MAA Master of Arts in Architecture

Introduction

Master of Arts in Architecture offers graduates in architecture an enriching experience and professional education. Bern University of Applied Sciences Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering (BUAS-AWC) and the University of Applied Sciences of West Switzerland (HES-SO) jointly organize this course. BUAS is now offering a study location in China, which allows European students to visit for one or two semesters and Chinese students to start their Swiss BUAS Master of Architecture studies in their own country.

Goal

The BUAS Master of Architecture offers students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and prepare for international practice in architecture. The aim is to educate architects who think in interconnected systems, who can develop solutions for new problems and do so creatively and responsibly. The sustainability topics covered in the China Studio also prepares future designers with tools and skills to tackle pressing global issues.

The study location in China provides unique and favorable circumstances for Chinese students. While always enrolled at the BUAS in Switzerland, students attend the first full year in China and the second full year abroad in Switzerland. The China location initiates students to the Swiss teaching culture and exchange with foreign teachers and students prepare participants for the subsequent studies in Switzerland.

Target Audience

The Master of Arts in Architecture is for both Swiss and Chinese students with at least an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design or related disciplines.

The program welcomes:

• Swiss students currently enrolled in the BUAS Master of Architecture interested in sustainable buildings design and gaining international experience.
• Chinese students looking for a high-level, professional Swiss architecture education.

Benefits

MAA offers a multi-cultural, collaborative learning. The students will acquire local and global knowledge in professional practice, design and sustainable development in architecture. Students will master the use of current local and international standards and principles on building, and sustainable architectural design. In addition, they will obtain suitable tools for the planning process, integrate their knowledge of various fields and adapt the tools for different environments. They will be able to evaluate the results autonomously and critically, be able to discuss and communicate aspects of their plans with relevant stakeholders.

Teaching Structure

The Master of Arts in Architecture is a two years full-time study or three to four years part-time program. The program consists of three regular semesters, a field trip and a master’s thesis. The courses are composed of modules that allow each student an individually calibrated curriculum, adapted to their varied requirements. The diploma is awarded when students obtain 120 ECTS credits, which correspond to around 3,600 hours of work. Each semester yields 30 ECTS, with options for the students to obtain fewer or more credits if required. However, in the China location, only full-time study is currently offered and students take on course of study equivalent to 30 ECTS per semester.

Typical course of study each semester comprise of:

1 Design Studio

3 Theory Trainings

1 Course

1 Profile Search

1 Options

Thesis is written in semester 4, which is completed in Switzerland.

Coaching Team

Head of Master of Architecture BUAS: Stanislas Zimmermann, Burgdorf, stanislas.zimmermann@bfh.ch

Head of BUAS Master of Architecture Studio China: Pius Leuba, Shanghai, pius.leuba@bfh.ch

Managing board: Stanislas Zimmermann, Peter Boelsterli, Joachim Huber and Pius Leuba 

Examinations and Certification

The MAA complies with International Union of Architects (UIA) guidelines. Students who complete the course are awarded the title of "Master of Arts BFH in Architecture". Each semester must be completed with a successful proof of qualification, in order to continue to the next semester. Chinese students must complete the first two semesters in China successfully in order to be allowed to complete their studies in Switzerland.

Tuition

The yearly tuition fee for foreign students is CHF 20,000.

Further fees apply: