Master 's in Architecture

Invaluable: practice-oriented project work

Every semester, the focus of teaching is on the design project, which is a complex task involving various issues and standards. It deals with current topics of urban development and building culture. The projects are firmly anchored in real-world practice thanks to cooperation with cities, municipalities, construction industry partners, and others.

Promoting interdisciplinary and international dialogue

In today's world, it is essential to gain international experience. The faculty therefore cultivates contacts with top-class universities, e.g. in Indonesia, India, Jordan, Spain, Holland, Denmark and the USA. This cooperation takes place in the form of semesters abroad at partner universities, summer school workshops, joint studios, etc. Foreign language courses and field trips at home and abroad promote a better understanding of other building cultures, provide support for periods of study abroad and open up professional career opportunities in other countries. Interdisciplinary projects encourage interaction with other departments and faculties. For example, in the field of "Interdisciplinary Timber Engineering", various modules are taught jointly to students of Architecture and Civil Engineering in order to explore integral planning methods and the resource-efficient use of timber for construction as an important component of sustainable planning and building.

Topics and teaching formats in the Master’s program

The Master's in Architecture is noted for fostering personal responsibility and self-organization of work and process flows. The students choose their own course content from a range of projects, compulsory electives and elective modules to suit their own interests and aptitudes. In the so-called "project studios", students can choose to focus on a variety of specific topics. At the same time, compulsory electives lay the specialist and methodological foundations for the students to acquire the necessary academic qualifications.

The project studios are held every semester with new and topical challenges from different subject areas such as

• Building in Context
• Typological Design
• Structural Design
• Urban Design
• Interdisciplinary Timber Engineering

Furthermore, you can gain certification as a "Passive House" planner zertifizieren lassen – an additional professional qualification that in Germany is only offered at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt.

Stages of your studies and modules in the Master's

The Master's program in Architecture leads to a second professional qualification, the Master of Arts (M.A.), after 4 semesters. It is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor's degree program and covers all the main areas of planning and construction. The aim is to enable students to work academically and methodically and also develop theoretical, analytical and creative skills.

Working in studios lends the teaching a workshop character that is comparable to that of professional practice. As part of integrated projects and planning assignments, students develop interdisciplinary concepts and learn methods and organizational approaches for controlling complex design and planning processes. In addition, students are taught and trained in key competencies during their studies.

In the first 3 semesters, students independently compile their own timetables based on projects, compulsory electives and elective modules. In the so-called "project studios", it is possible to choose projects with various specific focal points that address current topics in urban development and building culture. The projects are firmly anchored in real-world practice thanks to cooperation with cities, municipalities, construction industry partners, and others. At the same time, compulsory electives lay the specialist and methodological foundations for the students to acquire the necessary academic qualifications. The 4th semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, the topic of which can be chosen from several options or even initiated by the student. In terms of methodology, this study phase is accompanied by a Master's thesis seminar.

Regular field trips take place in Germany and abroad. The compact project week is a special feature in our faculty and stimulates creativity as a driving force for problem solving in the field of architecture. It is also possible to take a special elective module in order to obtain certification as a "Passive House" planner.

By means of a practice-oriented, broad-based education that is founded on academic knowledge and methods, students are taught the knowledge, skills and competences that will enable them to work independently in managerial positions or as self-employed architects.

How to apply for the Master's in Architecture

To apply for the Master's degree program in Architecture, you need a Bachelor's degree in Architecture with a minimum grade point average of 2.5. The final or average grade can be upgraded by means of relevant practical experience or a semester abroad.

To apply, you must submit a portfolio that includes documentation of two design projects - completed in your previous degree course - as well as a piece of work that deals artistically or conceptually with the themes of space or the perception of space. Each project is to be presented on 2 pages of A3 paper. Furthermore, you must submit a letter of motivation in which you outline your suitability in terms of specific aptitudes and abilities, your experience and your expectations of the Master's degree program at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt. A committee made up of professors who teach in the Master's program in Architecture will review your application and decide on your admission. No aptitude test is required in order to gain admission to the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt.

For further information on the admission procedure, please refer to §3 of the program regulations for the Master’s program in Architecture at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt.

Potential employers

The degree course is geared towards the work of architectural offices, but also qualifies students for employment in companies in the construction industry as well as offices and authorities in public administration. The degree is recognized throughout Europe.

Professional fields of work

The responsibilities of an architect's office include a wide range of tasks such as design planning, execution planning and site supervision. Other areas of employment include construction and real estate management, project management and development and facility management. However, the ability to creatively solve complex problems that is acquired while studying Architecture also enables graduates to pursue careers in other design, artistic and entrepreneurial disciplines.