Studying architecture abroad

Studying architecture abroad is an excellent way to not only work towards your future architectural career goals, but also to develop personally whilst exploring a new country and making new friends.

The experience you gain will broaden your horizons, allow you to grow your network, and will look great on your CV or resume.

What is covered in Architecture courses at university?

A combination of art and science, architecture includes the process of planning, designing and fabricating structures and buildings. An architect also needs to consider functionality, durability and aesthetics through the use of different materials, technology and elements of design.

As an architect, you would play a very important role in the process of designing and constructing a new building.

With the worldwide population continuing to grow, architectural practice, as well as the construction industry, needs new architects to ensure the built environment meets the requirements of the future.

Why study architecture?

There are several reasons that you might consider studying architecture abroad as an international student. Here are a few of those reasons:

• Global career opportunities: architecture is a relevant subject all over the world, and you would have career options in various countries.
• Cultural immersion: studying architecture in a different country will expose you to diverse architectural styles, history and cultural influences.
• Cutting-edge technologies: you will be able to learn about the latest technological advances within the architecture field, and potentially also have hands-on experience with this technology.
• Networking and collaboration: an international degree will provide you with the chance to work alongside peers and professionals from a range of different backgrounds.
• Personal and professional growth: studying abroad will challenge you to adapt to a new environment, both inside and outside of the classroom. This will prepare you for your future career.

What You Will Study

Undergraduate/Bachelors

As an architecture undergraduate student, you will develop a good foundation of knowledge in the area. You will cover the basic concepts of architecture, before developing these as you progress.

Modules studied could include the science of designing, designing buildings, designing structures, as well as learning about how to use architectural technology in your design work.

Your degree will be delivered through lectures and seminars, as well as incorporating practical sessions and field trips. You might also be able to work in a design studio.

There may be an opportunity to take part in a work placement, which will allow you to gain some practical experience.

Postgraduate/Masters

As a postgraduate architecture student, you will have the opportunity to build on the knowledge gained at undergraduate level. The modules you study will cover the more complex and specialist areas of architecture. These modules could include sustainable architecture, material science, advanced practise, and urban design.

You will study through lectures and seminars. Many architecture schools emphasise practical experience, and the application of your skills and knowledge. This means that you may have the chance to take part in a work placement, or attend masterclasses with industry experts.

Architecture Specialisations

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise throughout your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated.

They can also help you to decide which area you wish to complete your dissertation or final major research project on. Common specialisations include:

• Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings – looking at architecture with a view to its impact on the environment and how it will age.
• Architectural Communication and Representation – exploring the different ways to display design ideas, such as 2D and 3D images, models, etc.
• Management, Practice and Law – understanding the rules and regulations surrounding architectural practice.
• Heritage and Conservation – how to work with old, important and protected buildings and structures.
• Digital Design – working with computer programs and algorithms to create complex designs more easily.

There are many similar and related courses that you might also want to consider, if you are not fully decided on studying architecture. You should look at courses in areas such as:

• Urban planning
• Built environment
• Art and design
• Interior design
• Land and property management
• Construction management
• Civil engineering

There are also courses that have similar names, but cover different topics. These include:

• Architectural engineering: as the name suggests, this degree combines architecture and engineering, focusing on the processes that link design and construction. You would have a more in depth understanding of the technical knowledge around building materials and construction methods.
• Interior architecture: you would learn how to design functional and attractive interiors and indoor spaces, understanding how interior design works alongside heating and cooling systems and safety standards.

Accreditation and Certification

The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be influenced by your level of study. At undergraduate level, awards are usually a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), a Bachelor of Science (BSc), or a Bachelor of Arts (BA).

At postgraduate level, award titles include Master of Architecture (MArch), a Master of Science (MSc), or a Master of Arts (MA). If you choose to study for a postgraduate research degree, you will be awarded a Master of Research (MRes), a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), a Doctor of Architecture (DArch), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

As well as gaining a degree title, you might also be required to gain a professional accreditation in order to practise under the title of architect. Being a registered architect and having accreditation shows your clients that you have completed the appropriate studies, have developed a high standard of knowledge and skills, and have the correct insurance (and other legal requirements).

For instance, in the UK you must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in order to legally call yourself an architect and perform architectural work. In order to gain this accreditation, architecture students must study for ARB/RIBA Part 1, ARB/RIBA Part 2, and ARB/RIBA Part 3.

In the USA, you need to make sure that your course is accredited by the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board), as graduating from one of these courses will allow you to become a registered and licensed architect.

Other accreditation boards include:

• Australia: Australian Institute of Architects and Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)
• India: Council of Architecture
• France: Ordre des Architectes
• Germany: Chamber of Architects
• Italy: Ordine Degli Architetti
• Netherlands: Dutch Register of Architects (Architectenregister)
• Sweden: Arkitekt SAR/MSA (Swedish Architects Association/Member of the Swedish Association of Architects)
• Belgium: Conseil National de l’Ordre des Architectes (CNOA)/Nationale Raad van de Orde van Architecten (NROA)
• Canada: Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)

In the field of architecture it can be useful to study for your university degree in the country that you want to work in. This is because your degree is more likely to be correctly accredited.

It is important that before applying for a degree as an international student, you make sure that your degree will be recognised by the relevant accreditation bodies in the country that you wish to work in. If your degree is not recognised or accredited this could mean that you need to spend extra time or money on a conversion course.

Timeframe and Further Studies

Generally, an undergraduate degree in architecture will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years when studied full-time.

A postgraduate degree will normally take one to two years. If your course includes a placement, this normally adds another year onto your studies.

Some institutions might offer part-time study options. Studying for a degree part-time normally means that your course will last anywhere between three and eight years, with some universities offering more flexible study options.

Career Options

It is most common for architecture graduates to go directly into the field as a licensed architect, architectural technologist, drafter, interior designer or landscape designer. These positions are available in architecture partnerships or firms, and there are also opportunities to become self-employed or work as a consultant.

You will find that skill gains from an architecture degree will be transferable to many other career paths. Related positions include surveyors for commercial and residential properties, historic building conservation officer, town/urban planner and production designer for film, TV and theatre.