Master of Architecture
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Architecture program at Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a four-year, part-time degree that prepares students to become proactive, impact-conscious, and ethical architects. The program combines studio-based design, research, and practical work experience, allowing graduates to register directly with the Dutch Architects Register and pursue careers as architects throughout Europe.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Hanzehogeschool Groningen offers a Master of Architecture program, a four-year part-time degree. The program aims to educate architects who take a proactive role, are aware of their impact, and act ethically. The objective is to improve the quality of life through architecture and create a positive impact, both now and in the future. The program allows graduates to register directly with the Architectenregister (Dutch Architects Register), exempting them from the usual two-year professional experience requirement. This registration allows them to work as architects throughout Europe. The program combines study with work in professional practice (20 hours per week).
Outline:
The Master's program is structured around studios with varying themes. There are three studios per year: one research studio and two design studios.
- Year 1: Focuses on developing basic design skills through various design methods within the design studios. Students collaborate with students from other years on current themes, encouraged to explore their field of interest. The research studio involves fieldwork and analysis of academic articles.
- Year 2: Emphasizes experimentation. Design studios involve formulating personal design assignments, testing design methods, interacting with users, researching materials, and exploring utopias. The program fosters growth through experimentation, allowing for mistakes and collaborative process evaluation.
- Year 3: Students deepen their understanding, positioning themselves as critical thinkers in design studios by tackling complex design assignments. Coaching is provided to help students become the architects they aspire to be and that society needs. A research studio culminates in writing a paper.
- Year 4: Focuses on graduation. All learning from design studios, research studios, and practical work culminates in a master's thesis demonstrating the student's positive impact as an architect. Throughout the program, students work 20 hours per week in a relevant work environment (architecture firm or similar). Projects during the master's program combine education, research, and the professional field, leading to innovative solutions for current societal challenges. Examples of projects mentioned include "Livability Kenya" (student project) and "Folqaborg, the Future of Zernike" (designed by Thomas Wehkamp). However, it mentions that the final year involves a master's thesis demonstrating the student's positive impact as an architect. The admission process includes a portfolio review and a three-part admission test (design, execution and technique, and theory and empathy).
Teaching:
The program uses a studio-based approach, with a mix of design and research studios. The teaching philosophy emphasizes experimentation, critical thinking, and developing the student into the architect they aspire to be.
Careers:
The program is offered in Dutch and English. The program starts once a year in September.
Introduction to Hanze UAS
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, located in Groningen, Netherlands, is the largest university of applied sciences in the northern Netherlands. Established in 1986, it was formed through the merger of several professional education institutes, the oldest of which is the Academy Minerva, founded in 1798. Hanze UAS offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, health, arts, and communication. The university is known for its practice-oriented education, strong industry connections, and international focus.
International Environment
With students from over 80 nationalities, Hanze UAS fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment. The university has partnerships with 260+ institutions worldwide, enabling students to participate in exchange programs and international research projects. Additionally, Hanze UAS is part of the Erasmus+ program, further promoting global mobility and collaboration.
Research and Innovation
Hanze UAS is a leader in applied research, with a focus on areas such as sustainable energy, healthcare, and creative industries. The university collaborates with industry leaders and regional organizations to address real-world challenges. For example, the Hydrohub MegaWatt Test Centre focuses on green hydrogen innovation, while the Jean Monnet Chair in Sustainable EU Economy promotes research on sustainable economic practices.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus, Zernike Campus, is located in Groningen and houses state-of-the-art facilities, including modern labs, studios, and research centers. The campus is shared with the University of Groningen, creating a vibrant academic community. Hanze UAS also has facilities in Assen, Leeuwarden, and Amsterdam, specializing in areas like technology and pop culture.
Student Life and Support
Hanze UAS offers a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8.75:1. The university provides extensive support services, including career guidance, internship placements, and academic advising. Students can also participate in sports, cultural events, and student organizations, enriching their university experience.
Employability and Alumni Network
Hanze UAS boasts a high employability rate, with most graduates securing jobs in their chosen fields. The university’s strong ties to industry provide students with internship opportunities and access to a network of 21,500 alumni. Notable alumni include Wim Crouwel (graphic designer) and Kimberley Bos (Olympic bobsledder).
Why Choose Hanze UAS?
- Practice-oriented education with integrated internships and real-world projects.
- International exposure through exchange programs and global partnerships.
- Strong industry connections and high employability rates.
- Vibrant student life in Groningen, one of the most student-friendly cities in the Netherlands.
Entry Requirements:
To be admitted to the selection procedure for the Master of Architecture program, applicants must have one of the following pre-qualifications:
- HBO-diploma Bachelor Bouwkunde / specialisatie Architectuur (HBO diploma in Architecture/specialization Architecture)
- HBO-diploma Bachelor of Design in the field of spatial design (HBO diploma in Bachelor of Design in spatial design) Hanzehogeschool students with a bachelor's degree in Built Environment and a completed minor in Architectural Design are directly admissible, provided they have completed the minor with a minimum grade of 7.0. However, they will still undergo the admission procedure for a baseline assessment. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in a field other than those listed above can follow a pre-master program consisting of the minor Architectural Design and the minor Sustainable Building Transformation. Students who are still completing their bachelor's degree can participate in the selection process, but admission is conditional upon receiving their diploma by September 1st. A work placement of at least 20 hours per week in a relevant work environment (architecture firm or similar) is mandatory throughout the duration of the Master's program. The program will assist in finding a placement, but securing the placement remains the student's responsibility. The work placement must include design, realization of the design, and understanding the interrelation between different parts of the process. The admission committee will review these materials and decide whether to invite the applicant for an interview. They may also identify areas for improvement. The admission test consists of three assignments (detailed below).
Admission Test Assignments:
- Opdracht 1: Design: Design a building consisting of two interconnected 3x3x3 m cubes. The connection method is free, as long as the cube remains recognizable. Design a house for yourself by modifying the cubes. Present the design on a maximum of two A3 sheets, including drawings, floor plans, elevations, sections, spatial images, references, materials, etc. A short explanatory text (max. 200 words) can be added.
- Opdracht 2: Execution and Technique: Create a cross-section (scale 1:20) of the most characteristic facade of your cube design and a few important detail drawings (scale 1:5).
- Opdracht 3: Theory and Empathy: Choose one architect from a provided list (Lina Bo Bardi, Oscar Niemeyer, Toyo Ito, Carlo Scarpa, Francis Kere, Edwin Lutyens, Sverre Fehn, Kazuyo Sejima, Louis Kahn, Mario Botta, Lacaton Vassal) and justify your choice based on the architect's concepts within the architectural debate of their time and the architectural movement to which they belong. Describe the architectural quality of their work. Write an essay of maximum 1000 words. The admission interview assesses motivation, knowledge, insight, and talent. The results of the admission test, creativity, technical skills, empathy, and the personal portfolio are discussed.
