Master of Architectural Design Management
Gain the skills to manage the design phases of major construction projects in just one year with AUT’s Master of Architectural Design Management.
As construction projects become more complex, professionals who can manage the design of these projects are in high demand. The only programme of its kind in New Zealand, the one-year Master of Architectural Design Management prepares you for this sought-after career at the early stages of construction projects.
Suitable for architecture, construction and engineering graduates, this programme has a strong focus on innovation and sustainability to empower you to contribute to a sustainable future in the construction industry. Because we want you to thrive in your career after AUT, we encourage students to have 1 to 2 years of work experience before beginning their studies. This practical experience, combined with the knowledge from your studies at AUT, will help you stand out in New Zealand’s construction industry.
This programme brochure will be available soon.
Minimum entry requirements
One of the following or equivalent with a B grade average or higher in level 7 courses:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree with honours OR
- Relevant bachelor’s degree and one year of advanced study OR
- Relevant bachelor’s degree and relevant experience deemed equivalent to one year of advanced study
International student entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent.
You’ll learn to lead multidisciplinary design teams to successfully deliver integrated design outcomes for construction projects, review design and engineering management activities on tenders and projects, evaluate and optimise design management processes, and develop an understanding of the financial, legal, contractual and organisational aspects related to the design phase of construction projects.
Courses are delivered as block courses, with two two-day on-campus sessions for each 15-point course, supported by online learning activities. Your courses also include guest lectures from industry experts, business leaders and community/iwi representatives to ensure that what you learn is relevant to your future career.
Complete the following courses
- ARCH805 Architectural Practice IV: Business and Entrepreneurship (15 points)
- ENBU826 Integration and Scope Management (15 points)
- ENBU827 Innovation in Architecture Engineering and Construction (15 points)
- ENGE813 Advanced Integrated Project Management (15 points)
- ENBU995 Project in Architectural Design Management (45 points)
And choose one of
- ARCH804 Architectural Practice III: Project Delivery (15 points)
- ENBU814 Advanced Built Environment (15 points)
- ENBU820 Law for Construction Management (15 points)
Design management is crucial in the early stages of construction projects (during pre-contract and early contract activities), helping define the project, develop and review the design, and communicate the design detail to all stakeholders. Once these early stages have been addressed, there is a handover to the construction project delivery team, which handles the project’s construction on site.
As a graduate of the Master of Architectural Design Management you’ll be well-prepared for roles like:
- Design manager or coordinator
- Architectural project manager
- Project manager or coordinator
Frequently asked questions
It’s a one-year taught master’s degree at level 9, focusing on design management and development throughout the early stages of construction projects.
Design management focuses on leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing the definition, development and review of design during the crucial early stages of construction projects, before handing the project over to the on-site construction project delivery team. The Master of Architectural Design Management emphasises integration and design development, while a construction management programme would emphasise project delivery mechanisms.
You can’t. The new Master of Architectural Design Management is unique in New Zealand, although there are equivalent offerings around the world in the US, Australia and the UK.
You learn to lead multidisciplinary design teams, review design and engineering management activities, evaluate and optimise design management processes, and understand the financial, legal and contractual aspects of the design phase of construction projects.
Courses are delivered as block courses, with two two-day on-campus sessions per 15-point course, supported by online learning activities and guest lectures from industry experts.
Yes, students with a three-year degree and relevant work experience will be considered.
In short, yes. Our team at AUT has extensive experience of delivering this type of professional qualification. We want to ensure that you have the best possible outcome for your studies – which ultimately means gaining employment after graduation. Experience is central to your employability. That is why relevant work experience is an important entry requirement and essential for ensuring a successful outcome for your studies.
Apply now. All applications are considered and assessed carefully to take into account your unique set of qualifications and experience. Extensive experience can often make up for slightly lower grades.
As a graduate, you will be well-prepared for roles as a design manager or coordinator, architectural project manager, or project manager or coordinator.
Yes, completion of this level 9 master’s degree provides graduates with a three-year visa with post-study work rights, making it an attractive proposition in the current marketplace.
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during your semester breaks.
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.