Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional)

Programme Overview

The Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) [MArch(Prof)UrbPlan(Prof)] at the University of Auckland is a 360-point dual-professional degree completed in three years. By combining two full professional master's frameworks in less time than taking them separately, it prepares graduates for dual accreditation in architecture and urban planning. The programme is accredited by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), and the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).

Note: Graduates satisfy the educational standards for registration with both NZRAB/NZIA (architecture) and NZPI (urban planning), positioning them for high-impact roles across design, spatial strategy, and policy.

Programme Structure & Core Formats

The 360-point structure spans six semesters (3 years) combining architecture studios, planning law, policy seminars, and a design thesis:

1. Year One (120 points): Focuses on core advanced architectural design, research methodologies, and foundational urban planning contexts and Māori planning issues.
2. Year Two (120 points): Concentrates on urban planning frameworks, environmental law, urban economic development, community design, and "wicked problem" planning studios.
3. Year Three (120 points): Combines advanced elective seminars with an individual design thesis (ARCHDES 797) exploring a complex intersection of architectural design and spatial planning.

What You'll Study

The curriculum integrates architectural design, planning law, policy, and spatial analysis:

• Architectural & Design Studios:
  • Advanced Architectural Design Studios
  • Design as Research Methods
• Urban Planning & Policy Frameworks:
  • Urban Planning Contexts & Theory
  • Māori Planning Issues & Resource Management
  • Urban Planning Law & Policy
  • Urban Economic Development & Housing
  • Community Design & Wicked Problem Studios
• Research Thesis:
  • Architecture & Urban Planning Thesis (90 points)

Why Choose This Programme?

• Dual Professional Accreditation: Simultaneously meets educational standards for architecture (NZRAB, NZIA, CAA) and urban planning (NZPI).
• Time-Efficient Dual Qualification: Gain two recognized professional qualifications in 3 years full-time.
• Broad Industry Application: Equips graduates to lead projects at every scale from single building design to regional growth policies and community developments.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Baseline: Completion of a BAS degree with a minimum GPA/GPE of 4.0.
• Portfolio Submission: Required via SlideRoom (12–15 pages + CV + statement) if the prerequisite degree was completed over 2 years prior.
• Dual Registration Pathway: Fulfills educational requirements for both NZRAB (architecture) and NZPI (urban planning) professional registration pathways.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.5 overall (no band < 6.0), PTE 58 (no communicative score < 50), or TOEFL iBT 90.