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Studying architecture provides the foundation for a career in one of the most diverse and creative professional fields, which combines art, science, technology, and social commitment. During their studies, students engage with key topics such as building construction, building materials, urban planning, architectural history, and sustainability.
The courses can have different focuses: In addition to traditional bachelor's and master's programs in architecture, there are specialized courses such as interior design, lighting design, or urban and rural development. Distance learning programs are becoming increasingly popular and offer a flexible way of studying.
Below, I will give you an overview of distance learning programs in architecture, the providers and costs, as well as study contents using the example. "Architect" is a protected professional title, and distance learning degrees are currently not recognized by the competent chambers of architects. I will address this at the end.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 6 courses in the field of Architecture.
Architecture and environment
- University of Wismar
- 4 Semester
- German
The aim of the postgraduate, interuniversity distance learning course Architecture and Environment is to impart the complexity and the required expertise for "Ecological Construction." In order to effectively integrate contemporary …
Architecture (currently not eligible for chamber membership)
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
With this degree programme, we provide you with a particularly practical basic education that prepares you for the industry. In addition to important technical knowledge, you will learn everything in …
Interior design (currently not chamberable)
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The B.A. in Interior Architecture (currently not accredited) provides you with solid design skills that include expertise in spatial perception in general, as well as in material, tactile, and atmospheric …
Lighting Design
- University of Wismar
- 5 Semester
- Wismar, Berlin, Bangkok
- English
The Master's distance learning programme "Lighting Design - Architectural Lighting and Design Management" provides a comprehensive education in the field of lighting design and management. Students deepen their knowledge in …
Integrative Urban-Rural Development
- University of Wismar
- 5 Semester
- Hannover, Hamburg, Wismar, Berlin
- German
The Master distance learning programme Integrative Urban-Rural Development by Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH (WINGS) offers professionals in urban and regional development, architecture, geography, and more the opportunity to tackle …
Architecture (currently not chamber-capable)
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- German
With this unique programme, you will complete your Master's in Architecture (currently not accredited) in just 4 semesters of full-time study or in 6–8 semesters of part-time study. For example, …
Distance Universities Offering Architecture Distance Learning Programs
The IU International University is a private university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia. Since the SS 2021, IU has become the largest university in Germany, with over 130,000 enrolled students. The university offers on-campus programs, dual degree programs, and more than 100 distance learning programs. In addition to bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture, the IU Internationale Hochschule also offers a bachelor's program in interior design.
The University of Wismar is a state university of applied sciences based in Wismar, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Through its subsidiary, WINGS - Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH, the Hochschule Wismar offers master's programs in architecture distance learning, including "Architecture and Environment," "Lighting Design," and "Integrative Urban and Rural Development."
Cost of Architecture Distance Learning
The costs for the bachelor's degree in architecture or interior design offered by IU are starting from €259 per month, with total costs of approximately €15,063 for the whole program. Despite the shorter duration, a master's degree here or at WINGS is in a comparable range: The most affordable master's is "Architecture and Environment" with total costs starting from €11,800, followed by "Integrative Urban and Rural Development" starting at about €12,500. The most expensive master's, currently also offered by WINGS, costs approximately €19,500 in total - "Lighting Design" costs about €650 per month over 5 semesters.
Overview of course costs:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture (currently not chamber-capable), Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 4 Semester | from 14143 € total from 329 € monthly | |
| Architecture (currently not eligible for chamber membership), Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Architecture and environment, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 4 Semester | from 14000 € total | |
| Integrative Urban-Rural Development, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 5 Semester | from 12500 € total from 417 € monthly | |
| Interior design (currently not chamberable), Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Lighting Design, Master of Arts Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 5 Semester | from 19500 € total from 650 € monthly |
Study Contents of the Architecture Bachelor's Using the Example of IU
The bachelor's program at IU International University is divided into modules, with each module typically worth 5 credit points (ECTS) and completed with an examination - such as an exam or a written paper. This modular structure allows students to plan their studies step by step and largely decide flexibly when to work on which content.
A possible full-time study plan could look like this:
- 1st Semester: Basics of building construction, introduction to scientific work, basics of building materials, basic presentation, architectural history I, basics of design, and building theory
- 2nd Semester: Project "Concept and Model Design," design in residential construction, CAD presentation, model making, collaborative work, construction systems, and structural design
- 3rd Semester: Project "Residential Concept," timber construction, building physics, presentation methods and techniques, design of public buildings, architectural history II
- 4th Semester: Project "Cultural Building Concept," interior and facade construction, urban planning, intercultural and ethical competences, office and industrial buildings, building technology
- 5th Semester: Project "Office and Industrial Building Concept," seminar on architectural theory, structural design and dimensioning, private and public building law, elective module A
- 6th Semester: Elective module B, construction business management, cost and schedule planning, bachelor's thesis
A significant advantage of the IU distance learning is the ability to set individual focuses through elective modules. In the Architecture Bachelor's, students can choose two specialization modules:
- First Specialization Module: Architectural design, renovation and expansion, sustainable building
- Second Specialization Module: Architectural design, renovation and expansion, sustainable building, building information modeling, smart building, real estate law, interdisciplinary field trip
In addition, students at IU complete five practice-oriented design projects during their studies, such as the "Concept and Model Design" or the "Office and Industrial Building Concept." These projects provide an opportunity to create a professional portfolio that can later be used for applications or customer acquisition.
Chamber Approval and Professional Title "Architect"
In Germany, the title "Architect" is legally protected and linked to clearly defined requirements. To use this professional title, registration with the Architects' Chamber of the respective federal state is required.
Completion of at least a four-year full-time architecture degree, usually combined with a subsequent master's degree, is a prerequisite. Additionally, a minimum of two years of professional practice must be demonstrated, conducted under the supervision of a registered architect. Only with this registration, one is entitled to bear the professional title and to lead a design approval (for modification, construction, or demolition of buildings).
For graduates of distance learning programs in architecture, there is currently no guarantee of chamber approval. Many architects' chambers still consider face-to-face teaching indispensable and often reject applications with degrees from distance learning programs. Even a recognized master's degree may not necessarily guarantee chamber eligibility in such cases, although each application is individually evaluated.
A ray of hope comes from the dual bachelor's program in architecture at IU International University, which, starting from the winter semester 2024/2025 at certain locations such as Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich, meets the academic requirements of the architects' chambers. This program has been accredited by the competent chambers based on a revised curriculum, allowing graduates to take the first step towards chamber approval. However, an additional master's program and the two-year professional practice must also be completed to achieve full registration with the Architects' Chamber.
For now, distance learning programs in architecture are currently "not chamber-eligible", and while students acquire "professionally enabling" competencies, they do not meet the "professional qualifying" conditions for the protected professional title "Architect".
About the Author Marcus Schütz
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