Curriculum for the Master’s program in Architecture, Cand.tech, 2015

1: Preface

Pursuant to Act 960 of August 14, 2014 on Universities (the University Act) with subsequent changes, the following curriculum for the Master's programme in Architecture is stipulated. The programme also follows the Framework Provisions and the Examination Policies and Procedures for the Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Commencement of this curriculum is 1. September 2015.

2: Basis in ministerial orders

The Master’s program is organised in accordance with the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education’s Order no. 1520 of December 16, 2013 on Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs at Universities (the Ministerial Order of the Study Programs) and Ministerial Order no. 670 of June 19, 2014 on University Examinations (the Examination Order). Further reference is made to the Admission Order and the Grading Scale Order.

3: Campus

The programme is offered in Aalborg.

4: Faculty affiliation

The Master’s programme falls under The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Aalborg University.

5: Study board affiliation

The Master’s programme falls under Study Board of Architecture and Design

6: Affiliation to corps of external examiners

The Master’s programme is associated with the external examiners corps on Nationwide engineering examiners/Design

7: Admission requirements

Admission to the Master’s programme in Architecture requires a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering (Architecture and Design).

All students applying must document English language qualifications comparable to an ‘English B level’ in the Danish upper secondary school (minimum average grade 02).

Students with another Bachelor's degree, upon application to the Board of Studies, will be admitted after a specific academic assessment if the applicant is deemed to have comparable educational prerequisites. The University can stipulate requirements concerning conducting additional exams prior to the start of study.

8: The programme title in Danish and English

The Master’s programme entitles the graduate to the designation Cand.tech. i arkitektur. The English designation is: Master of Science (MSc) in Technology (Architecture).

9: Programme specifications in ECTS credits

The Master’s programme is a 2-year, research-based, full-time study programme. The programme is set to 120 ECTS credits.

10: Rules concerning credit transfer (merit), including the possibility for choice of modules that are part of another programme at a university in Denmark or abroad

The Study Board can approve successfully completed (passed) programme elements from other Master’s programmes in lieu of programme elements in this programme (credit transfer). The Study Board can also approve successfully completed (passed) programme elements from another Danish programme or a programme outside of Denmark at the same level in lieu of programme elements within this curriculum. Decisions on credit transfer are made by the Study Board based on an academic assessment. See the Joint Programme Regulations for the rules on credit transfer.

11: Exemptions

In exceptional circumstances, the Study Board study can grant exemption from those parts of the curriculum that are not stipulated by law or ministerial order.  Exemption regarding an examination applies to the immediate examination.

12: Rules for examinations

The rules for examinations are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures - published at this website: https://www.studieservice.aau.dk/Studielegalitet/

13: Rules concerning written work, including the Master’s Thesis

In the assessment of all written work, regardless of the language it is written in, weight is also given to the student's formulation and spelling ability, in addition to the academic content. Orthographic and grammatical correctness as well as stylistic proficiency are taken as a basis for the evaluation of language performance. Language performance must always be included as an independent dimension of the total evaluation. However, no examination can be assessed as ‘Pass’ on the basis of good language performance alone; similarly, an examination normally cannot be assessed as ‘Fail’ on the basis of poor language performance alone.

The Study Board can grant exemption from this in special cases (e.g., dyslexia or a native language other than Danish).

The Master’s Thesis must include an English summary (or another foreign language: French, Spanish or German upon approval by the Study Board). If the project is written in English, the summary must be in Danish (The Study Board can grant exemption from this). The summary must be at least 1 page and not more than 2 pages (this is not included in any fixed minimum and maximum number of pages per student). The summary is included in the evaluation of the project as a whole.

14: Requirements regarding the reading of texts in a foreign language

It is assumed that the student can read academic texts in his or her native language as well as in English and use reference works etc. in other European languages.

15: Competence profile on the diploma

The following competence profile will appear on the diploma:

A Candidatus graduate has the following competency profile:

A Candidatus graduate has competencies that have been acquired via a course of study that has taken place in a research environment.

A Candidatus graduate is qualified for employment on the labour market based on his or her academic discipline as well as for further research (PhD programmes). A Candidatus graduate has, compared to a Bachelor, developed his or her academic knowledge and independence so as to be able to apply scientific theory and method on an independent basis within both an academic and a professional context.

16: Competence profile of the programme

Competence profile on the diploma

The following competence profile will appear on the diploma:

A graduate of the Master’s programme has competencies acquired through an educational program that has taken place in a research environment.

The graduate of the Master’s programme can perform highly qualified functions on the labor market on the basis of the educational programme. Moreover, the graduate has prerequisites for research (a Ph.D. programme). Compared to the Bachelor’s degree, the graduate of the Master’s programme has developed her/his academic knowledge and independence, so that the graduate can independently apply scientific theory and method in both an academic and occupational/professional context.

Competence profile of the programme:

The graduate of the Master’s programme:

Knowledge

  • Must have a broad knowledge of theories, methods and practices associated with the professions of engineering, architecture and design combined with a knowledge of methods and practices associated with the professionalisms of engineering, architecture and design ranging from the design component to the building section to the city as a whole
  • Must have advanced knowledge of analytical approaches to technical and societal aspects ’of the profession
  • Must have a broad knowledge of both analogue and digital tools for the development and representation of architecture, design and urban design
  • Must have extensive knowledge of the methods and theories of engineering related design applied to the styling of design components, building parts, buildings and entire building developments
  • Must have an advanced knowledge of periods, theories, works and principal figures in the history of architecture, urban and general design
  • Must understand integrated architectural design where relevant and strategically chosen technical parameters are fully integrated with the architecture
  • Must have scientifically based knowledge of key disciplines, methodologies, theories and concepts within architectural engineering
  • Must have scientifically based knowledge in Tectonic and Sustainable architectural design based on the highest international research and references in these areas
  • Must be able to reflect upon the relevant knowledge in engineering and architectural theories, methods, and tools related to Tectonic and Sustainable architectural design for design of buildings with substantial engineering and architectural qualities

Skills

  • Must be able to demonstrate the ability to make advanced integrated design* proposals at different scales
  • Must be able to practically apply theories, methods and tools within architecture, industrial design and urban design and to apply skills associated with employment within the fields of engineering and architecture on a scientific basis
  • Must be able to assess theoretical and practical problems and to select and motivate relevant solutions in architecture, design and engineering on the basis of scientific methods
  • Must be able to communicate disciplinary problems and solutions to both peers and non-specialists as well as to collaborators and users, and to analyse and understand the connections between design, architecture, cities and society as a whole
  • Must able to apply advanced theories and methods in technical fields of knowledge such as planning, construction, technique and climatology
  • Must master the scientific engineering and architectural theories, methods and tools relevant to the design and development of Tectonic and Sustainable architecture
  • Must be able to use and communicate in the newest digital calculation and simulation tools, 3D programming and CAD programs
  • Must be able to communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and scientific problems with both peers and non-specialists
  • Must be able to select and apply appropriate engineering and architectural methods, theories and tools competent in finding an integrated design solution of Tectonic and Sustainable architecture

* Integrated Design: Is a methodic process where research and evidence based knowledge is continuously applied and integrated through a succession of engineering, design and architectural based theories and methods throughout the design process of the project.

Competencies

  • Must be able to handle and manage complex and development-oriented situations in relation to both study and work
  • Must be able with a professional approach independently and with demonstrable overview to participate in professional and interdisciplinary cooperation in the fields of engineering, architecture and design
  • Must be able to identify own learning needs and structure own learning in various learning environments with a view to solving new types of problems
  • Must possess high-level professional competencies in the intersection between the disciplines of engineering, architecture and design
  • Must be able to independently make advanced integrated design proposals that fulfill all predefined criteria and target values regarding high engineering and architectural design quality on an international level
  • Must be able to manage work-related situations that are complex and unpredictable, and which require new solutions in the built environment
  • Must be able to independently initiate and implement interdisciplinary co-operation and assume professional responsibility
  • Must be able to independently take responsibility for own professional development and specialization

* Integrated Design: Is a methodic process where research and evidence based knowledge is continuously applied and integrated through a succession of engineering, design and architectural based theories and methods throughout the design process of the project

17: Structure and Contents of the programme

 

The programme is structured in modules and organized as a problem-based study. A module is a program element or a group of programme elements, which aims to give students a set of professional skills within a fixed time frame specified in ECTS credits, and concluding with one or more examinations within specific exam periods. Examinations are defined in the curriculum. The programme is based on a combination of academic, problem-oriented and interdisciplinary approaches and organized based on the following work and evaluation methods that combine skills and reflection:
 

  • lectures
  • classroom instruction
  • project work
  • workshops
  • exercises (individually and in groups)
  • teacher feedback
  • reflection
  • portfolio work

All modules are assessed through individual grading according to the 7-point scale or Pass/Fail. All modules are assessed by external examination (external grading) or internal examination (internal grading or by assessment by the supervisor only).
 

Minimum 95 ECTS are evaluated by 7-point scale, and minimum 50 ECTS are evaluated with an external examiner.

18: Overview of the programme

Offered as: 1-professional
Study programme:
Module name Course type ECTS Applied grading scale Evaluation method Assessment method
1 Semester
Performance-Aided Design: Form, Material, Structure, Acoustics and Fabrication Course 5 7-point grading scaleInternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Integrated Design Theory and Methodology Course 5 Passed/Not PassedInternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Tectonic Studies and Experimentations in Form, Structure, Materials and Details Course 5 Passed/Not PassedInternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Tectonic Design: Structure and Construction Project 15 7-point grading scaleInternal examinationOral exam based on a project
2 Semester
Zero Energy Buildings Course 5 7-point grading scaleInternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Integrated Design of Sustainable Architecture Course 5 Passed/Not PassedExternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Sustainable Architecture Project 20 7-point grading scaleInternal examinationOral exam based on a project
3 Semester
Version A
Construction Management Course 5 Passed/Not PassedInternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Transfer of Knowledge from Architectural Engineering to Practice Course 5 Passed/Not PassedInternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Research and Development in Architectural Engineering and Design Project 20 7-point grading scaleInternal examinationOral exam based on a project
3 Semester
Version B
Construction Management Course 5 Passed/Not PassedInternal examinationWritten or oral exam
Academic Internship Project 25 7-point grading scaleInternal examinationOral exam based on a project
3 Semester
Version C - Study Abroad*
3-4 Semester
Version D
Long Master’s Thesis Project 60 7-point grading scaleExternal examinationMaster's thesis/final project
4 Semester
Master’s Thesis Project 30 7-point grading scaleExternal examinationMaster's thesis/final project

On 2nd semester the student must choose between version A or B.

On 3rd semester the student must choose between version A, B, C og D.

*3rd semester Version C: If the student wants to study abroad the Study Board recommends this in the third semester. The student must apply for a preapproval of credit transfer by the Study Board of Architecture and Design.

19: Additional information

Rules concerning written work, including the Master’s thesis
In the assessment of all written work, regardless of the language it is written in, weight is also given to the student's spelling and formulation ability, in addition to the academic content. Orthographic and grammatical correctness as well as stylistic proficiency are taken as a basis for the evaluation of language performance. Language performance must always be included as an independent dimension of the total evaluation. However, no examination can be assessed as ‘Pass’ on the basis of good language performance alone; similarly, an examination normally cannot be assessed as ‘Fail’ on the basis of poor language performance alone.
The Board of Studies can grant exemption from this in special cases (e.g., dyslexia or a native language other than Danish).
The Master’s thesis must include an English summary. If the project is written in English, the summary must be in Danish.The summary must be at least 1 page and not more than 2 pages. The summary is included in the evaluation of the project as a whole.
[1] Or another foreign language (upon approval from the Board of Studies).
[2] The Board of Studies can grant exemption from this.

Rules concerning credit transfer (merit), including the possibility for choice of modules that are part of another program at a university in Denmark or abroad
In the individual case, the Board of Studies can approve successfully completed (passed) program elements from other Master’s programs in lieu of program elements in this program (credit transfer). The Board of Studies can also approve successfully completed (passed) program elements from another Danish program or a program outside of Denmark at the same level in lieu of program elements within this curriculum. Decisions on credit transfer are made by the Board of Studies based on an academic assessment. See the Framework Provisions for the rules on credit transfer.

 Rules for examinations
The rules for examinations are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures published by the Faculty of Engineering and Science on their website.

Exemption
In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Studies can grant exemption from those parts of the curriculum that are not stipulated by law or ministerial order. Exemption regarding an examination applies to the immediate examination.

Completion of the Master’s programme
The Master’s program must be completed no later than four years after it was begun.

 

Evaluation formats for the Bachelor and Master programmes under the Board of Studies for Architecture and Design, School of Architecture, Design and Planning.

Please refer to the study guide of the relevant semester and module for further descriptions of the chosen evaluation format.

Project modules

Evaluation format C– Project module with external examination:
The module is assessed by an oral assessment based on written material, typically a jointly prepared (or in exceptional cases, prepared by the individual student) project module report (containing the report/analyzes/posters/drawings/models or similar) where the individual examinee’s contribution is not indicated. It is further presumed that the student has regularly and actively participated in evaluation seminars etc..
The module is assessed with external examination.
The written material is submitted in physical form to the semester secretary and also digitally uploaded to the directory assigned by the semester secretary. This according to the current delivery requirements in the Semester Description or Study Guide.

Evaluation format P– Project module with internal examination:
The module is assessed by an oral assessment based on written material, typically a jointly prepared (or in exceptional cases, prepared by the individual student) project module report (containing the report/analyzes/posters/drawings/models or similar) where the individual examinee’s contribution is not indicated. It is further presumed that the student has regularly and actively participated in evaluation etc..
The module is assessed with internal examination.
The written material is submitted in physical form to the semester secretary and also digitally uploaded to the directory assigned by the semester secretary. This according to the current delivery requirements in the Semester Description or Study Guide.

Course modules:

Evaluation format L– Course module, oral or written assessment.

Comprising of:

Evaluation format La– Course module, oral assessment:
The module is assessed with an oral assessment based on written material prepared by the individual student such as a portfolio presentation or a (possibly jointly prepared) project module report (containing the report/analyses/posters/drawings/models or similar). It is further presumed that the student has regularly and actively participated in evaluation seminars.
Oral assessment with aid and without preparation time.
The written material must be digitally uploaded to the directory assigned by the semester secretary. This according to the current delivery requirements in the Semester Description or Study Guide.

Evaluation format Lb– Course module, oral assessment:
The module is assessed with an oral exam based on the objectives for the course module. The examinee pulls a known and predefined question, after which the assessment begins.
Oral assessment without aid and without preparation time.

Evaluation format Lc– Course module, oral assessment:
The module is assessed with an oral exam based on the objectives for the course module. The examinee pulls a question, gets preparation time, after which the assessment begins.
Oral assessment without aid and with preparation time – aid is allowed in the preparation time.

Evaluation format Ld– Course module, written assessment:
The module is assessed with a written assignment based on central parts of the objectives for the course module through one or more written assignments (including reports/analyses/posters/drawings/models or the like).
A written assignment is developed during the execution of the course module.
The written material must be digitally uploaded to the directory assigned by the semester secretary. This according to the current delivery requirements in the Semester Description or Study Guide.

Evaluation format Le– Course module, written assessment:
The module is assessed with a written assignment based on central parts of the objectives for the course module.
A written assignment given by the end of the course module and completed within a defined time frame.
The written material must be digitally uploaded to the directory assigned by the semester secretary. This according to the current delivery requirements in the Semester Description or Study Guide.

Evaluation format V– Course module:
The module is passed by the student’s regular and active participation in teaching/ evaluation seminars or the like and by compliance with the assignment requirements of the course module.
The module is assessed by internal assessment.

20: Commencement and transitional rules

The curriculum is approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science and enters into force as of September 2015.

Students who wish to complete their studies under the previous curriculum must conclude their education by the summer examination period 2016 at the latest, since examinations under the previous curriculum are not offered after this time. Students who complete their studies under the previous curriculum will however be given the title: Cand.tech. i arkitektur / Master of Science (MSc) in Technology (Architecture)

In accordance with the Framework Provisions for the Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine at Aalborg University, the curriculum must be revised no later than 5 years after its entry into force.

21: Amendments to the curriculum and regulations

Minor editorial changes have been made in connection with the digitisation of the study Curriculum.