Bachelor of Architectural Studies

at Unitec Institute Of Technology

Courses and timetables

Compulsory courses

Level 5
 

• Architecture & Context (ARCH5011)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide a stimulating introduction to studies in architecture.
• Design Studio 1 (Sem A) (ARCH5112-SA)22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS)
  To introduce the main concepts and parameters governing architectural design, through the exploration and resolution of simple architectural propositions.
• Design Studio 1 (Sem B) (ARCH5112-SB)22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS)
  To introduce the main concepts and parameters governing architectural design, through the exploration and resolution of simple architectural propositions.
• Design Studio 1B (Sem B) (ARCH5123-SB)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To introduce a selection of the main concepts and parameters governing architectural design, through the exploration and resolution of simple architectural propositions.
• Architectural Representation 1 (ARCH5213)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop skills in freehand drawing and physical modelling.
• Design Communication (ARCH5214)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop skills in academic literacy relevant to the practice of architecture.
• Critical Studies 1 (ARCH5311)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop, through studies in a chronological framework, a sound understanding of significant eras, periods and movements in Western architectural history, and an awareness of the architectural histories of major non-Western cultures to the mid-eighteenth century AD.

Level 6
 

• Design Studio 2 (Sem A) (ARCH6112-SA)22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS)
  To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of moderate complexity.
• Design Studio 2 (Sem B) (ARCH6112-SB)22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS)
  To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of moderate complexity.
• Architectural Representation 2 (ARCH6213)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop skills in 2D digital drawing and extend skills in physical modelling.
• Critical Studies 2 (ARCH6311)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop, through studies in a chronological framework, a sound understanding of significant eras, periods and movements in Western architectural history, and an awareness of the architectural histories of major non-Western cultures from the mid-eighteenth century AD to the present era.
• Critical Studies 3 (ARCH6312)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore the theoretical foundations of the discipline of architecture.
• Architectural Technology 1 (ARCH6411)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop a sound understanding of small-scale construction, structure and associated services, with particular reference to residential buildings of both non-specific and specific design.
• Architectural Technology 2 (ARCH6412)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop a sound understanding of medium-scale construction, structure and associated services (translating broad design outcomes into a detailed design and documentation), with particular reference to residential, light industrial and commercial buildings.

Level 7
 

• Design Studio 3 (Sem A) (ARCH7111-SA)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)To further develop design capabilities through projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
• Design Studio 3 (Sem B) (ARCH7111-SB)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To further develop design capabilities through projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
• Critical Studies 4 (ARCH7311)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore the dynamic nature of urban form and the factors which influence its evolution, and the role of the architect as a major contributor to the development of sustainable urban environments.
• Architectural Technology 3 (ARCH7410)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  Module 1: Environment and Building - To explore the interaction of buildings with the natural Environment.
  Module 2: Architectural Science - To develop a sound understanding of the acoustic, thermal and lighting factors that affect building performance and occupant health and comfort in the built environment.
• Architectural Technology 4 (ARCH7411)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop a sound understanding of large-scale and multi-storey construction, structure and associated services.
• Professional Studies (ARCH7511)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an appreciation of the legal context within which the New Zealand building industry and architectural practice operate; and to develop skills in the planning and management of architectural projects.

Elective courses

Level 6
 

• Design Studio 2B (ARCH6122)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of moderate complexity.
• Design Studio 2B (ARCH6123)30 credits (0.25 EFTS)
  To continue the development of design capabilities through small-scale projects of moderate complexity.
• Negotiated Study 6611 (ARCH6611)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore the student’s chosen topic in the discipline or practice of architecture, in a supervised 15-credit study at Level 6.
• Design Process (ARCH6618)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop a sound understanding of architectural design process theory in the context of the general problem-solving theory of human intelligence and creativity, and apply that understanding to a small design and build assignment.
• Essentials of Energy Efficient Housing Design (ARCH6623)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore the ways in which architects can design healthy and energy efficient houses.
• Architectural Photography - Mediating Architecture through the Lens of a Camera (ARCH6628)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop a sound understanding of the practice of Architectural Photography, with reference to historical and contemporary Architectural Photographers, and Architects who practice photography.
• Analytical Drawing (ARCH6629)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of how to apply research to design through analytical drawing.

Level 7
 

• Design Studio 3A (ARCH7121)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To continue to develop design capabilities through selected projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
• Design Studio 3B (ARCH7122)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To further develop design capabilities through selected projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
• Negotiated Study 7611 (ARCH7611)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore the student’s chosen topic in the discipline or practice of architecture, in a supervised 15-credit study at Level 7.
• Urban Housing_H1 (ARCH7617)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore principles of design for medium density urban housing.
• Digital Fabrication (ARCH7621)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore theoretical directions and formal vocabularies of design generated by digital processes, and the practical feasibility of a seamless pathway from digital design to digital fabrication.
• Special Topic 3 (ARCH7624)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore a special topic in the discipline or practice of architecture.
• Generative Design (ARCH7627)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop skills in algorithmic and generative design and fabrication using the 3D modelling programme Rhino and the visual programming language Grasshopper.
• [re]Source Matters - Materials for Climate Change (ARCH7629)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To address the critical issue of Climate Change through the architectural investigation of material resources in a dynamic design workshop environment.
• Design Elective (ARCH7630)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To continue to develop design capabilities through selected projects of moderate complexity typically based in the urban environment.
• Negotiated Study - Professional Studies (ARCH7631)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an appreciation of the legal context within which the New Zealand building industry and architectural practice operate; and to develop skills in the planning and management of architectural projects through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.
• Negotiated Study - Light Timber Frame Construction (ARCH7632)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of small-scale light timber framed construction as it is used in the practice of architecture in New Zealand, through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.
• Negotiated Study - Seismic Design (ARCH7633)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an architectural appreciation of the seismic design and construction context within which the New Zealand building industry and architectural/engineering practices operate. And to specifically review one convergent area within that context through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.
• Negotiated Study - New Zealand Architectural Theory and Culture (ARCH7634)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations of architecture as practiced in New Zealand through a supervised 15-credit self-directed study.

Admission requirements
 

For this programme, you will need the following:

1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:
    

• 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and

• 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)

• 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)
• 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
• Complete an interview with an academic member of the programme at which you'll present a hardcopy of your portfolio
• Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have one or more of the following:

• Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance

• Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency

• Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

Don't have NCEA? We also accept:
 

• A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above or an equivalent qualification; OR

• Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission.

ANNUAL TUITION FEES

Domestic/NZ students

$8,100 (NZD)

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study)

International students

$23,810 (NZD)

Save $5,000 (NZD) on your first year with the International Student Study Grant.

CAREER OPTIONS
 

• Architectural designer
• Design manager
• Design technician
• Draftsperson