Integrated Master in Architecture (MArch) / Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BAArch)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Architecture Programme at the University of Nicosia equips students with critical thinking, social awareness, and technical proficiency to become successful architects. The program emphasizes design, technology, history, communication, and management, fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in architectural practice, further studies, or related fields, leveraging their skills in design, sustainability, and international perspectives.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Architecture Programme at the University of Nicosia aims to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competences to pursue a successful career in architecture. The program emphasizes critical thinking, social awareness, and technical proficiency,培养毕业生成为具有批判性思维能力、社会责任感和专业技能的建筑师。 The program's design-focused curriculum balances hands-on experience with advanced knowledge and understanding of cutting-edge digital tools and technologies. Students delve into global issues alongside local contexts, considering culture, climate, industry, and social needs. Ecological and sustainable thinking are also highly valued, equipping students to tackle social, environmental, and cultural aspects of architectural design. The program embraces diversity and enables students to tackle complex design projects across various scales and within diverse contexts. Design teaching forms the core of the program, emphasizing critical thinking, positive reasoning, and both creative and reflective thought. Design is considered the architect's fundamental skill. The program revolves around five key areas: design, technology, history and theory, communication, and management & practice. Design projects aim to integrate these areas into the “design thinking” process, allowing students to develop the ability to combine and integrate complex information and knowledge into their design proposals. Upon completion of the 5-year program (300 ECTS), students earn an Integrated Master in Architecture (MArch). Alternatively, students can choose to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BAArch) after completing the 4th year (240 ECTS). The program thoroughly prepares graduates for the labor market, enabling them to pursue professional careers in architectural practice both locally and internationally. Graduates are also well-equipped for further postgraduate studies or academic careers.
Outline:
The Architecture Programme curriculum is structured across five key areas:
Design:
This area focuses on developing students' design skills and abilities, enabling them to create architectural solutions that fulfill both aesthetic and technical requirements. Students learn to apply theoretical concepts and historical knowledge to the design process, considering the fine arts as a source of conceptualization and representation.
Technology:
Students are equipped with a strong understanding of constructional and structural systems, materials, and building technologies. They learn to apply these technologies appropriately to achieve desired aesthetic and functional outcomes in their designs.
History and Theory:
Students delve into the history of architecture, exploring its evolution across different periods and cultures. They also engage with architectural theory, developing a critical understanding of various design approaches and their impact on society.
Communication:
Developing effective communication skills is crucial for architects. Students learn to present their design ideas and solutions effectively through various means, including verbal presentations, technical drawings, and digital media.
Management & Practice:
Students gain practical knowledge of the architectural profession, including practice management, ethical considerations, and legal aspects. They also learn about the role of architects within the broader design team and construction industry.
Assessment:
Course assessment typically comprises a final exam and continuous assessment throughout the semester. Continuous assessment can include mid-term exams, projects, and participation. The final grade for each course is calculated based on the weight of the final exam and continuous assessment and the actual marks obtained in both components. Based on the individual course grades, the student's overall semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.
Teaching:
The program boasts a dedicated faculty with extensive experience and expertise in various areas of architecture. The teaching approach emphasizes a studio-based learning environment, fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students receive individualized feedback and guidance from faculty throughout their studies.
Careers:
Graduates of the Architecture Programme are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths within the architectural field:
- Architectural practice
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban Design and Planning
- Built Environment Engineering
- Architectural, Planning, and Engineering Consultancies
- Public Sector organizations (Planning Authorities, Historic Preservation departments)
- Governmental Ministry departments (Environmental Preservation, Historic Urban Centres, Built Environment Heritage, Energy Classification of Buildings, National Monuments Departments)
- Retrofitting Building Industry (consultancy firms and construction)
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Applied Arts and Design (product design, furniture design, theatre design, curating, visualization, industrial design, gaming industry)
- Secondary education
- Higher education (professors or researchers) In addition to traditional architectural careers, graduates can leverage their skills and knowledge to pursue opportunities in related fields such as:
- Project Management
- Construction Management
- Real Estate Development
- Urban Planning
- Environmental Sustainability
- Heritage Conservation
- Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Product Design
- Research and Development
Other:
The program promotes an international perspective, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. This fosters a vibrant and enriching learning environment, exposing students to different ideas and approaches to architecture. The program also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, teaching students to design buildings that are environmentally responsible and sensitive to the local context. The program is recognized by the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK – Επιστημονικό Τεχνικό Επιμελητήριο Κύπρου) and the European Commission. The program duration is 5 years (300 ECTS) for the MArch and 4 years (240 ECTS) for the BAArch. The program includes a compulsory work placement in the final year, providing students with valuable real-world experience in the architectural field.
