Studies
Why apply?
The Master´s Degree Programme in Architecture prepares students with in-depth knowledge of the cultural and practical considerations concerning the field, is oriented towards the themes of sustainability through a humanistic and all-inclusive approach, and provides future architects with the expertise and competence to confront the cutting edge issues relating to their profession. The degree complies with the criteria established by the 2005/36/EC EU Directive and is listed among the recognised European Degrees, meaning that the degree qualifies students to work as architects in other countries, even though actual access to the profession may entail a training period, an internship or an examination, depending on local regulations.
The programme is conducted entirely in English. All courses, exams and student services are arranged in English, so a good command of the language is an absolute requirement.
Programme features
The Master’s Programme in Architecture consists of four full-time semesters and a total of 120 credits. 90 credits are distributed among a set of Professional studies and Major Subject studies, partly compulsory and partly elective, which cover three semesters. The last semester of the two-year programme is dedicated to the development of a master's thesis. The extent of the thesis is 30 credits.
Professional MSc studies (52 credits)
The Professional MSc Studies in Architecture are compulsory courses that offer students a strong set of professional skills during their first year of studies, in accordance with the traditional wide-ranging education strategy that the School is especially noted for. They provide a comprehensive and solid foundation in the many disciplinary areas which mutually contribute to the formation of the necessary background knowledge of an architect, and will direct the students towards their major subject studies.
Orientation to Academic Studies in Finland (1 cr.)
Architectural Design, Professional Course (12 cr.)
Housing Design, Professional Course (12 cr.)
History of Architecture, Professional Course (12 cr.)
Urban Planning and Design, Professional Course (12 cr.)
Finnish 1 (3 cr.)
Major subject, architectural studies (30 credits)
The major subject studies cover the first semester of the second year; they are compulsory and structured as follows: one main design studio plus four supporting courses. The main design studio is a cross disciplinary course oriented towards sustainability issues with a yearly varying theme from the field of Architecture. It is an intensive course taught by an annually changing visiting professor. Students are allowed to carry out the course assignments according to their specific fields of interest. The four supporting courses deal with up-to-date topics and complete, as collateral study areas, the Sustainable Design Studio.
Sustainable Design Studio (15 cr.)
Negotiating and Designing Sustainable Change (5 cr.)
Sustainable Renovation and Redevelopment (5 cr.)
Digital Design in Sustainable Urbanism (3 cr.)
Professional Practise (2 cr.)
Elective studies (8 credits)
Students can personalize their degree by selecting courses from the alternatives available in the list of elective studies. The study areas include advanced studies in Finnish architecture, Finnish and English language studies, and computer aided design and visualization skills.
Contemporary Finnish Architecture (3 cr.)
Spaces in Finnish Nature (3 cr.)
Finnish Wood Architecture (8 cr.)
ArchiCAD, Basics (5 cr.)
Revit Architecture, Basics (5 cr.)
Visualizing Architecture (5 cr.)
School of Architecture's Varying Topics Course (1-10 cr.)
Introduction to Finnish Planning (2 cr.)
Internship (4 cr.)
Art History in English (3 cr.)
Finnish and English language studies
Master's thesis (30 credits)
The master's thesis is an individual and self-defined architectural project. The purpose of the thesis is to demonstrate that the candidate has fulfilled the requirements of the programme and is professionally qualified to practice architecture.
Workload
The total workload of the Master's Degree Programme in Architecture is 120 credits. The credits are based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, which is a student-centred system based on the workload required to achieve the defined learning outcomes. Each credit represents an average workload of 27 hours.
