Two postgraduate programmes that successfully structure an architect’s career

From corporate office buildings to community centres to sustainably built projects of all kinds, Architecture, Building Science, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design dictate the quality of everyday structures that surround and serve us.

A globally respected area of work, architecture is a passion that transitions through the ages.

Timeless in nature, those in the field of architecture design solutions for the present, but they also have an awareness of the past and a vision for the future.

With the rising demand for sustainable architecture and durable designs, contemporary architects now create with a social heart, intertwined with a genuine appreciation for all things eco-friendly.

Absorbing an explosion of young creative talent, architecture has been shaken up with forward-thinking practitioners, overthrowing traditional concepts and injecting an invigorating approach to the global design sector.

Source: VUW, School of Architecture

The wide variety of exciting projects designed by the winners of the International Pritzker Prize for Architecture is a testament to the breadth of projects undertaken by those working in architectural disciplines, and to the international recognition of the importance of the work they do.

But to truly complement their visionary sketches, architects must possess strong knowledge of construction practice and design theory, along with well-informed social responsibility.

By exploring the fundamentals of architectural science, such as building construction and performance, project management and emerging design management tools, aspiring design professionals in all the School’s degree areas take their ideas further.

That’s why the highly influential Wellington School of Architecture in the heart of New Zealand’s creative capital is an integral asset of Victoria University of Wellington.

Promoting a wide range of relevant and thought-provoking postgraduate programmes, it’s a hub built for the next generation of dynamic architects.

Source: VUW, School of Architecture

Featuring the Master of Architecture (MArch), the Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc), the Master of Architecture- Professional (MArch[Prof]), the Master of Interior Architecture (MIA), the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the school is meeting growing industry needs while addressing the future demands for better built environment.

Each programme offers the flexibility to tailor your skills or consolidate your existing skillset to contribute to the research arena. As a lead into the Masters you might try the Graduate Certificate in Designed Environments (GCertDE) and Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments (GDipDE).

The versatility of a Master of Architecture (MArch)

Lasting one year or 18 months (part-time), the MArch course at Victoria’s School of Architecture allows you to deepen your understanding of a chosen aspect of architecture and elevate your undergraduate knowledge to greater heights.

A multifaceted course designed to suit your career expectations, you have the chance to study not only architecture but also specialisms such as landscape architecture, interior architecture and building science.

Throughout, you’ll receive top-quality supervision and support from staff who have an outstanding international reputation for teaching, research and publishing. Professional guidance and feedback will skyrocket your self-confidence, further developing your critical thinking skills.

Source: VUW, School of Architecture

Alternatively, if you’re looking to become a professional architect, you should take a look at the Master of Architecture (Professional) programme. Recognised by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) as fulfilling its academic requirements for registration to practice as an architect, this postgraduate pathway expects you to meet your future clients’ needs through practical and real-life experiences acquired through the university.

Key attributes of the new Master of Architectural Sciences (MArchSc)

The school’s latest addition, the Master of Architectural Sciences (MArchSc), balances your skill set through a foundation of construction, project management, facilities management and sustainability in the industry.

Transforming the world we live in, students who take this programme gain insight into the interplay between people, buildings and culture. By considering many perspectives, including the important role of tikanga and matauranga Māori in architectural design and decision-making, it’s a unique programme with broad benefits.

Offering you two study routes, you can either opt for the classic 180-point Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc), a one-year professional programme combined with an architectural science research methods course and an industry-related project or practicum for real-world experience in the field.

Source: VUW, School of Architecture

Or, you can choose the 240-point Master of Architectural Science (Research) route, which focuses on self-directed research and has two consecutive components, taking two years to complete if you enrol full-time.

Steered by first-rate researchers and professors, this transformative architectural degree places your candidacy at the forefront by pairing theory with a practical grounding in how buildings impact the natural world through their design, construction, operation and maintenance.

Living up to its stellar reputation with access to world-class design studios, exhibition spaces, media labs, augmented and virtual reality research studios, and other spaces to undertake photographic, thermal, lighting, and structural performance simulations research, the school unites your work with state-of-the-art tools and design software so you successfully become an expert in the design, construction, or science of buildings and landscapes.

With a robust research culture, a creative capital lifestyle and insightful internship opportunities for the international learning community, it’s easy to see how this school serves its students well.

If you want to benefit from a research partnership with Wellington-based eco-sanctuary Zealandia, and bring together subject areas central to contemporary discussions in both architecture and design, contact the school today and discover how you can structure your future career through a progressive postgraduate programme.

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