Engineering and Architecture
Architecture Master
Program Structure
The degree program to become an architect lasts five years. In the three-year bachelor’s degree program, you will acquire the broad knowledge you will need later in your career. In the two-year master’s degree program, you will consolidate what you have achieved and take your skills to a new level.
You will acquire the following skills:
– You will take your understanding of the cultural and built environment and its complexity acquired in your bachelor’s degree to a new level
– You will deepen your skills in interpreting complex tasks and translating them into suitable architectural and design solutions
– You will combine artistic innovations with scientific work
– You will conduct research and act freely while providing support in
Do you have any questions?
Prof Peter Althaus Head of the Master’s Program in Architecture
T +41 41 349 32 83
peter.althaus@hslu.ch
dealing with the pressing issues of our time, thereby developing urgently needed strategies for action
The master’s degree program focuses on design and writing practice. After completing your diploma, you will master both of these aspects consistently and continuously at an advanced level. The focus is on the built environment as a living environment with complex social, economic and ecological interrelationships.
The degree program consists of two standard semesters, a third semester with different curriculum options, and the master’s thesis. We promote the independent thesis so that you can deal with an architectural topic of your choice. The bilingual degree program takes place in German and English. The theory lectures are in English. Coursework and tests can be submitted in German and English.
Like the bachelor’s degree program, you can also complete the master’s degree on a work-study basis. Wednesdays and Fridays are planned as work days.
Focus projects
Open, process-oriented mindset
The master’s degree program at the Institute of Architecture (IAR) aims to systematically expand the skills of architects so that they can proactively contribute to shaping a radically changing world. In times of upheaval, we promote an open, process-oriented way of thinking based on a solid bachelor’s degree program. This should enable you to meet future challenges in architecture systematically and creatively. Given the dynamics of change taking place, we see the master’s degree program as a journey into the unknown, where you are not only a navigator of your own learning paths, but also a pioneer who paves the way for future architectural developments. ←
Allowing our students to flourish – our banner, our aspiration.
Open Architecture
With 12 ECTS credits, the focus project design module is the core element of the master’s modules. This module focuses on fostering an individual architectural attitude that is characterized by a deep understanding of responsibility, self-efficacy and the specific context for action. The focus is on the built environment as a living environment with its complex social, economic and ecological interrelationships. All forms of coexistence and the use of resources are examined intensively. Under the term “Open Architecture”, we investigate approaches that systemically view buildings as living environments. The realization that architecture can only be planned to a limited extent in times of change opens up scope for innovative strategies and a new aesthetic.
Diversity
The master’s degree program at the IAR attracts students from all over the world whose diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives represent an invaluable enrichment to the learning environment. This diversity makes it possible to critically question and reinterpret established architectural languages and canons. This results in innovative approaches, methods and solutions that reflect architecture as a dynamic and constantly evolving discipline.
Focus
Contemporary architectural issues are addressed in all three studios at different levels of scale.
Elements: On the smallest scale, you will explore the fundamentals of architectural design and construction through an in-depth analysis. This includes examining materials, structures and integrating new technologies into the design process.
Habitat: At the next level of scale, you are asked to develop innovative concepts for the use and design of spaces that promote social interaction and support sustainable lifestyles.
Ecologies: Finally, you will focus on issues of urban planning, biodiversity, inclusivity and ecological contexts. You will explore how architectural designs can contribute to improving the urban and natural environment, and develop strategies for resilient, inclusive and ecologically responsible architectural projects.
Admission/Process
Admission
To be admitted to the Master of Arts in Architecture, applicants must have a diploma from a university of applied sciences or a bachelor’s degree in architecture from a Swiss or foreign university. The admission procedure requires applicants to submit a portfolio and go through an admission interview with the respective head of degree program.
Students whose mother tongue is German must have at least a B2 level of English; all other students must be able to demonstrate a C1 level of English at the commencement of their studies. ←
Some pin-ups only achieve their full impact outside the traditional classroom – in unique, unexpected settings.
Process
Admission to the degree program is possible every semester. The curriculum is modular in design, with each semester comprising six modules that are completed and graded as individual units.
The full-time master’s degree program is four semesters in length – including the master’s thesis – and is comprised of 120 ECTS credits. In the third semester, you can complete a guest semester at one of our many international partner universities. The work-study degree program lasts at least six semesters. During the semester, work outside the degree program may not exceed 40%.
The master’s thesis takes an entire semester. For an independent master’s thesis, you can start preparing as early as the third semester. You will be supervised by a lecturer from the Institute of Architecture at your request.
Theory modules
In addition to the coursework in the design modules, the examination of theoretical texts is another key pillar of the master’s degree program. This expands your knowledge, enables in-depth reflection on your actions and supports the development of a personal attitude. Ideally, design and theoretical reflection are mutually beneficial. This encourages critical thinking and experimentation, and gives you the ability to make informed decisions in an ever-changing environment.
In-depth module
In the in-depth module, we attach great importance to deepening your knowledge of architectural theory and history. Each semester, you write a paper on a defined topic within a research field of your choice. The respective topic for the semester is introduced with the help of guest speakers, lecture seminars and visits.
You will then work out the fundamentals through reading and research so that you can later formulate your thoughts in an essay-like scientific text.
Focus lectures
The focus lectures form the theoretical and practical foundation for the thematic focal points and are directly related to the focus projects.
Basic lectures
In the basic lectures, you will deal with topics from the history of art and culture that are also related to architecture.
Keynote lectures
The keynote lectures intellectually address disruptive and future developments. The different guests ensure that the discussion is kept up to date.
Embedding local issues in the larger global context is part of our DNA.
Useful Information
Application
For organizational and administrative reasons, it is recommended that applications are submitted no later than four months prior to the commencement of studies. Later registrations are also possible.
Accommodation
Are you looking for a place, perhaps a room you can call your home for learning and living? We offer affordable accommodation both for local and exchange students. For housing inquiries please contact housing@hslu.ch.
Student Counselling
You may receive a grant. If you are in initial education, please contact your parents’ canton of residence. Further information can be found at: hslu.ch/stipendien
Flexibility
With us, you can study according to your needs: You choose the time model that suits you, fill gaps in your previous training in a targeted manner and determine key parts of the degree program yourself.
Planning
During the year, you study twice for 14 weeks starting in mid-September or mid-February. After a short exam preparation period, the exam session takes place immediately after the degree program.
Self-employment / Start-up
Do you want to prepare for self-employment at a later date or set up your own company during your degree program? Smart-up is on hand to help. hslu.ch/smart-up
Campus life For This We Stand
Campus
Are you a fan of mountains and lakes? Or a vibrant city life? We offer both. Our premises are beautifully situated and easily accessible by public transport. hslu.ch/ta-standort
Living and Learning
Work in our project rooms and studios is both practical and interdisciplinary. Particularly practical: The specialist library with its wide range of media is just ten steps from the canteen.
Focus on the future
Our degree programs prepare you optimally for a sustainable and digitally transformed professional world.
Practical focus
We prepare you for future professional challenges. Cooperation with industry and business is already established at the beginning of the program and lasts all the way through to the master’s thesis.
University Sports
With us, you benefit from a comprehensive range of sports activities: unilu.ch/uni-leben/sport
Interdisciplinarity
The world of work is becoming more complex and interdisciplinary. We promote your understanding of other disciplines. In project modules and in more than half of all modules, you will work closely with students from other degree programs.
Do you have any questions?
Our Bachelor & Master Secretariat will be happy to assist you.
Lucerne School
Engineering and Architecture
Technikumstrasse 21
CH-6048 Horw
T +41 41 349 32 07
maa@hslu.ch
hslu.ch/maa
Follow us on: instagram.com/hslu_architecture