Architecture M. A.

The Master’s program in Architecture offers not only traditional design practice but also qualifications for a significantly broader professional profile. Thanks to a high degree of flexibility, students can set their individual focus and specialize in project-related fields according to their personal interests and strengths. Choose from three different specializations, take advantage of individual mentoring programs, or design your own study path.

Specializations

Successful completion of a specialization is certified upon graduation:

• Integrated Building Technologies
• Urban and Landscape Transformation
• Cultural Heritage

Mentoring Programs

In the mentoring program, students work with professors to create a personalized study profile. They select targeted modules from various fields:

• Timber Construction (Prof. Nagler)
• Computational Methods in Architecture (Prof. Petzold / Prof. Auer / Prof. D’Acunto / Prof. Dörfler)
• Building in Existing Structures (Prof. Hild / Prof. Putz) 

More Information: Program Documentation

In the Master’s program in Architecture at TUM ED, you learn to independently tackle complex design and construction tasks.

• You gain a detailed understanding of building processes and construction methods and are familiar with current developments in building technology.
• You work confidently with both traditional and digital tools, taking into account cultural, social, functional, economic, and ecological aspects.
• You recognize how building has evolved historically and design concrete spatial solutions for the future. Your designs are reflected within societal, technological, and architectural-theoretical contexts. This enables you to combine diverse requirements from different stakeholders into well-thought-out solutions. Furthermore, you develop a creative, team-oriented and goal-driven approach to work. You take responsibility—individually or as part of a team. You can actively resolve conflicts and realistically assess your own strengths and weaknesses within the project context.

By choosing a specialization, you also acquire advanced knowledge:

• Integrated Building Technologies: You gain solid engineering expertise in areas such as energy efficiency, building technology, construction, building materials, digitalization, and modern production methods.
• Urban and Landscape Transformation: This specialization combines architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture. You develop strategies for the transformation of cities, landscapes, and infrastructure. The degree may also enable registration on the urban planner list of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects.
• Cultural Heritage: The focus here is on the respectful handling of historical building fabric. You acquire theoretical and practical knowledge to preserve and carefully develop existing structures.

Through a mentoring program, you gain highly specialized theoretical and practical experience (tailored individually to each program), enabling you to cover specific niches within the field of architecture.

With a Master’s degree in Architecture, many paths are open to you:

• Design and Planning Offices: You work in project management or in conceptual and design planning—often as part of a team with other specialists.
• Public Sector: You help shape cities and regions—for example, in building authorities, urban planning departments, or supervised institutions.
• Science and Research: You can conduct research, teach, or contribute to innovative projects in academic institutions.
• Industries Beyond Architecture: Even outside traditional architecture, you will find exciting opportunities—for instance, in companies that use creative methods to solve complex problems.

You will study a four-semester, full-time Master’s program and earn 120 credits by the end of your studies. The core of the program is project work, complemented by elective modules. You have three options for structuring your studies:

1. Individual study design (without specialization)
2. Study with specialization: Integrated Building Technologies, Urban and Landscape Transformation or Cultural Heritage
3. Study within the Mentoring Program

Semester 1-3

• In the first three semesters, three project works form the central element. For each project, students select one module from the “Project Elective Modules” catalog. The range of projects spans from traditional design tasks to scientific-theoretical work on design-related issues. Project work is largely carried out independently; in suitable cases, it is organized in groups, which may also be interdisciplinary. Accompanying seminars, site visits, or excursions provide spatial and thematic context for each assignment.
• In addition to project work, the curriculum includes elective modules of comparable scope during the first three semesters. This ensures the greatest possible choice in individual subject areas or specializations according to personal interests and talents. Students freely select from the broad, thematically organized “Elective Module Catalog.”
• The first three semesters are completed by a compulsory module (“Methodological Development of Research Issues”). This module prepares students for the Master’s thesis by helping them identify a problem or research question. It is mandatory because recognizing and defining current issues is considered part of research competence. Independent preparation and development of the thesis topic takes place in consultation with the respective supervisors.

Semester 4

The fourth semester is dedicated to writing the Master’s thesis. The thesis topic is developed and prepared during a compulsory seminar in the third semester. The Master’s thesis may be a traditional architectural design or a purely theoretical work. In addition to topics identified by students themselves, a central theme is also provided. This theme is allocated to students who have not developed a suitable topic for their thesis or secured supervision from a faculty chair.

Specialization

Specialization can be achieved through the chosen projects and the selection of elective modules. A specialization is considered completed if:

• the Master’s thesis,
• the compulsory module “Methodological Development of Research Issues,”
• at least one project, and
• elective modules totaling at least 27 credits

are aligned with the chosen specialization.

Mentoring Program

If you choose the Mentoring Program, you will design your individual study plan in close consultation with a mentor (professor).

Module Overview

Study plan without specialization

Study plan with specialization

Program documentation

1. Entrance Qualification for Master's Degree Programs 

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 180 credits (qualified university degrees, see FPSO), or
• Degree not yet completed, but proof of at least 180 credits for a 7-semester Bachelor’s program or at least 200 credits for an 8-semester Bachelor’s program at the time of application.

Please note: To begin the Master’s program, you must have 240 credits from a qualified prior degree as well as at least one semester of subject-specific study at a foreign university.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements will receive conditions with their admission letter: missing credits and/or the study abroad requirement must be fulfilled no later than the submission of the Master’s thesis. These conditions will be completed within the Master’s program at TUM. Depending on the conditions, your Master’s program may be extended by one or two semesters.

2. German Language Proficiency

3. Program-Specific Requirements / Eligibility Criteria

• Ability to work scientifically and in a fundamentals- and methods-oriented manner
• Existing subject knowledge from prior architecture studies, comparable to the Bachelor’s program in Architecture at the Technical University of Munich
• Professional language competence in oral and written form, exceeding the level of standard recognized language certificates
• Research-oriented interest in architectural and construction-related issues

As part of a two-stage aptitude assessment, it will be determined whether you meet the above-mentioned specific requirements for the Master’s program. Further information on the aptitude assessment and selection process is available.

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date.
• Transcript of Records.
• Optional: If your transcript shows more than 180 credits, please list the best graded modules totaling 180 credits in an additional form provided in the application portal.
• Proof of German Language Proficiency.
• Statement of purpose (Letter of Motivation) with a maximum of 500 words.
• Portfolio with work samples; see portfolio guidelines for details.
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only
• Declaration that the statement of purpose for choosing the degree program and the portfolio were prepared independently and without external assistance, and that any ideas taken from other sources are clearly identified as such.
• Optional: Proof of the completed semester abroad.

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Please consider the specific requirements for documents for application and enrollment at TUM.

• Application for Enrollment (signed).
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (authentic document).
• Transcript of Records (authentic document).
• Most Current Photo (as for ID).
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant).
• For applicants to a higher subject semester: semester placement certificate (see Application to a higher subject semester).

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Please consider the specific requirements for documents for application and enrollment at TUM.

Further information on accepting your study place.

At the beginning of the winter semester, an official introductory event is held for all new Master’s students in Architecture.

• Welcome for first-semester students in the winter semester 2025/2026 by the program director (Prof. Stephan Birk)
• Date and Time: Thursday, October 1, 2025, 2:00 PM
• Location: Karl Max von Bauernfeind Lecture Hall (HS 2750 2300 - 0507.02.750)

A general overview of the curriculum for the four-semester program is provided in the Study Plan or Study Plan with Specialization.

Further information on the structure of the program is available.

For questions regarding confirmations (e.g., credits for BAföG applications, orphan’s pension, program-related documents, standard period of study, etc.), please contact your Departmental Student Advisor (Studies & Examinations).

The Architecture Student Council (Fachschaft) represents the interests of architecture students at TUM. It serves as the voice of the students and also represents them in university politics through various committees and commissions.
During the semester, the Student Council organizes small and large events to foster strong connections among students from different semesters and is the first point of contact for requests, problems, and questions.

Academic and Examination Regulations

All students are subject to the General Examination and Study Regulations (APSO) of TUM, which:

• Regulate the structure of the degree program
• Define how examinations are conducted
• Determine deadlines and procedures

Specific information is provided in the respective program-specific Academic and Examination Regulations (FPSO). Here you can find the current FPSO 2023. For older versions, please click here.

The FPSO is supplemented by the module catalog, which is updated each semester: Current Module Catalog M.A. AR for FPSO 2023.

Studienfortschrittskontrolle

Study progress monitoring is regulated in the APSO and, for program-specific rules, in the FPSO. Please note the deadlines listed in §38 FPSO in conjunction with §10 APSO:

• By the end of the second semester, at least one of the module examinations listed in Annex 1 of the FPSO must be completed from the Project Elective Modules.
• The following minimum credit totals must be achieved on time:
  • After 3rd semester:     at least 30 credits
  • After 4th semester:     at least 60 credits
  • After 5th semester:     at least 90 credits
  • After 6th semester:     at least 120 credits

Notification of Examination Results 

Students receive Notification of Examination Results after each semester from the Graduation Office and Academic Records – either via email informing them that the notice is available for download in TUMonline, or directly by post.
The notice lists all examinations taken so far with grades and credits; it serves as a control document. It also informs students about the resulting legal consequences. For questions regarding examination notices, please contact your Departmental Student Advisor (Studies & Examinations).

Examination Board

The Examination Board is responsible for all matters related to examinations. It oversees the implementation of all examination procedures and makes necessary decisions unless these are assigned to examiners by APSO or required during the examination process. It also decides on requests such as deadline extensions or hardship cases during the course of study. The board meets once per semester.

Composition:

• Prof. Stephan Birk (Chair)
• Prof. Andreas Putz  (Deputy Chair)
• Prof. Dietrich Erben
• Prof. Jeanette Kuo
• Prof. Mark Michaeli

>> Contact: Secretary Julie Strickland

Disadvantage Compensation

A disability or chronic illness can affect your studies. To ensure you receive appropriate support, we consider both the requirements of your program and your individual needs. Please contact the Departmental Student Advisor (Studies & Examinations).

Disadvantage Compensation helps to offset study and examination difficulties caused by impairments:

• They are determined individually and based on the situation, not applied generally.
• The arrangement depends on your impairment and the program.
• Important: Compensation for disadvantages is not a simplification – the performance objectives of the examination and study regulations remain unchanged.
• Please apply for compensation as early as possible!

Further information

General Information

• The Master’s thesis is normally scheduled for the 4th semester, or for students with additional requirements, in the 5th or 6th semester.
• The thesis topic is developed and prepared as part of the compulsory seminar Methodological Development of Research Issues.
• The period from the assignment to the submission of the Master’s thesis must not exceed 6 months.
• The Master’s thesis should represent the final achievement of the program.
• Eligibility to begin the Master’s thesis requires completion of 87 credits.
• The Master’s thesis is worth 30 credits.
• You are required to give a presentation on your Master’s thesis.

Timeline

These dates are recommendations; individual projects may have different schedules.

• Thesis Assignment: October 1 or April 1
• Thesis Submission: March or September
• Thesis Presentation: April or October
• Graduation Ceremony: April or October

Specific information about the Master’s thesis—especially regarding start, process, and submission—will be communicated via email at the beginning of each semester.

Topic

1. Development of an Individual Topic

Preparation of an individual thesis topic is handled differently by each chair. Generally, research questions for individual Master’s theses are developed during the seminar Methodological Development of Research Issues and coordinated with the respective supervisors. Please make sure to inform yourself in advance about the procedures and deadlines at the individual chairs:

• Architectural Design and Participation (Prof. Kéré)
• Architecture and Design (Prof. Fanelsa)
• Architektur und Holzbau (Prof. Birk)
• Architektur und Konstruktion (Prof. Kuo)
• Architektur urbaner Dichte (Prof. Kaestle)
• Architekturgeschichte und kuratorische Praxis (Prof. Lepik)
• Architekturinformatik (Prof. Petzold)
• Baugeschichte, Historische Bauforschung und Denkmalpflege (Prof. von Kienlin)
• Digital Fabrication (Prof. Dörfler)
• Entwerfen, Umbau und Denkmalpflege (Prof. Hild)
• Entwerfen und Gestalten (Prof. Graff)
• Entwerfen und Konstruieren (Prof. Nagler)
• Gebäudetechnologie und klimagerechtes Bauen (Prof. Auer)
• Integrated Product Design (Prof. Thoring)
• Kunst in der Architektur (Prof. Erlund)
• Nachhaltige Entwicklung von Stadt und Land (Prof. Michaeli)
• Neuere Baudenkmalpflege (Prof. Putz)
• Raumplanung und Raumentwicklung (Prof. Howe)
• Restaurierung, Kunsttechnologie und Konservierungswissenschaft (Prof. Danzl)
• Städtebau und Wohnungswesen (Prof. Krucker / Prof. Bates)
• Structural Design (Prof. D'Acunto)
• Theorie und Geschichte von Architektur, Kunst und Design (Prof. Erben)
• Urban Design (Prof. Boucsein)

2. Central Topic - Regelthesis 

In addition to topics identified by students themselves, a central topic is provided. This can be chosen by students who have not developed a suitable topic for their thesis or secured supervision from a professorship.
Here you will find an overview of who will supervise the central Master’s thesis in the coming semesters: Master’s Thesis Topic Providers.

Credits can be recognized provided there is no significant difference in the competencies to be acquired. The review is carried out by the respective module coordinator. Recognition can only be granted for modules/exams for which no examination process has yet begun in the current program at TUM (i.e., no exam has been registered).
According to the Enrollment Regulations § 4 (5) dated 06.02.2023, the semester level will be increased by one semester for every 30 recognized credits; for an additional 22 credits beyond that, the level will be increased by another semester.

Recognition of Credits Earned Prior to Studying at TUM

(for the regular Master’s curriculum as well as for additional requirements)

• After enrollment, contact your Departmental Student Advisor (Studies & Examinations) and send the transcript of your previous degree program. The transcript will be reviewed, and you will then receive instructions on how to complete the recognition process.
• Additional modules (credits) from the Bachelor’s program can only be recognized if they are listed as additional achievements in your BA transcript.
• The prerequisite for recognizing credits earned outside TUM is equivalence. This means that the acquired knowledge, skills, and credits must not differ significantly from the content of the corresponding TUM modules (§16 APSO). The review is carried out by the respective module coordinator.
• To apply for recognition, please use the following form: Recognition Form.
• Important: The application for recognition of examinations completed before the start of the current program can only be submitted once, and within the first year of study.

Recognition of Credits Earned During a TUM Study Abroad Program

(Master – Voluntary)

• You should compare TUM modules with those of your host university and select a corresponding TUM module that could be recognized. Check your study structure in TUMonline and identify the subject area where you want to enter the recognition.
• Please send your fully completed recognition form to the responsible chair. For approval, the chair requires copies of the following documents: transcript, module description, and proof of achievements.
• Once you have received approval from the chair (including signature and/or stamp), please send the completed form and a copy of your transcript to your Departmental Student Advisor (Studies & Examinations).

Recognition of Credits Earned During a TUM Study Abroad Program 

(Master with Additional Requirements)

• If you want the credits to count exclusively toward your BA requirement, send the transcript from your host university to your Departmental Student Advisor (Studies & Examinations) with a request to assign the credits to your BA area.
• If you want some of the credits to be recognized for your Master’s program, please follow the instructions above (Master – Voluntary).

We encourage you to think globally during your studies. On the TUM ED Wiki pages, you will find important information for planning your stay abroad.

In the Master’s program in Architecture, studying abroad is not mandatory. The only exception is a possible admission requirement (condition) if you did not complete at least one semester of subject-specific study at a foreign university during your Bachelor’s program. In this case, you must make up this semester abroad.

You can find all information and your options regarding studying abroad in the TUM ED Wiki.

Statutes & Regulations

• General Examination and Study Regulations (APSO)
• Program-Specific Academic and Examination Regulations (FPSO 2023)
• Current Module Catalog M.A. AR for FPSO 2023
• Current Aptitude Assessment Procedure M.A. AR (Appendix 2, FPSO 2023)
• Older Regulations

Program Structure

• Study Plan without Specialization  
• Study Plan with Specialization  
• Program Documentation

Additional Information

• User guide for the Project Market
• Recognition Form
• Guideline Portfolio