Bachelor of Architecture - Victoria University of Wellington

TEL: 0207 193 7932   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

The Bachelor of Architecture

Architects use creative and technical skills to improve our lives. A Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree combines technology, creativity, environmental and social awareness, and common sense.

Victoria’s Architecture School has an international reputation for producing strong, thinking architects. Its central city home is a radical, award-winning building in Wellington’s creative Cuba Street neighbourhood. The School offers the latest technology in building aerodynamics, virtual modelling, and graphic animation. It has depth in history, theory, and the humanities and has strong links with the architecture industry. Two of New Zealand’s most renowned architects, Ian Athfield and Gordon Moller have been awarded Victoria Honourary Degrees and have long and strong associations with Victoria.

The five-year BArch degree can lead to further study in Victoria’s Master’s and PhD programmes. As well as working as architects, graduates are suited to a range of careers, from project manager to theatre designer or construction consultant.

Victoria’s School of Architecture and Design offers a first-rate research environment. Research areas include building performance and evaluation; architectural and urban design processes; energy and environmental design of buildings; management and regulations; interior architecture and design; building structures and construction; and culture, history, and theory in architecture.

Much of the School’s sponsored research is carried out through its Centre for Building Performance Research. The Centre is a member of the Architectural Research Centres Consortium, a private international organisation dedicated to the expansion of architecture research.

A BArch degree from Victoria is recognised around the world. It fulfils the academic requirements to register as an architect and join the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Another architecture option for students at Victoria is a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Architectural Studies. See the Architecture Subject page for more information.

A BArch at Victoria

A Bachelor of Architecture degree requires five years of full-time study. 600 points are required. See the Course Catalogue to find out the points value of courses.

To enrol in a BArch you need a university entrance qualification. It is useful to have studied mathematics, physics, English, technology, and one creative subject such as art, design, or graphics. If you do not have the required level of achievement in mathematics and/or physics you will need to include a maths or physics course in your first-year programme.

Students can plan a first-year programme that gives them the option to apply for a second year in Architecture, Building Science or Design. Entry to second-year Architecture is competitive and is based on academic performance in your first year. The School will consider applications for second year from students who have successfully completed first-year Design. However, if Architecture is your first choice you should enrol in first-year Architecture.

The School also welcomes mature students who have practical experience and are graduates or diploma and certificate holders from associated disciplines, as well as qualifications related to architecture from other institutions. Discuss your enrolment with staff; your qualifications may count towards your degree or exempt you from first year.