Master of Arts in Architecture

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Architecture at Peter Behrens School of Arts is a three-semester program that combines theoretical, practical, and experimental design exercises. Graduates are eligible for registration with the chamber of architects and admission to higher public service upon completion and two years of professional experience.

Program Outline

The architecture program offers advanced studies in design and building construction. The program emphasizes theoretical, practical, and experimental design exercises. It uses an integrative approach where students work on a common topic simultaneously in different design studios, each focusing on a different aspect, culminating in a shared discursive presentation. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interrelations between architecture, urban design, spatial design, and theory. Upon completion and with two years of professional experience, graduates are eligible for registration with the chamber of architects and admission to higher public service.

Outline:

The program spans four semesters.

• Semester 1: Focuses on spatial design aspects, urban design, and theory within a curated architectural design studio.
Additional coursework includes building technology and construction, digital production and design techniques, and a compulsory elective module (choice of: Design Theory and Methodology, History and Development of Heritage Conservation, Advanced Architectural Theory, or Urban Design Theory).
• Semester 2: The architectural design studio integrates either structural design or sustainable building performance, and graphic analysis or digital spatial development.
Further coursework includes advanced structural design, advanced sustainable building performance 1, advanced lighting design, and a compulsory elective module (choice of: Advanced Theory of Design, Graphic Analysis and Communication in Architecture, or Digital Spatial Development and Multimedia).
• Semester 3: Features an architectural design studio with an individual focus.
Students choose two compulsory elective modules from a list including: Design and Construction in the Existing Context, Landscape and Urban Space, Building in Urban Contexts, Construction Methods, Sustainable Building Performance, Advanced Housing, Ecology and Energy in an Urban Context, Urban Districts, German Planning and Building Laws and Regulations, Advanced Construction Management, Business Start-Ups and Management, and Copyright and Protection of Designs. This semester also includes pre-thesis work.
• Semester 4: Consists of the master’s thesis and a compulsory elective module (choice of: Advanced Architectural History, Advanced Art History, Theory and Spatial Aesthetics, Sociology of the Built Environment, Civic Design Theory, or Urban Sociology and Economy).
Throughout semesters 1-4, students participate in one "Intra Muros" project week (each winter semester), one "Extra Muros" excursion (each summer semester), and one lecture series (Faculties of Architecture and Design). Semesters 2-3 offer the option of a design studio supervised by an international visiting professor or a semester at a partner university abroad. The only mention of assessment is the final thesis, which includes both a design and written component.

Teaching:

The usual language of instruction is German, although English is available on demand in many courses. The program utilizes a studio-based approach with a mix of lectures, seminars, and design exercises. The program involves working in design studios, both individually and collaboratively on common projects. The involvement of international visiting professors is also mentioned.

Careers:

Upon completion of the master’s program and two years of professional experience, graduates are eligible for registration with the chamber of architects and admission to higher public service. Potential career fields include executive positions in architecture, construction management and supervision, heritage conservation, housing, project development, and urban and regional planning.

Other:

The program's module manual is mentioned, but only in German. The university's social media presence is also noted. The program includes both theoretical and practical components, with a strong emphasis on design studios and project-based learning.