Master of Science Architecture
Short description

The Master of Science Architecture degree

at the Department of Architecture at TU Darmstadt mainly focuses on building construction and urban design. A comprehensive range of elective subjects and design courses enable students to individually explore other themes in more depth.
The Master of Science Architecture degree builds on the Bachelor of Science Architecture degree at the Department of Architecture. It provides students with significantly more knowledge and capabilities in the areas of scientific approaches, theoretical-analytical skills and intellectual and social competence.

The Master’s degree thus reflects the breadth of the subject matter, while also allowing students to individually specialise on either building construction or urban planning within the same course. Optionally, it is possible to replace one of three design courses with a free thesis and to develop an individual thesis topic in consultation with a design subject. At the same time, the research module prepares students for further scientific qualification.

Graduates are qualified (after completing the prescribed work experience placement following their graduation) to register with the Chamber of Architects but not with the Chamber of Urban Planners, even if the main focus of their degree was urban planning design.

DEGREE
Master of Science Architecture (M.Sc.)
THESIS
Master thesis (in the form of a competition design) in building construction or urban design, or as a self-developed, individual design assignment.
DURATION OF THE COURSE
4 semesters
SCOPE
120 Credit Points (CP)
*One CP corresponds to 30 hours of work. 30 CP per semester
SEMESTER STRUCTURE
12 weeks of lectures and seminars
6 weeks of assignments and block events
STRUCTURE
See the Module Handbook (opens in new tab)
(Study regulations 2022 from 26.09.2022)
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
Courses can be taken in German, English or bilingually.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture (university of applied sciences or university, 6 or 8 semesters as well as university of applied sciences diploma) with building construction and urban planning content in German OR English.
    Related degrees (design, interior design, civil engineering, urban planning, etc.) are NOT accepted for admission onto the course.
    No other previous work on consecutive courses will generally be accepted for admission onto the course, even if this covered more than 6 semesters (180 CP).
    If your degree is not yet completed at the time of application: You must provide proof of at least 160 credit points (CP). The final degree must be submitted no later than one year after enrollment. A provisional admission is possible, subject to completion of the degree.
  • Language: For degrees in a language of instruction other than German or English: Proof of C1 level language proficiency in German OR English (detailed information)
  • An application portfolio must be submitted by all applicants.
    Information on the form, content and scope of this portfolio and the address to which it should be sent can be found on the information sheet in the download section
    (MSc. Architecture > Portfolio).
  • Pre-study internship in an architecture office
    Proof of a minimum three-month internship or employment in an architectural office is mandatory. This proof can be submitted by the end of the second semester of the Master’s program. Without this proof, participation in examinations is not permitted. A leave of absence to complete the internship is possible.
  • Applications can be submitted for the summer and winter semesters
  • Applications from foreign students will initially be examined by the “International Admissions Office”:
    German website
    English website
Application for a higher semester
If you have already started a Master’s degree in Architecture (including abroad) and wish to have credits recognized, please indicate this in your application. Placement into the appropriate semester is based on the number of recognized credit points (CP):
– Less than 30 CP: 1st semester – 30–60 CP: 2nd semester – 60–90 CP: 3rd semester, and so on.
The actual recognition of coursework will take place after admission and enrollment, and is handled by the responsible professors. Please note: a portfolio review is also required in this case – please include relevant work from your Master’s studies as well.
TUITION FEES
No regular tuition fees, only semester fess (includes a semester ticket for local public transport)
Further information
APPLICATION DEADLINE
For the winter semester: From 1 June to 15 July.
For the summer semester: From 1 December to 15 January
Online application with the same application portfolio (opens in new tab) . Applications submitted without a portfolio cannot be processed.
TARGET GROUP
Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree (national or foreign) who want to broaden their knowledge and specialise.
In individual cases, prospective students with a Bachelor’s degree or diploma in another subject. Each case may be subject to an individual assessment
MANAGEMENT
Dean of the Department of Architecture

Submitting an application

Downloads

Information flyer, lecture catalogue and Module Handbook

Videos

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