Master of Architecture

Summary

Undertake your own architecture design project. Identify the unique qualities of your work and how to use these to forge new directions for your design practice.

The Master of Architecture is a qualification for people who have practised in one of these areas and want to advance their skills and explore their area of interest. In this master by project you’ll advance your knowledge of current design techniques, and learn to present your work effectively to interdisciplinary audiences. You will improve your understanding of how to look at architecture sites and briefs from different angles, and use techniques to construct interesting and unique responses.

The key outcome of this programme is a master level project that demonstrates your specialised skill and/or knowledge in your area of chosen expertise. This is not an accredited degree to become a registered architect – for this you’ll need to complete the Master of Architecture (Professional).

Highlights

• Enables practising architects to study part-time, learn new techniques, sharpen their design skills and keep abreast of current theory
• Focus on practical projects: the degree is "by project", which means that you undertake a project based on an aspect of your architecture practice to date
• No coursework
• Collaborative approach: the Master of Architecture, together with the Master of Landscape Architecture, is part of a suite of design programmes at Unitec. Students in both programmes get together for seminars and workshops in order to foster collaboration, new ideas and new approaches to interdisciplinary practice.
• Interaction with international academics and practitioners

Seminars and workshops

In Semester One you complete a seminar series that explores current design theory and practice, and helps you develop your research question and a draft research proposal. Then, present your draft project proposal at a workshop where you receive feedback from your colleagues, tutors and invited expert guests. If your proposal is confirmed, you embark on a series of workshops at which you present your work in progress for critique and evaluation by invited architects, landscape architects and designers. These regular workshops aim to stimulate you to move beyond current models, trends and preconceptions. There will also be sessions offered throughout the year to discuss your project.

Portfolio requirements

If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to present a portfolio of your design work. You should be ready to discuss your design history, the ideas within your work, your interests and the area of research by design that you are considering. Follow our portfolio guidelines on what to include, what not to include and how to lay it all out.

Qualification

Once you've successfully completed this programme you'll receive the qualification: Master of Architecture.

CAREER OPTIONS

• Architecture practitioner (senior level)
• Architecture lecturer (senior level)