Program Overview

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Overview

Add technical skills and knowledge to your creative abilities for a career in architectural design.

What Will I Study

During the first two years of the programme, you will take foundation studies in drawing, computer-aided design, building design, and related sciences. You will also study building legislation and codes as they relate to architecture.

In your final year, you will specialise in architectural technology with a focus on technological subjects such as:

• Construction and Technology
• Architectural Science
• Computer-aided design

Pathway

You can apply to staircase into a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or higher degree at another institute to become a Registered Architect.

Details

• Type: Degree
• Code: CH3900
• Next Starts: February 2026
• Application close date: Accepted throughout the year
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Please enquire
• Credits: 360
• Level: 7
• Additional Equipment/Fees: $1,000 per year
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: CH3900-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $9,450 - $10,365 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

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

Additional Requirements

• Provide a portfolio demonstrating design, graphic and/or art skills.

Alternative Requirements

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Core Courses

Level 5

• Architectural Communication 1 (BAAC501) - 15 credits
• Architectural Communication 2 (BAAC502) - 15 credits
• Architectural Design Studio 1 (BAAD501) - 15 credits
• Architectural Design Studio 2 (BAAD502) - 30 credits
• Critical History of Architecture 1 (BAAH501) - 15 credits
• Architectural Technology 1 (BAAT501) - 15 credits
• Architectural Technology 2 (BAAT502) - 15 credits

Level 6

• Architectural Communication 3 (BAAC601) - 15 credits
• Architectural Design Studio 3 (BAAD601) - 15 credits
• Architectural Design Studio 4 (BAAD602) - 30 credits
• Critical History of Architecture 2 (BAAH601) - 15 credits
• Architectural Technology 3 (BAAT601) - 15 credits
• Architectural Technology 4 (BAAT602) - 15 credits
• Programming of Commercial Construction (BACC600) - 15 credits
• Sustainable Rating Tools and Natural Materials (BANM600) - 15 credits
• Restoration and Conservation (BARC600) - 15 credits
• Special Topic 1 (BAST601) - 15 credits
• Urban Design Studio 1 (BAUD601) - 15 credits

Level 7

• Architectural Design Studio 5 (BAAD701) - 30 credits
• Architectural Design Studio 6 (BAAD702) - 30 credits
• Critical History of Architecture 3 (BAAH701) - 15 credits
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) (BABM701) - 15 credits
• Architectural Industry Practice (BAIP701) - 15 credits
• Applied Sustainability (BANM700) - 15 credits
• Special Topic 2 (BAST701) - 15 credits
• Urban Design Studio 2 (BAUD701) - 15 credits
• Architectural CAD with Revit (DCAR710) - 15 credits)
• BIM Systems and Technologies (GCBM702) - 15 credits

Career Opportunities

On completion of this qualification, you will have gained dual knowledge in both the technical and the design aspects of the built environment.

Career opportunities include working as team members in an established architectural practice, and eventually setting up your own practice, or choosing to continue your studies to become a registered architect.

Study Pathways

You can apply to staircase into a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or higher degree at another institute to become a Registered Architect.

Recommended School Subjects

• Art
• Graphics
• Design
• Photography
• Painting
• English
• Mathematics
• Physics

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.