Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop creative and technical skills for architectural design and the built environment.

• Build a foundation in architectural drawing, design communication and computer-aided design.

• Learn about construction methods, building technology, architectural science and relevant legislation.

• Gain practical experience through design studios, workshops, projects and work-integrated learning.

• Develop the ability to communicate architectural ideas using both analogue and digital methods.

• Study sustainability, responsible design and the social and cultural responsibilities of the built environment.

• Learn from tutors and industry-connected professionals.

• Explore further study pathways towards a professional architecture qualification.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The degree is structured over three years, with 120 credits of study each year. Students complete compulsory architectural courses and select approved electives.

Year 1 – Level 5 foundation studies:

• Critical History of Architecture 1 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Technology 1 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Technology 2 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Design Studio 1 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Design Studio 2 – 30 credits.

• Architectural Communication 1 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Communication 2 – 15 credits.

Main learning areas include architectural drawing and communication, introductory design studio practice, building technology and the history of architecture.

Year 2 – Level 6 development studies:

• Critical History of Architecture 2 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Technology 3 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Technology 4 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Design Studio 3 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Design Studio 4 – 30 credits.

• Architectural Communication 3 – 15 credits.

• One approved elective – 15 credits.

Students develop more advanced design, technology and communication skills and expand their understanding of architecture and the built environment.

Year 3 – Level 7 advanced studies:

• Critical History of Architecture 3 – 15 credits.

• Architectural Design Studio 5 – 30 credits.

• Architectural Design Studio 6 – 30 credits.

• Architectural Industry Practice – 15 credits.

• Two approved electives – 30 credits.

The final year focuses on advanced architectural design, professional practice and the application of technical and creative knowledge.

Recommended elective subjects include:

• Architectural Communication 4.

• Sustainability Rating Tools and Natural Materials.

• Restoration and Conservation.

• Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Applied Sustainability.

• Urban Design Studio 1.

• Special Topic courses.

• Programming of Commercial Construction Projects.

• Architectural CAD with Revit.

• BIM Systems and Technologies.

• BIM 3D Documentation and Collaboration.

• BIM 6D Operation, Maintenance and Visualisation.

The elective list is subject to course availability and approval by the degree leader.

Work-integrated learning:

The programme requires at least 120 hours of work-integrated learning. This gives students opportunities to connect academic learning with professional architectural practice.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme's main academic and professional areas are:

• Architectural design.

• Architectural technology.

• Architectural communication.

• Architectural history and theory.

• Building science and construction technology.

• Computer-aided design (CAD).

• Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Urban design.

• Sustainable architecture and natural materials.

• Restoration and conservation.

• Architectural industry practice.

Programme Highlights

• Three-year, full-time Level 7 bachelor's degree.

• 360 credits, with 120 credits completed each year.

• Practical learning through design studios, workshops, lectures and independent projects.

• A combination of creative design and technical architectural knowledge.

• Development of digital design and communication skills.

• Exposure to building technology, construction, architectural science and BIM.

• At least 120 hours of work-integrated learning.

• Elective options in sustainability, urban design, conservation and BIM.

• Opportunities to engage with architectural practice through industry-connected learning.

• A pathway to further study towards becoming a registered architect.

Career Outcomes

Ara states that graduates gain knowledge in both the technical and design aspects of the built environment.

Potential career directions include:

• Architectural design team member.

• Architectural technician or assistant in an architectural practice.

• Architectural technology roles.

• CAD and digital design support roles.

• BIM-related support roles.

• Built-environment design and documentation roles.

• Further study towards professional architecture.

Important professional qualification distinction:

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is not, by itself, the professional qualification that makes a graduate a registered architect in New Zealand. Ara states that graduates can apply to staircase into a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or a higher degree at another institution to continue towards registration.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme page lists the next intake as February 2027, with a start date of 22 February 2027.

• The 2026 programme handbook confirms the revised programme structure for students enrolling from Semester 1 2026.

• The qualification remains listed as Level 7 with 360 credits.

• The programme is delivered at Madras Street Campus, Christchurch.

• A creative portfolio is compulsory for all applicants.

• Applicants are selected based on application information and portfolio quality.

• International application closing date: Please enquire with Ara.

• The programme page indicates that it may be available for a New Zealand study visa.

• The course requires at least 120 hours of work-integrated learning.

• The programme handbook encourages full attendance and active participation. It states that satisfactory progress for international learners is defined as 100% attendance and successful completion of at least 75% of courses.

• Students should check the 2027 programme handbook for any updates to course titles, electives, timetable or assessment requirements.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to study this full-time, three-year programme in Christchurch will generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand information:

• Visa type: Fee Paying Student Visa.

• Application cost: From NZD $850.

• Processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Maximum visa duration: Up to 4 years, depending on the study and individual circumstances.

• Recommended application timing: At least 3 months before travelling to New Zealand.

Main requirements:

1. Offer of place

• Obtain an offer of place from Ara for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

• The offer must identify the programme, duration, study mode and start date.

• Ara states that an unconditional receipted offer of place is issued once applicants meet entry requirements and pay the programme fees.

• Ara recommends that students consider applying for Approval in Principle before paying fees, where appropriate.

2. Tuition fee payment

• Provide evidence that the required tuition fees have been paid or that you can pay them.

• Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence of payment for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.

• Ara issues an official receipt after payment, which is required for the visa process.

• For a multi-year programme, Immigration New Zealand recommends having a credible plan for funding subsequent years.

3. Living expenses

For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of at least NZD $20,000 per year.

Acceptable evidence may include:

• Bank statements.

• Eligible education-loan documentation.

• Scholarship letters.

• Fixed-term deposit evidence.

• Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents.

4. Health and character

• Applicants must meet health and character requirements.

• A chest X-ray may be required depending on nationality, residence history and length of stay.

• Medical examinations or police certificates may also be requested depending on individual circumstances.

5. Medical and travel insurance

• International students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period required by their visa.

• The policy must meet the applicable New Zealand international learner requirements and be acceptable to Ara.

• Ara's 2027 guide lists indicative insurance premiums, but the final amount depends on the duration and policy selected.

6. Genuine study intention and outward travel

• Demonstrate a genuine intention to study in New Zealand.

• Show that you can leave New Zealand at the end of your authorised stay, such as through an onward ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.

• Immigration New Zealand may assess the applicant's academic background, financial circumstances and study plans.

7. Attendance and academic progress

• Students must attend the programme stated on their visa.

• They must make satisfactory academic progress.

• Ara's 2026 programme handbook defines satisfactory progress for international learners as 100% attendance and successful completion of 75% or more of their courses.

8. Work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study, depending on the conditions of their visa.

• Full-time work may be allowed during scheduled holidays if the visa explicitly permits it.

• Work rights are not automatic and must be checked on the individual visa.