Study Architecture
Architect a global future—explore architectural marvels across cultures and civilizations by pursuing an international education in architecture.
All You Need to Know About Architecture Degree Courses
Architecture, often described as an artful science, is a fine blend of creative vision with technical expertise. Architects are instrumental in shaping our built environment, visualizing beautiful, practical and sustainable spaces where humans live, work and play. The profession contributes to the well-being of human society and the earth. Further, with our world constantly growing and developing, there is a never-ending need for qualified professionals capable of planning and designing aesthetic and eco-friendly spaces that meet specified purposes.
A dynamic field by nature, study in architecture offers numerous career paths to its aspirants, including urban planning, computational design, sustainability solutions, consulting for real estate developers and government agencies alike, heritage preservation, teaching, and more. You can start your education in the field soon after high school with undergraduate architecture degree courses and proceed to specialization at the postgraduate level. Individuals wanting to research further in the field opt for a doctorate study in architecture.
Study In Architecture is very practical-oriented with a focus on design projects. Studying the history of the discipline and the renowned architectural specimens around the world is integral to the curriculum. Building technology, structural systems, technical drawing and modelling know-how, design technologies, and quantitative techniques are few other topics you will study during your architecture course. At the postgraduate level, you choose your preferred specialization from among the various sub-domains.
Globally, architecture degree courses are delivered through classroom lectures, workshops, studio work and field trips. Individual and group coursework, projects, and presentations are used as evaluation methods of architecture course, besides the term-end examinations.
Why Study Architecture Abroad?
Your options of destinations, institutions and programs to study architecture abroad are wide. You can take your pick after carefully considering your preferences, priorities, budget, etc.
Architectural elements of any destination are significantly influenced by the local culture and beliefs. Different societies have different outlooks towards space utilization, aesthetic sensibilities and functionality. Studying the prevalent architectural designs in a foreign country as part of your architecture course curriculum will enable you to deeply appreciate different cultural values and their impact on design and construction styles. This understanding will help you stay ahead of the competition.
Study architecture abroad at destinations that boast iconic architectural structures – both historical and modern. Experience different architectural styles and design philosophies firsthand at such landmarks as a key takeaway of your architecture course to add valuable mileage to your career.
Study architecture abroad to get exposure to the architectural practices in the region through field trips, co-op experiences, seminars with experts, and so on. All these practical components of your course will boost your prospects of an international career.
While you study architecture abroad, you interact with peers from all over the world, besides the professors, alumni, international experts and local entrepreneurs in the field. This network of professional connections can open up a multitude of career growth scopes in future.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Reality
General Eligibility Criteria of Architecture Course
UK
A-levels or equivalent. Often, a design portfolio is required.
USA
High School Diploma Design Portfolio Some universities may ask for SAT/ACT scores.
Canada
High School Diploma Design Portfolio
Australia
High School Diploma Design Portfolio
Germany
Entrance requirements vary. International students may have to prove language proficiency.
France
French Baccalaureate or equivalent
Ireland
School Leaving Certificate with specific subjects. Design Portfolio
New Zealand
High School Diploma Design Portfolio
UAE
Varies by university; typically requires a relevant academic background for PG.
Europe
Eligibility conditions and entrance tests vary by country and institution.
UK
A Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture Design Portfolio Some programs may require GRE scores
USA
A Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture Design Portfolio GRE score may be required
Canada
A Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture Design Portfolio
Australia
A relevant Bachelor’s Degree Design Portfolio
Germany
Entrance requirements vary. International students may have to prove language proficiency.
France
A relevant Bachelor’s Degree
Ireland
A relevant Bachelor’s Degree Design Portfolio
New Zealand
A relevant Bachelor’s Degree Design Portfolio
UAE
Varies by university; typically requires a relevant academic background for PG.
Europe
Eligibility conditions and entrance tests vary by country and institution.
UK
A related Master’s Degree Research Proposal Design Portfolio
USA
A related Master’s Degree Design Portfolio GRE score may be required.
Canada
A related Master’s Degree Design Portfolio
Australia
A related Master’s Degree Design Portfolio
Germany
A related Master’s Degree Design Portfolio
France
A related Master’s Degree Design Portfolio
Ireland
A related Master’s Degree Design Portfolio
New Zealand
A related Master’s Degree Design Portfolio
UAE
Varies by university; typically requires a relevant academic background for PG.
Europe
Eligibility conditions and entrance tests vary by country and institution.
Types of Architecture Course
Architecture is a dynamic discipline and diverse are the types of courses available. As we briefly discuss the various program options available to you, choose wisely considering your career goals and preferred learning style.
Full - Time
Most bachelor’s and master’s architecture degree courses are full-time, immersive, on-campus programs with a strong emphasis on studio work. Studio work in an architecture course entail imagining, drafting, sketching modelling, testing, and presenting designs according to the principles and techniques learnt in class. These practical works bear credits and are duly evaluated by mentors and critiqued for improvements.
Programs leading to practicing license for architects:
These are a variation of full-time architecture degree courses like the B. Arch or M. Arch with a comprehensive curriculum that paves the path to becoming a licensed architect. While the Bachelor’s program covers generalist topics like design studios, architectural history, building technology, and more, the Master’s program, on the other hand, allows you to take specialized pathways to earn your professional license.
On the contrary, an architecture course like the BS in Architecture helps build a strong foundation of architectural theory and concepts but does not have the professional licensing component.
Dual Degree
If you wish to give your career a multi-dimensional boost, consider taking up intensive double major architecture degree courses like a Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Construction from the University of Melbourne, or the dual degree Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas, and more. Such dual degrees or double majors widen your career choices, and better your employability quotient besides having the added advantage of acquiring two qualifications in the span of one.
Part-Time
Working executives wanting to grow in their careers while balancing their jobs can opt to study in architecture in the flexibly structured part-time mode. Although in part-time architecture degree courses, the practical, assessment and credit modalities remain similar to their full-time counterparts, the duration of the programs doubles to allow working professionals to continue their education. The University of Melbourne, for example, offers an M. Arch with duration of 3 years in the full-time mode and 6 years in part-time.
Online
Take your pick of online programs in architecture from the likes of a BS in Architecture from Boston Architectural College to a PhD in Architecture from the University of Technology Sydney. Such architecture degree courses may lack in the campus interface and studio work, but administrated by reputed international degree providers, the qualifications bear considerable weightage in the job market. Moreover, an online architecture course is most suitable for individuals who wish to continue their education remotely.
Tuition Fees to Study Architecture Abroad
Country | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
UK | £12,000 – £30,000 |
USA | $20,000 – $60,000 |
Canada | CAD 10,000 – CAD 35,000 |
Australia | AUD 25,000 – AUD 50,000 |
Germany | Free/low tuition at Public Universities; €5,000 – €20,000 at Private Universities |
France | €200 – €1,000 (public universities) |
Ireland | €10,000 – €35,000 |
UAE | AED 60,000 – AED 120,000 |
New Zealand | NZD 25,000 – NZD 40,000 |
Europe | €1,000 – €20,000 (Varies according to university & country) |
Duration of Study in Architecture
- Undergraduate Programs – 3 -4 years
- Postgraduate Programs – 1 – 2 years
- Doctorate Programs – 3 -5 years
Top Universities to Study Architecture Abroad
UK
- Architectural Association School of Architecture
- Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL)
- University of Cambridge
USA
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Columbia University
Canada
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
Australia
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- RMIT University
France
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-Belleville
- Ecole d'Architecture de la Ville & des Territories Paris-Est
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon
Germany
- Technical University of Munich
- ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
- University of Stuttgart.
Ireland
- University College Dublin
- Dublin School of Architecture
- Cork Centre for Architectural Education
New Zealand
- University of Auckland
- Victoria University of Wellington
UAE
- American University of Sharjah
- United Arab Emirates University
Scholarships to Study in Architecture
Universities often encourage international students to pursue their dream architecture course by extending financial help through scholarship programs. To reduce your cost of attending architecture degree courses abroad, here are a few prestigious programs you can consider applying to.
United Kingdom
- The fully-funded Chevening Scholarships are for students from select nations who choose to pursue postgraduate architecture degree courses at partner UK universities. Some programs covered under the scheme are an MSc in Architectural Engineering from the University of Bath, an MA in History of Architecture from the University of London, and a MArch from the University of Cambridge, etc. To be eligible, such students must have at least two years of prior experience and hold an unconditional admission offer into the program.
- The Alan Davidson Scholarship is for domestic and international students signing up for the MA in Architectural Visualisation at the University of Kent. Valued at £10,000 tuition fee discount, selection for the scholarship is based on academic excellence, artistic ability, and communication skills of applicants.
USA
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is administered by the Fulbright Commission along with partner countries to provide financial assistance to international students willing to study in architecture in the USA. You must check the eligibility and selection procedure applicable to your home country.
- Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship is for advanced study in architecture in the USA. Sponsored by the College of Fine and Applied Arts of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the award is open to international students pursuing architecture courses at similar institutions in the country. The award value ranges between $5,000 - $24,999 and is disbursed towards the course fees.
Canada
- Fred Lebensold Memorial Fellowship in Architecture is awarded annually by the School of Architecture at McGill University to an incoming MArch student, based on academic merit. The one-time award is valued at $3,500.
- Vince Catalli Scholarship for Sustainable Architectural Innovation, administered by the RAIC Foundation is for students in the last two years of a professional architecture course in a registered Canadian HEI. Up to two students can be nominated by each school and the award is valued at $5000.00.
Australia
- The fully-funded Australia Awards Scholarship is sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for incoming international students signing up for an architecture course at participating Australian universities and TAFE institutions.
- Diana Inglis Carment Scholarship, valued at $5000, is for incoming students of Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honors) degree at the University of Sydney. Selection for the one-time award is based on academic merit and personal statement.
Germany
- DAAD Scholarship for Postgraduate Study in Architecture is for students enrolling in a Master's/postgraduate level architecture course. The award covers a monthly allowance of 934 EUR, a travel allowance, a one-off study allowance, and insurance for the entire duration of the program. The selection decision for the program considers the academic achievements and work samples of the applicant.
Ireland
- The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is applicable for all disciplines at the Master’s and PhD levels, including architecture degree courses. The award includes a full tuition fee waiver and a 10,000 EUR stipend for a year’s study in the country
New Zealand
- Eligible incoming students of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at Lincoln University can apply for the New Zealand Excellence Awards valued at NZ$ 20,000.
- Wellington School of Architecture at the Victoria University of Wellington administers the Branz Awards. Targeted to incoming students of Master of Architectural Science, the program attempts to encourage postgraduate study and research.
UAE
- The Abu Dhabi University awards merit-based Graduate Scholarships to incoming students signing up for a postgraduate course across disciplines. The applicants must have a minimum undergraduate CGPA of 3.5 or equivalent to qualify for a 25% fee waiver.
Career Progression After Completing Study in Architecture
After Undergraduate Architecture Course:
With a bachelor’s qualification in architecture under your belt, you can hone your skills hands-on in entry-level jobs. You can expect assisting roles for Urban Designers, City Planners, Architectural Designers, etc. You can also start as a Building Surveyor or Historic Building Inspector. If computerized designing is your forte, you could bag roles like Building information modelling (BIM) coordinator, architectural Drafter, CAD Technician, etc. Individuals with strong management skills can work as Construction Project Coordinator, Building Code Specialist, and so on. Quoting an average salary for all these diverse roles is difficult because compensation depends on prior experience, job location and exact role however architecture graduates with less than a year’s experience draws approximately $48,756 while those with 1-4 years experience got a package of $55,103.
After Postgraduate Study in Architecture:
Postgraduate architecture degree courses delve into niche specializations of the discipline like Building Architecture, Design and History, Built Environment Interiors, Landscape Design, Sustainable Architecture, Urban Planning, Heritage Conservation, and more. The job roles offered are mostly at the mid-level, including Commercial/ Residential/ Industrial/ Extreme Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, Sustainability Consultants, Conservation Experts, Urban Planners, and so on. Such architects can earn higher salary packages as they grow with experience in their respective niches, but in general, the average annual salary is $103,650.
After Doctorate Study in Architecture:
Individuals with a doctorate in architecture usually veer into research and academia, teaching aspiring architects and continually researching the various aspects of the discipline. Sometimes, such individuals also assume senior leadership roles wherein they formulate policies and rethink quality standards in the domain. Salary at this level is much higher than entry-level and mid-level positions as architects.
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FAQs
Why Study Abroad With UniApplica?
UniApplica provides a comprehensive solution for all aspects of student needs, covering everything required for a successful academic journey.
Architects should have hard skills related to their domain like Design Abilities, Model Making, building knowledge, Expertise in Designing Software, Blueprint Analysis, and more. The transferable skills that can help them in their profession are creativity, visualization, strong communication, organization, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
After completing your study architecture abroad at either the undergraduate or postgraduate levels, you must complete a paid internship of generally three years before appearing for the licensing exam. Once you clear the exam, you will get your license. An architect’s license is necessary for practicing in most countries globally.
Yes, there will be considerable portions of quantitative techniques like geometry, algebra, and trigonometry included in the architecture course curriculum. Architects rely heavily on these mathematical topics to make spatial calculations for their designs.
Architects originally would hand-sketch draft designs and blueprints although, in present days, CAD software has taken over the role. However, even with the availability of technology, drawing skills help architecture students initially, besides helping them with the sensibility of looking at perspective drawings.
By opting to study architecture abroad, you will get a wide choice of the in-demand specialization domains in the discipline including Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture History, Sustainable Architecture, Architecture and Digital Design, among others.
