Architecture B. A.
The Bachelor’s study program in Architecture provides a sound foundation in knowledge and techniques in lectures, seminars and lessons that are required for the fields in which modern architects work today. To structure the multifaceted topics and to clarify for the students the department of architecture has defined a core practice Architectural Design, which serves as a common basis for all teaching and research activities. Additionally there are three focus areas: Urban and Landscape Transformation, Integrated Building Technologies and Cultural Heritage, History and Criticism.
What you´ll learn
In these four areas are genuine architectonic, further sociological, economical and logistical topics which are directly connected with modern construction, for example:
- planning and designing as a core function of an architect
- technical bases of construction, static, support structure, burden-sharing,
- the analysis of various building materials and their mechanical, physical and chemical, and environmental characteristics,
- logistical-organizational knowledge like construction coordination and construction management
- the cost-benefit of a project as well as its effects on the given or natural environment, therefore the mutual conditions and influence of aesthetic, functional, economic and sustainable aspects
- the complex issue of urban, regional and spatial planning with a perspective on medium and long-term development of the infrastructure – particulary of the industry, economy, trade, traffic, communication, education, population growth, changes in rural and urban areas, mobility, land sealing, nature and landscape protection etc.,
- and finally the fundamental foundation of historical, architectural and theoretical roots, traditions and prospects, which forms a broad intellectual framework and helps to compensate the project-related, the individual case focused, commissioned and daily work.
The Bachelor’s study program in Architecture is based on practice and exercises, but also considers current research issues. Students will be taught to control constructional development processes and to plan and organize construction projects and their realisation.
Studying architecture at TUM
You are interested in studying Architecture at TUM? In this video you can find out everything about what everyday life at TUM is actually like, what challenges the Bachelor's degree in Architecture brings with it, and what opportunities graduates have to look forward to.
The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree program is an 8-semester long full-time study course. The first four semesters aim to establish a common basis through the training of perceptive and creative design faculties; the methodology of architectural design as well as education in the basic principles of natural sciences and technology and in the disciplines of the social sciences and humanities. These semesters therefore consist predominantly of mandatory courses. The core subject areas of design, urbanism, building construction, history and theory, design and presentation, digital design, among others, constitute 20 weekly hours per semester respectively and 30 credits. The creative process of designing plays a central role: 6 weekly hours per semester are dedicated to project work in the form of a short design project. Related lectures and exercises complement the respective project.
In most cases, students spend the 5th and 6th semesters studying at an international partner university. The department of international relations at the Department of Architecture helps and supports students in selecting their partner university. Using a selection procedure, which considers students’ achievements, personal aptitude and motivation, each student is offered a placement at one from over 90 partner universities around the world. To avoid overburdening students when they are abroad, students are asked to achieve a minimum of 20 credits per semester. Contractual agreements with partner universities set out the number of students admitted and the duration of their stay. In addition, the curricula of the partner universities are closely aligned through Learning Agreements with the curriculum of the Department of Architecture at the TU München. The 7th and 8th semesters expand on and deepen the knowledge gained in the previous semesters. In the 7th semester, students can choose from a range of projects with different thematic areas of focus offered by different Chairs of the School. The remaining subjects are compulsory elective modules to allow students to place greater emphasis on an area of their choosing. In the 8th semester, students undertake their bachelor’s thesis project, which is presented at a final colloquium, and counts for 12+3 credit points.
The Technical University of Munich is the only European university to have introduced an integrated year abroad for the Bachelor of Architecture. During the 5th and 6th semester, our students go to one of more than 90 partner universities. In addition to encouraging personal growth, the stay prepares students for the global working environment in the architectural field and helps them to acquire intercultural competence and establish a professional network at an early stage. In recent years, the Department of Architecture has significantly expanded its network of contacts with 91 partner universities in 39 countries.
All the information about study abroad options can be found in wiki.
This degree program does not encompass a compulsory internship nor is an internship a requirementfor admission. However, it is recommendable, as a rule, to gain practical experience as soon aspossible.
Applicants should submit/upload the following documents along with their application:
- Antrag auf Zulassung / Application for Admissions
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form
- Proof of university entrance qualification
- Applicants from abroad need to have their qualifications checked through uni-assist
- A portfolio containing examples of the student’s own work (max. 10 pages, DIN A4), upload a PDF file no larger than 20 MB in the application platform. You can bring a printout of the portfolio to the assessment interview
- A letter of motivation describing the reasons for wishing to be admitted to the architecture course at the TUM (with the integral year spent studying abroad). This statement should be 1-2 pages long and explain why the applicant’s specific abilities, interests and career goals make them a good candidate for the study program and why they would like to study at the TUM. Additional relevant information such as personal background history or extra-curricular activities may also be included
- Where relevant, proof of a related professional or vocational education or other vocational activities
- A signed assurance that the letter of motivation and the portfolio were created without assistance, that the reasons for choosing this study program are the applicant’s own, and that any thoughts or ideas stemming from other sources have been identified as such (is included in the "Antrag auf Zulassung")
- Where relevant, documentation of additional activities that would qualify the applicant to take the course of studies (for example participation in a research competition, subject-related education or a voluntary internship)
- Applicants from abroad should provide proof of adequate proficiency in the German language. Please see: Information about German language skills
- You can download our guideline for the aptitude assessment
- If you have already completed relevant courses at a different university or in another course of study, you can apply to a higher subject semester (Fachsemester). To do this, you need a credit transfer report (upstream process). Please get in touch with the study advisor.
The application will be assessed by a committee on the basis of the documents submitted. Applicants may be asked to attend an aptitude assessment interview.