Architecture Program, 300 Credits

Entry Requirements

General entry requirements and Mathematics 3b or 3c or Mathematics C, Science Studies 2, Civics 1b or 1a1+1a2. Science Studies can be replaced by Chemistry 1 and Physics 1a or 1b1+1b2.

Degree

After a completed study programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Architecture in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website). In Swedish, Master of Architecture is called Arkitektexamen.

Description of the education for current education cycle

The education is at first-cycle level and second-cycle level. The goals for education at first-cycle level and second-cycle level can be found in the Higher Education Act ch. 1. Sections 8 and 9.

National goals for current degree

For Degree of Master of Architecture, the student shall demonstrate such knowledge and skill required to work independently as an architect, Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100), Appendix 2.

Knowledge and understanding
 
For a Degree of Master of Architecture the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge of the disciplinary and artistic foundation of the field and insight into relevant research and development work, and
• demonstrate both broad knowledge and understanding of architectural theory and history as well as specialised knowledge of architectural design, planning and the development of built environments and also the processes, methods and statutory provisions that affect them.

 Competence and skills
 
For a Degree of Master of Architecture the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to plan, design, maintain and renew built environments and buildings in complex contexts and with a holistic approach informed by various demands, in particular the sustainable development required by the community,
• demonstrate the ability to use appropriate architectonic methods and syntheses to undertake and evaluate advanced and creative tasks autonomously and critically and within predetermined parameters in the field of architecture and urban planning,
• demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge about physical circumstances and technological principles to the erection and alteration of buildings
• demonstrate the capacity for teamwork and collaboration with various constellations, and
• demonstrate the ability in dialogue with different audiences in both national and international contexts to present and discuss, using images and models, his or her conclusions and the knowledge and reasoning on which they are based in speech, writing or some other way and so contribute to the development of the profession and professional practice.

Judgement and approach
 
For a Degree of Master of Architecture the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to adopt a holistic view in making judgements and appraisals informed by the relevant disciplinary, social, aesthetic and ethical aspects and which at the same time take into account the different needs and functional abilities of communities and individuals as well as the interaction between individuals and their physical settings, including occupational health and safety,
• demonstrate the disposition to base his or her work on high-quality, well-designed long-term functional solutions, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and undertake ongoing development of his or her skills.

Local goals for current degree

Judgement and approach

For the Degree of Master of Architecture, the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to re-evaluate architectural conventions,
• demonstrate the ability to reflect on the role of the architect and architecture in an evolving global and local perspective.

Examination format

Each syllabus sets out the examination formats used in each individual course.

Grades

Each syllabus sets out the grades used in the course.

Transfer of Credits

A student who believes to have gained knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional experience that may be equivalent to a course or part of a course in the programme can apply for transfer of credits. Granting a transfer of credits means that the student will not have to study the parts of the programme included in the decision. Information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's website.

www.umu.se/en/education/how-to-apply/transfer-of-credits/

General

Architecture education at Umeå School of Architecture is based on artistic and scientific grounds. It is an international programme where all courses are taught in English. The architecture programme deals with global and local challenges relating to the built environment, ethical implications, and complexities of sustainable development at the building, urban, and regional scale. 

The discipline of architecture deals with space, form and matter through design processes and methodologies. It combines building construction and materiality, contextual understanding and artistic methods to bring forward project proposals.

The role of the architect is defined by specialised knowledge of architectural design and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to enable change within the built environment and landscapes at large.

The structure of the education is mainly project-based with thematic projects and with integrated courses that can be concentrated in time or run over a longer period of time and be studied part-time. The education is given in English. The teaching mainly consists of design work with supervision individually and in groups. The teaching takes place in thematic courses in design and basic courses to achieve both practical skills and theoretical knowledge and is given by researchers and practitioners with a focus on all aspects of sustainability during the programme. In semester 8, two optional courses are offered: an internship course at an external workplace or a course in the form of an integrated architecture project.

Programme overview

Year 1, 60 credits Spatial Explorations

The objective of year 1 is to provide a basic knowledge and skillset of the architectural discipline, including an introduction to architectural elements, theoretical and historical discourse, concepts of sustainability and architectural technology. Different drawing and model-making techniques are explored through iterative and experimental design processes in relation to the human body, form, function, and space.

Year 2, 60 credits Architectural Methods and Tools

In the second year, the students are exposed to various architectural typologies and programmes within a specific physical and societal context through a multi-scalar approach supported by methods and tools of analysis and visualisation. Design processes and proposals are developed further by applying analogue and digital design tools and integrating construction, materials and environmental thinking.

Year 3, 60 credits Complexities

The third year focuses on socio-ecological complexity within both rural and urban environments at multiple scales. Students train to combine artistic methods within a scientific framework and are guided to synthesise architectural projects that are grounded in research and supported by foundational courses. Year three ends with a degree project, 15 hp.

Year 4, 60 credits Engaging Practices

In the fourth year, students formulate and develop an advanced strategic, research-based approach to local and global urgencies focusing on combining spatial quality with increased resiliency of the built environment. Design proposals are developed and assessed by synthesizing knowledge, applying a holistic approach and engaging in critical thinking. Students are exposed to professional architectural practices through models of engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, communities, and disciplines.

Year 5, 60 credits Positioning

The fifth year focuses on achieving specialised knowledge and the advanced application of tools, methodologies, and acquired processes to formulate an autonomous architectural design response. Students develop a personal point of departure and ethical position as future professional practitioners by applying critical thinking to the design processes. Their work contributes to the profession through design research and architectural proposals that demonstrate relevant knowledge of architecture's societal, contextual, environmental, material, and technical aspects and impacts. Year five ends with a master thesis project, 30 credits.

Requirements for a Degree of Master of Architecture (300 credits) at Umeå University
Degree of Master of Architecture is obtained when the student has completed the required 300 credits. Of these, 30 shall consist of a thesis, and in addition to the thesis project, at least 60 credits shall be on a second-cycle level, see also the current degree requirements for the Master of Architecture

Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed a seat in all compulsory courses, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. Entry requirements are listed in each respective course syllabus.
The study programme includes the following courses, listed by year and semester. The courses are not listed chronologically within an academic year. The order may vary from year to year depending on how the project-based format is applied. The following courses are marked with a G for the first-cycle level and A for the second-cycle level.

Year 1, Autumn semester
Architectural Design 1:1 (G), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 1:1 (G), 4,5 credits
History and Theory of Architecture 1:1 (G), 7,5 credits
Tools and Communication in Architecture 1:1(G), 3 credits

Year 1, Spring semester
Architectural Design 1:2 (G), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 1:2 (G), 4,5 credits
History and Theory of Architecture 1:2 (G), 6 credits
Tools and Communication in Architecture 1:2 (G), 3 credits
Perspectives on Sustainability and Architecture 1 (G), 1,5 credits

Year 2, Autumn semester
Architectural Design 2:1 (G), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 2:1 (G), 4,5 credits
History and Theory of Architecture 2 (G), 7,5 credits
Tools and Communication in Architecture 2:1 (G), 3 credits

Year 2, Spring semester
Architectural Design 2:2 (G), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 2:2 (G), 6 credits
Urban Design and Planning 1 (G), 4,5 credits
Tools and Communication in Architecture 2:2 (G), 3 credits
Perspectives on Sustainability and Architecture 2 (G), 1,5 credits

Year 3, Autumn semester
Architectural Design 3:1 (G), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 3:1 (G), 4,5 credits
History and Theory of Architecture 3:1 (G), 4,5 credits
Urban Design and Planning 2 (G), 6 credits

Year 3, Spring semester
Architectural Design 3:2 (G), 3 credits
Degree Project (G), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 3:2 (G), 3 credits
History and Theory of Architecture 3:2 (G), 7,5 credits
Perspectives on Sustainability and Architecture 3 (G), 1,5 credits

Year 4, Autumn semester
Architectural Design 1 (A), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 1(A), 7,5 credits
Research Methods in Architecture 1 (A), 4,5 credits
Contemporary Research in Architecture (A), 3 credits

Year 4, Spring semester
Elective course (A), 22,5 credits
Sustainability in Architectural Practice (A), 7,5 credits

Year 5, Autumn semester
Architectural Design 2 (A), 15 credits
Architectural Technology 2 (A), 7,5 credits
Research Methods in Architecture 2 (A), 7,5 credits

Year 5, Spring semester
Master Thesis (A), 30 credits

Elective courses
Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme and where the student chooses which of these courses to enroll in. The student is guaranteed a seat in one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a seat in their first-choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus. 

Students have two options during Spring semester, Year 4.

Practice in Architecture (A), 22,5 credits

Or

Integrated Project in Architecture (A), 22,5 credits

In compulsory courses, the student has a guaranteed seat. In elective courses, admission is guaranteed for full study pace but not for individual courses. For current information on elective courses, please see the university's course catalogue and programme website.

Deferment of studies

Information on deferment of studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Approved leave from studies

Information on approved leave from studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Discontinuation

Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.