ratio of 51:49. It is a small university thus having more focus on achieving its goals to help every student individually explore their field.
Courses offered by the University: Master of Landscape Architecture
- Annual Tuition: $32,830
6. Massey University
Located in Wellington, New Zealand, Massey University has maintained its status as one of the top universities in New Zealand, it has a diverse and large number of international students.
Courses offered by the University: Master of Planning
- Annual Tuition: $20,859
7. University Of Waikato
Located in Wellington, New Zealand, the University of Waikato is known for its support systems for international students. The university provides a solid program to help support students in all the necessary areas such as insurance, counseling, settling, etc. The research focuses university is known to provide highly skilled students, thus earning its status as amongst the top universities in New Zealand with the most placements. They also have strong connections with alumni in various government organizations.
Courses offered by the University: Bachelor of Science – Environmental Planning
- Annual Tuition: $19,112
8. Unitec Institute Of Technology
Located in Wellington, New Zealand, the Unitec Institute Of Technology is one of the top universities of New Zealand because of its facilities and campuses. The institute keeps its facilities up to date with the latest technologies and services to provide students with as many opportunities as possible to learn and be up to date with their field’s study.
Courses offered by the University: Bachelor Of Landscape Architecture
- Annual Tuition: $13,924
9. Southern Institute Of Technology
Located in Wellington, New Zealand, the Southern Institute Of Technology is amongst the top universities which provide high-quality education at affordable prices for deserving students. This university has high-quality facilities and accommodations for students at reasonable prices.
The institute also provides an option for distance learning such as online courses. This university also has extended its zero-fee scheme for international students through the Zero fee English and Zero Fee Foundation Programme.
Courses offered by the University: National Diploma in Architectural Technology
- Annual Tuition: $9015
10. Universal College Of Learning
Located in Wellington, New Zealand, The Universal College Of Learning is a modern institution of technology and polytechnic. The university offers a friendly and welcoming environment for international students, with its option to opt for part-time work for 20 hours per week so students can support themselves and even full time during the weekends, Students can also opt for a work permit for 1 year after graduation.
Courses offered by the University: New Zealand Diploma In Architectural Technology
- Annual Tuition: $13,259
university of auckland architecture
The BAS introduces you to the fundamental aspects of architecture. Through studio courses, real world case studies and future-based speculation projects, you will develop your design skills and creative practice. You will have access to software used in the industry as well as fully-equipped workshops to bring your concepts to life.
To become a professional architect, you require the Master of Architecture (Professional); or one of our associated combined masters programmes. This is usually undertaken immediately following the BAS programme.
Programme structure
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to design through drawing and making, including both hand and digital techniques. You’ll also be introduced to the history and theory of architecture, sustainable design and materiality. You’ll have the chance to explore construction principles, which we apply in studio courses and inside our workshops. Two General Education courses will give you the chance to supplement your studies in subject areas of your choice.
In second year and beyond, you’ll learn more about architectural design, media, materials and sustainable practice. You’ll also expand your understanding of historical precedent and theories of architecture, and be introduced to project management (i.e., getting buildings built).
Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement. For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
Sample programme structure
Year 1120 points
- Code:ARCHDES 102Name:Design 1Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHDRC 103Name:Architectural Media 1Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHHTC 102Name:Modern Architecture and UrbanismType:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Name:General Education courseType:General Education course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHDES 103Name:Design 2Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHDRC 104Name:Architectural Media 2Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHTECH 108Name:Introduction to Sustainability and TechnologyType:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Name:General Education courseType:General Education course Points:15 pts
Year 2120 points
- Code:ARCHDES 200Name:Design 3Type:Compulsory core course Points:30 pts
- Code:ARCHDRC 203Name:Architectural Media 3Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHTECH 207Name:Design Technology 1Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHDES 201Name:Design 4Type:Compulsory core course Points:30 pts
- Code:ARCHHTC 237Name:Rise of the CityType:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHTECH 210Name:Environmental Design 1Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
Year 3120 points
- Code:ARCHDES 300Name:Design 5Type:Compulsory core course Points:30 pts
- Code:ARCHHTC 341Name:Worlds of ArchitectureType:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHTECH 314Name:Environmental Design 2Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHDES 301Name:Design 6Type:Compulsory core course Points:30 pts
- Code:ARCHPRM 305Name:Professional Studies 1Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
- Code:ARCHTECH 315Name:Design Technology 2Type:Compulsory core course Points:15 pts
Where could this programme take you?
Becoming a practising architect is a common outcome for BAS graduates once registered. However, you can also contribute to the industry as a designer, project manager or consultant, or work in client liaison. Graduates have also been known to utilise their creative thinking in other fields, such as film or web design.
Jobs related to this programme
- Architect (following successful completion of MArch(Prof) or one of the associated combined masters degrees and professional registration)
- Architectural historian or writer
- Building industry consultant
- Digital design professional
- Heritage or cultural consultant
- Interior designer
- Project manager
- Urban designer
Some career paths may require further study.
Further study options
- Master of Architecture (Professional)
- Master of Architecture (Professional) and Heritage Conservation
- Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design
- Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture
- Master of Heritage Conservation