© Rainer Hehl

Architecture, M.Sc.

Program overview

The architectural profession is continually changing. Architectonic and urban development tasks are confronted with political, cultural, technical, economic, social, and ecological changes. These very different and sometimes even conflicting requirements and objectives must be brought together in the design process to create a holistic architectonic solution. This is why design is the focus of the project-based master’s program in Architecture. The design tasks are oriented on conceptual work as well as construction and urban surroundings. Architectonic space is understood as a synthesis of conceptual ideas, concepts that organize space, and constructive or urban structure. 

As part of the master’s program in Architecture, you have the opportunity to take part in a dual degree program with Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago/Chile or Tsinghua University in Beijing/China. 

DegreeMaster of Science
Standard period of study 4 semesters
Credit points120
Program start Winter semester
Admission Restricted admission
Language of instruction German

Admission requirements

The formal admission requirement for the consecutive master’s program in Architecture is a first university degree in architecture or a closely related subject qualifying the applicant for professional work. 

The Architecture master’s program is taught in German. If you are applying with a foreign school-leaving certificate, you must provide proof of German skills at a specific level. This is a prerequisite for admission. Knowledge of English is useful as some courses/modules are offered in English. However, this is not a condition for admission to studies. 

You can find more information about the application, admission, and selection procedures in the application and admission regulations of the degree program (see the link "Study and examination regulations").

Program structure

The master’s program is divided into compulsory, compulsory elective, and elective components. The compulsory component totals 84 credit points, which include three large design projects and the research project as well as the master’s thesis. Students must also complete a total of 24 credit points in the compulsory elective component, choosing from a set list of modules. The elective component encompasses 12 credit points. It is possible for students to create an individual specialization by choosing certain design projects or topics for the research project and by selecting corresponding compulsory elective and elective modules. After completing the required module combinations, you can have structural engineering or urban development listed as an area of specialization on your degree certificate.

The objectives and further structure of the program as well as the examination requirements and details on how the examinations are carried out are set down in the study and examination regulations. 

There is a proposed course schedule for the degree program. This is a recommendation for how to complete the degree program within the standard period of study of four semesters. You can find it as an annex to the study and examination regulations.

Study and examination regulations:

Content and modules

The master’s degree program in Architecture consists of modules which combine curriculum content on a specific topic and often include various study and teaching formats such as lectures, practical tutorials, seminars, and practical projects. Students are required to earn a specific number of credit points and complete certain coursework and assessments in each module. 

A current overview of all modules is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The MTS also provides an overview of which modules are mandatory for your degree program and which are elective. Detailed module descriptions provide information about the content, learning objectives, participation requirements, workload, type of assessment, and much more.

The module catalogue is based on the study and exam regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

To module database

Internships

At the latest when you are registering your master’s thesis, you must show proof of an internship lasting 16 weeks. We strongly recommend you complete the internship before starting the program. Internships that were done before and during your bachelor’s program are counted towards this.

Full details are provided by the internship regulations.

Stays abroad

You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of study abroad or internships. General information concerning stays abroad is available from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) or the Career Service (internships abroad).

You can find more information about the dual degree program with Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago/Chile or Tsinghua University in Beijing/China on the website of the master's program.

Acquired skills

The master’s program in Architecture helps mold you into an architect who can make strong decisions and create strong designs, translate specific construction tasks into architecture or urban development, and is clear about their responsibility to the environment (conserving energy and resources), their contractors (function, program, identity), and society (cultural, artistic, social). To do justice to this responsibility, the following content is included in the master’s program in Architecture in addition to the design projects: building theory, sustainable planning and building, architectural theory, and in-depth knowledge of urban development for designing. 

After your studies

As a graduate of the master’s program in Architecture, you will plan buildings and supervise construction on behalf of your clients. The focus of your work is on planning design and construction. While taking the costs and legal requirements into consideration, you will develop buildings in terms of their spacial relationship, form, and materials. You can work in your profession as an employee in an architectural office or as a freelancer. In addition, you can work in public service, for example with the building authorities or in construction companies and housing associations.

Following your master’s degree, you will need to work professionally for at least two years before you may be entered into a German federal state’s list of registered architects. 

Further information & downloads