Programme details

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Combine your creative talent with technical expertise to build a successful career in architectural design.

Course description

You’ll build a strong foundation in drawing, computer-aided design, building design, and architectural sciences, along with an understanding of relevant building legislation and codes in the first two years and in the final year, you’ll specialise in architectural technology, focusing on key areas such as Construction and Technology, Architectural Science. Computer-Aided Design

Students will engage in practical workshops, lectures, and independent projects for around 40 hours a week. During your first year, this typically includes 20–25 hours of class time and 15–20 hours of independent study.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB).

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 3 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Upon completing this qualification, graduates will possess a strong blend of technical expertise and design understanding within the built environment.

Career pathways include working as part of an established architectural team, progressing toward establishing your own practice, or pursuing further study to become a registered architect

Study pathway:

You can apply to staircase into a five year Bachelor of Architecture or higher degree, at another institute to become a Registered Architect.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements:

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects and:

Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation(Level 4) Ara Construction and Architectural Studies Pathway or equivalent

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

English Requirements:

If English is not the first language, students must provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives.

Test	Minimum Requirement
IELTS (Academic)	Overall score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5
TOEFL iBT	Total score of 60, with a writing score of at least 18
Cambridge English Qualifications	B2 First, B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169, and no less than 162 in each skill
OET (Occupational English Test)	Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in English Language)	Level 4 (Academic)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)	Score of 50, with no band lower than 42
LanguageCert International ESOL	C1 Expert (overall PASS) with no less than 25/50 in each skill, or Academic test with a minimum score of 65 overall and no skill below 60
Trinity College London ISE	ISE II with no less than distinction or 96 in any band