Master of Architecture

Program Overview

The Master of Architecture program at Islamic Azad University-UAE Branch equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in architectural design, environmental design, and research. Through its focus on both Iranian and global contexts, the program develops students' conceptualization, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities for societal change and prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities in the architecture profession.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Architecture is a graduate program offered by the Islamic Azad University (IAU)-UAE Branch. It focuses on studying the architectural profession and conducting research. This program builds upon a Bachelor of Architecture Engineering degree.

Program Aims:

• To equip students with fundamental knowledge and skills in architectural design, environmental design, socio-cultural approaches, construction, and architectural research within both Iranian and global contexts.
• To develop comprehensive knowledge and skills in architectural design and construction.
• To foster conceptualization, analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for societal change.
• To cultivate advanced adaptation skills for local and international contexts.

Program Learning Objectives (PLO):

• Design Theories, Methods and Skills:
• PLO1: Discuss the main theories and methods in architectural design disciplines.
• PLO2: Develop architectural design practice and skills.
• Theory and Knowledge:
• PLO3: Discuss original texts, essays, and documents in architectural theory and history.
• PLO4: Develop socio-cultural and historical-contextual studies in architecture.
• Professional Practice:
• PLO5: Develop professional knowledge and skills in design and construction.
• PLO6: Explore professional possibilities for applying expertise in productive employment.
• Research Practice:
• PLO7: Identify research problems conducted by other scholars in a specific area of Architecture.
• PLO8: Understand quantitative and qualitative research methods used in the systematic spatial study of the built environment.
• PLO9: Conduct a testing-out research project (small or medium size) in the field and/or subfield of architecture.

Outline:

Program Schedule:

| Semester | Course | Course Type | Credits | Hours Per Semester | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1st | Research Methodology and Dissertation Preparation | Core Course | 2 | 32 | | 1st | Architectural Programming and Design Methods | Core Course | 2 | 32 | | 1st | Architectural Design I | Core Course | 4 | 128 | | 1st | Contemporary Architectural Theory Origins | Core Elective Course | 2 | 32 | | 2nd | Iranian Architecture Philosophy | Core Course | 2 | 32 | | 2nd | Architectural Design II | Core Course | 4 | 128 | | 2nd | Human Beings and Environment | Core Course | 2 | 32 | | 3rd | Architectural Rights and Rules | Core Course | 2 | 32 | | 3rd | Architectural Design III | Core Course | 4 | 128 | | 3rd | Construction Procedure | Core Course | 2 | 64 | | 4th | Final Design Project and Dissertation | Core Course | 6 | 192 |

| Total | | | 32 | 832 |

Core Courses:

• Research Methodology in Architecture: This course provides a framework, process, and compositional approach for designing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research proposals.
It compares these three approaches to inquiry, covering aspects like research paradigm, literature review, theory in research, introduction writing, purpose statement, research questions and hypotheses, and data collection and analysis methods.
• Architectural Programming and Design Methods: This course comprises two parts: architectural programming and design theories, processes, and methods.
It focuses on theoretical studies and procedural skills in pre-design, design, and production. It covers briefing, programming and planning, design methods, form development process, and analytical-synthetic approaches in design.
• Iranian Architecture Philosophy (and Wisdom): This course explores the philosophy and wisdom embedded in Iranian architecture, aiming to clarify and develop philosophies and thinking processes in shaping architectural objects while shaping different spatial perception types.
• Architectural Design II: This course delves into the theoretical bases of the architectural design process, design creativity, and architectural aesthetics.
• Human Beings and Environment: This course examines the relationship between humans and natural and artificial environments theoretically and practically.
It emphasizes the adaptive built environment and global changes to the ecosystem.
• Architectural Rights and Regulations: This course covers laws, rules, and regulations related to architectural practice and professions, including different types of national building codes, regulations, and rules across disciplines.
• Architectural Design III: This course focuses on functional and technical design elements and integrated design using structural, mechanical, and electrical components.
It extends the "Architectural Design II" course from the Master of Architecture program.
• Construction Procedure: This course explores technical, technological construction factors, themes, and procedures in architecture.
It develops students' construction management skills and abilities.
• Final Design Project and Dissertation: This course culminates all knowledge, design skills, research skills, and construction abilities through a mid or large-scale design project and a research dissertation.

General Elective Courses:

• Contemporary Architectural Theory Origins: This course delves into theoretical studies in contemporary architecture and research on their origins and roots.
It develops a theoretical framework for design projects and extends the "Architectural Theory (Basics)" course from the Bachelor of Architectural Engineering program.

Program Structure:

| Category | Course Type | No. | Credits | Hours per Semester | |---|---|---|---|---| | Master of Architecture (MA) | Core Course | 11 | 32 | 832 |

Careers:

• Architects can work worldwide on various projects.
• Graduates can find employment in both private and public sectors, including:
• Housing projects
• Firm designs
• Municipalities
• Other potential job roles include:
• Consultants
• Building surveyors
• Building film set designers
• Landscape architects
• Structural engineers
• Urban planners/designers
• University teaching positions

Total Course Fee (2021/2022) AED: 000 Dirham-based Fees Course Fee Currency Education Service Fee 2.200 Fixed Tuition Fee 4.600 Theory Credit Points 850 Practical Credit Points 1.350 Workshop N/A Dissertation per Credit 2.600 Total Course Fee 60.000 United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) Total Course fee for Rial Based Fees: 71.000 Course fee currency Education Service Fee 2.200 Fixed Tuition Fee 6.000 Theory Credit Points 1050 Practical Credit Points1350 Workshop N/A Dissertation per credit 2.600 Total course fees 71.000 Iranian Rial