Master of Architectural Engineering
MArchEng
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The building industry has a growing need for design professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in their discipline and the ability to collaborate effectively with other designers, investors, contractors, and project managers, through knowledge of whole-building design and performance, integrated design of sustainable buildings, and digital methods for planning, designing, constructing, and operating buildings.
This Master’s is a practice-focused degree for students with engineering or architecture backgrounds to gain professional, work-ready building design skills. There is also a part-time option available for those working in the industry and wanting to upskill.
You can receive your master’s in the following endorsements:
- Integrated Building Design
- Structural Engineering (August start only)
- Building Services and Energy Engineering (start date to be confirmed)
- The first master’s degree of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand where engineers and architects study together and learn from each other.
- Ideal for professionals working in the industry wanting to upskill or change career direction, with flexible part-time and distance learning options.
- UC has world-class engineering facilities including a futuristic augmented reality lab, the only high-voltage lab in Aotearoa New Zealand, and a new structural engineering lab.
- UC Engineering students have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities in all engineering departments, after a $162 million investment in infrastructure, including a new Engineering Core space for students.
You will need to have achieved a bachelor’s degree with First or Second Class Honours in a subject related to building design, or equivalent; or a postgraduate diploma in an equivalent subject.
Those with a Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Engineering with a B Grade Point Average or better can also apply for admission to the Master of Architectural Engineering.
It is strongly advised to have at least one year of professional practice experience before applying. You will be approved entry based on the standard of your previous studies and work experience.
- For the Structural Engineering endorsement (August start only), you will need to have completed a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (First or Second Class) in Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
- For the Building Services and Energy Engineering endorsement (start date to be confirmed), you will need to have completed a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (First or Second Class) in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
Those who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered for entry to the Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Engineering.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Architectural Engineering or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The MArchEng contains two parts:
- Part I of the Master of Architectural Engineering is made up of two compulsory courses on collaborative building design, and two practice-focused courses towards an endorsement.
- Part II of the Master of Architectural Engineering is made up of advanced technical courses towards an endorsement, and an integrated building design project.
Students who complete Part I of the Structural Engineering or Building Services and Energy Engineering endorsements have the flexibility to progress to Part II of these endorsements, or to Part II of the Integrated Building Design endorsement.
Both Parts must be completed within 4 years. Full-time and part-time study options are available. Courses are delivered as a blend of online and face-to-face block learning to assist participation for at-work students.
Students in the Integrated Building Design endorsement can start their studies in February or July; students in the other endorsement options start in July.
You can receive your Master’s in the following endorsements:
- Integrated Building Design
- Structural Engineering (August start only)
- Building Services and Energy Engineering (start date to be confirmed)
The MArchEng requires 120 points of coursework. Topics available may include human factors in building design, building modelling and integrated design, building environmental control, and structural assessment and retrofit.
Part I:
All students complete the following:
Plus the following courses for your endorsement subject:
Integrated Building Design
Structural Engineering
Building Services and Energy Engineering
Part II:
- ENAE620 Integrated Building Design Project
- Three courses towards your endorsement from Schedule C (Group 2)
You may choose to go onto Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in Civil Engineering and many other engineering subject options, depending on your endorsement.
Graduates of this Master’s will be filling a growing and competitive market need for engineers and architects, with the unique combination of technical and collaborative design skills. Building design professionals with modern design knowledge of sustainable, high-performance buildings, and digital design and construction, are especially sought by employers internationally.
The knowledge from this degree will make graduates well suited for careers as contractors, project managers, building design professionals, and in positions of technical leadership and multi-disciplinary team leadership.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2023 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $9,311 |
| 2022 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $9,062 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2022 | 120 | $45,000 | $39,130 | |
| 2023 | 120 | $46,000 | $40,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Architectural Engineering.
Te Kaupeka Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4222
Email collegeofengineering@canterbury.ac.nz