Master of Architectural Engineering – Integrated Building Design

Programme Overview

The Master of Architectural Engineering (MArchEng) at the University of Canterbury is a practice-focused postgraduate degree for students with engineering or architecture backgrounds who wish to gain advanced, work-ready building design skills. It is the first master's degree of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand where engineers and architects study together, learning collaboratively in the same programme.

The degree is structured in two parts. Part I focuses on whole-building behaviour and collaborative design studio work, alongside endorsement-specific practice courses. Part II involves advanced technical courses and a major Integrated Building Design Project. Courses are delivered as a blend of online and face-to-face block learning, supporting working professionals in part-time and distance study. Both parts must be completed within four years.

The degree is available in three endorsements: Integrated Building Design (February or July start), Structural Engineering (July start only), and Building Services and Energy Engineering (start date to be confirmed). Students completing Part I of the Structural Engineering or Building Services and Energy Engineering endorsements may cross into Part II of the Integrated Building Design endorsement.

What You'll Study

Part I – Compulsory Courses (All Students)

• ENAE601 Whole Building Behaviour and Performance
• ENAE602 Collaborative Building Design Studio

Part I – Endorsement Electives: Integrated Building Design

• ENAE605 Sustainable Building Design and Practice
• ENAE606 Building Modelling and Integrated Design

Part I – Endorsement Electives: Structural Engineering

• ENAE603 Structural Design Practice
• ENAE604 Structural Assessment and Retrofit

Part I – Endorsement Electives: Building Services and Energy Engineering

• ENAE607 Building Energy Systems Design Practice
• ENAE608 HVAC Design Practice

Part II – Compulsory Course (All Students)

• ENAE620 Integrated Building Design Project

Part II – Endorsement Electives

• Three courses towards your endorsement from Schedule C (Group 2)

Note: Some Part II course options are offered by the University of Auckland.

Why Choose This Programme?

• First of Its Kind in New Zealand: The only master's programme in Aotearoa where engineers and architects study together, developing a unique combined skillset in collaborative and technical building design
• Three Endorsement Pathways: Choose from Integrated Building Design, Structural Engineering, or Building Services and Energy Engineering — with flexibility to cross into Integrated Building Design after completing Part I of another endorsement
• Flexible Delivery: Full-time and part-time options with blended online and face-to-face block learning, designed to accommodate working professionals
• World-Class Facilities: UC's engineering facilities include an augmented reality lab, the only high-voltage lab in New Zealand, and a structural engineering lab
• Industry-Ready Graduates: Responds to growing demand for building design professionals with advanced knowledge of sustainable, high-performance, and digitally designed buildings
• Pathway to PhD: Graduates may proceed to doctoral study in Civil Engineering or other engineering disciplines depending on their endorsement

Entry Requirements

Academic (Domestic): A Bachelor's Degree with First or Second Class Honours in a subject related to building design, or equivalent; or a Postgraduate Diploma in an equivalent subject. Applicants holding a Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Engineering with a B Grade Point Average or better may also apply. It is strongly advised to have at least one year of professional practice experience before applying. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered for entry to the Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Engineering.

Academic (International): Must meet the same academic entry requirements as domestic applicants. For the Structural Engineering endorsement, a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (First or Second Class) in Civil Engineering or equivalent is required. For the Building Services and Energy Engineering endorsement, a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (First or Second Class) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent is required. Assessment of prior learning and professional experience is considered as part of the admission decision.

English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band score lower than 6.0.

Performance: Both Part I and Part II of the programme must be completed within 4 years. Full-time and part-time study options are available.