Programme
Feb
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.
Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand and certain programmes lead to registration. For this programme, the registration pathway or body is: New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB).
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.
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 |
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.
