Consolidating architectural skills
Studying architecture takes five years. During the three-year bachelor’s program, you will develop the wide-ranging expertise needed in your future career. In the two-year master’s program, you will consolidate and enhance your skills, taking them to a new level.
These are some of the skills and knowledge you can expect to develop in the master’s program:
- You will elevate your understanding of the cultural and built environment you developed in the bachelor’s program to a new level
- You will enhance your ability to interpret complex problems and develop suitable architectural and construction solutions to solve them
- You will blend artistic innovation with scientific work
- You will have both the freedom and the support to explore the important questions of our time and develop urgently needed strategies for action.
Program concept of the MA in Architecture
Promoting an open, process-oriented mindset
The master’s program at the Institute of Architecture (IAR) is designed to comprehensively enhance architectural skills, empowering architects to shape a radically changing world. Building on the robust skills taught in the bachelor's program, we promote an open, process-oriented mindset in these turbulent times. It is designed to help you address future challenges in architecture systematically and with creativity. Amid the dynamism of today’s transformations, we think of the master’s degree program as a journey into the unknown where you are both the navigator on your personal learning path and a pioneer forging new pathways for future developments in architecture.
Open Architecture
Yielding 12 ECTS credits, the Focus Project design module is the key element among the master’s modules. It centers on the development of a personal architectural stance characterized by a profound understanding of one’s responsibility, self-sufficiency and context of action. The module revolves around the built environment as a habitat with its complex social, economic and ecological interrelationships. All forms of coexistence and our handling of resources are studied in-depth. Under the term “open architecture”, we investigate approaches that systemically understand building as habitats. In times of change, it can be difficult to create sustainable designs. This insight opens up space for innovative strategies and a new aesthetic.
Diversity
The IAR master's program attracts students from all over the world whose varied cultural backgrounds and perspectives enrich the learning environment at our School. This diversity allows us to challenge and reinterpret the established architectural lexicon and canon. What emerges are innovative approaches, methods and solutions that mirror architecture as a dynamic and continually developing discipline.
Focus
The three studios engage with questions of contemporary architecture at different scales.
Elements: At the smallest scale, you will explore the fundamentals of architectural construction and design in depth. This encompasses studying materials and structures and integrating new technologies in the design process.
Habitat: At the next higher scale, you are tasked with developing innovative concepts for the use and design of spaces that foster social interaction and support sustainable ways of living.
Ecologies: Finally, you will study topics associated with urban design, biodiversity, inclusion and ecological contexts. You will investigate how architectural designs can contribute to improving urban and natural environments and develop strategies for resilient, inclusive and ecologically responsible architectural projects.
Theory
The practical work in the design modules is complemented by the study of theoretical texts, which constitutes another key pillar of the master’s program. This will expand your knowledge, provide space for deep reflection about your actions and support your development of a personal stance. Ideally, design and theoretical reflection cross-fertilize each other. This process promotes critical thinking and a love of experimentation, and give you the skills to make informed decisions in an ever-changing environment.
Admission/time models
Admission
The standard requirement for admission is a diploma from a university of applied sciences or a bachelor’s degree in architecture from a Swiss or foreign university-level institution. Applicants must submit a portfolio and attend an admission interview.
Procedure
Students may start in the spring or autumn semester. The curriculum is modular in design. Each semester is divided into six modules that are completed and graded independently.
The master’s program is at least four semesters full-time, including the thesis project, and worth 120 ECTS credits. In the third semester, you will be able to attend a semester abroad at one of our partner universities. The duration of the work-study track is at least six semesters. Students are not permitted to work more than 0.4 FTE while studying.
A full semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis. Preparation for a free master’s thesis already starts in the third semester. You can request support for this phase by a lecturer at the Institute of Architecture.
Our studios (only german) and workshops (only german) offer the perfect environment for productive work and fruitful exchanges.
You may choose a work-study track for both the bachelor’s or master’s program. Attendance is expected on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Language of instruction
The degree program is taught in German and English. The theory lectures are delivered in English. Assessed assignments and exams can be submitted in German or English.
People with German as their native language should have English language skills at B2 level or higher, while the remaining students must have skills at C1 level at the start of the program.
