Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture

UIC Barcelona is committed to providing its students with the best academic preparation in both the theoretical and practical realms, and also to providing them with the tools which are necessary for successful access to the labor market.

The teaching and learning process is based on the acquisition of competencies:

1. The ability to create architectural projects that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements. Adequate knowledge of architectural history and theory, as well as of art, technology, and the related areas of social sciences. Knowledge of fine art and the role it plays in architectural concepts. Sufficient knowledge of urban design and applied planning techniques
2. The ability to perceive and understand the relationships between people and buildings, between buildings and their surroundings, as well as the need to link buildings to the spaces around them, depending on requirements and human scale. The ability to understand the architect's profession and its function in society, particularly in terms of becoming involved in projects that take social factors into account
3. Knowledge of research methods and construction project preparation. Knowledge of the potential problems in structural design, construction, and engineering involved in construction projects
4. Sufficient knowledge of physical problems and various technological tools, as well as the different functions of different buildings, and the ways they are endowed with internal structures or features that provide comfort and protection from climate-related factors. Ability to plan to satisfy the demands of the building’s users in a way that respects the limits imposed by planning budgets and building regulations
5. Sufficient knowledge of the industries, organizations, regulations, and procedures relevant to launching construction projects, and incorporating designs into project planning

These competencies are worked on through a variety of methodologies: lectures, problem-solving, research projects, site visits, project planning, and group and individual learning.

Their acquisition is evaluated using a variety of assessment tools that allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the course material. These include objective tests, papers, projects, portfolios, dossiers, memos, self-evaluations, and interviews.

The competencies are divided between theoretical classes, seminar workshops, practical classes, external work experience, group and individual tutorials, and group and individual projects and study.

An officially-recognized Master’s level qualification, with individual attention

Earn a university Master’s level Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in five years and have the opportunity to work in any European Union country or earn a double degree with the University of Belgrano (Argentina). The ongoing supervision the professors provide from day one to the day you submit your Final Degree Project (TFG) and the School’s ratio of fewer than 10 students per professor are aspects that are difficult to find at other architecture schools.

International outlook and bachelor’s degree in English, Spanish, and Catalan

We have students of over 45 different nationalities and one of the market’s broadest educational programs, thanks to our double degree agreement and mobility and exchange programs with prestigious universities around the world, such as UC Berkeley, the Architectural Association of London, UCLA, and Boston University. Classes are taught exclusively in English in years one and two, and in English, Spanish, and Catalan from year three onwards.

Cross-disciplinary education and commitment to society

We are the only school of architecture in Spain in which cooperation, sustainability, and accessibility are compulsory subjects. We shape architects capable of working at all levels, from territorial planning to construction details. Due to our unique cross-disciplinary teaching method in which students are involved in all steps of the project process. State-of-the-art workshops, open 24 hours a day Our workshop classrooms and plotter are available to you 24 hours a day. This will allow you to work with greater flexibility and transport your project hassle-free. In addition to the Analogue Model Workshop, you will also have access to the cutting-edge technology available in the Digital Architecture Laboratory: laser cutter, CNC milling machine, and 3D printer.

Job offers at prestigious international architecture studios

Thanks to our job bank and compulsory work placements at prestigious international architecture studios, our students have high rates of graduate employability. The fact that our School houses three business-sponsored research chairs helps increase the opportunities for work in architecture studios such as Álvaro Siza, Miralles Tagliabue, RCR Arquitectes, Zaha Hadid Architects…

Universities the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture holds agreements with:

• Universidad de Belgrano
• Catholic University of Santa Fe
• Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
• Armando Alvares Penteado Foundation
• Universidad del Desarrollo
• University of San Buenaventura
• University of Monterrey
• Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education
• Autonomous University of Hidalgo State
• Catholic University of Santa María La Antigua
• Seoul Women’s University
• Manipal University
• JSC-International Educational Corporation
• Arab International University
• University of Stuttgart
• Technische Universität Darmstadt
• Münster University of Applied Sciences
• Université libre de Bruxelles
• KU Leuven
• University of Liège
• University of Mons
• University of Oulu
• National School of Architecture of Montpellier
• École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris Malaquais
• École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Normandie
• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Dublin Institute of Technology – DIT
• Politecnico University of Milano
• Royal Turin Polytechnic University
• Vilnius Academy of Arts
• Bergen School of Architecture
• Coventry University
• University for the Creative Arts
• Architectural Association
• Chiba University

10 semesters – 300 ECTS – 60 places Barcelona Campus

Year 1

Semester 1

• Spatial and Formal Analysis
• Architectural Drawing
• History of Art and Architecture
• Mathematics

Semester 2

• Physics
• Computational Design
• Introduction to Architectural Construction
• Design Studio

Year 2

Semester 1

• Architectural Composition I
• Design Studio I
• Building Construction I
• Structural Calculation I
• Critical Thinking I
• English I
• Vertical Workshop I*

Semester 2

• Architectural Composition II
• Urban Design I
• Design Studio II
• Building Construction II
• Critical Thinking II
• Foros I*

Year 3

Semester 1

• History and Theory of Architecture III*
• Urban Design II*
• Building Construction III*
• Design Studio III*
• English II Accessibility*
• Vertical Workshop II*

Semester 2

• History and Theory of Architecture IV*
• Design Studio IV*
• Building Construction IV*
• Structural Calculation II*
• Building Mechanics and Facilities I*
• Ethics*
• Foros II*

Year 4

Semester 1

• Building Construction V
• Design Studio V*
• Building Mechanics and Facilities II
• Cooperation I
• Elective Course I
• Sustainability I
• Architectural Theory and Criticism
• Vertical Workshop III*

Semester 2

• Building Construction VI
• Urban Design III*
• Structural Calculation III
• Design Studio VI*
• Cooperation II
• Elective Course III
• Foros III*

Year 5

Semester 1

• Design Studio VII
• Sustainability II
• Professional Ethics
• Management
• Elective Course II
• Elective Course IV
• Vertical Workshop IV*
• Work Experience

Semester 2

• Design Studio VIII
• Urban Design IV
• Building Construction VII
• Foros IV*
• Final Degree Project

Electives

• Ceramics Chair*
• Theory and Practice in the Restoration of Architectural Heritage
• Llums BCN
• Site Management
• Designing Healthy Public Spaces

*Bilingual subjects: English-Spanish.

The Vertical Workshop

The Vertical Workshop is held during the first week of the academic year and acts as an energetic start back to study after the summer break. Architecture students, from years one through five, are all assigned to a mixed team, each led by two highly-reputed lecturers, and compete in an architectural exercise aimed at benefiting the community. For the duration of the week, the whole school is transformed into a laboratory to investigate a subject chosen by the directors of the workshop.

Foros

Foros is a unique subject and a source of pride for UIC Barcelona School of Architecture which, as its name suggests, is dedicated to debate and reflection on contemporary architectural reality. Foros, through conferences given by nationally and internationally renowned guest lecturers, aims to raise questions and discussion regarding topical issues as well as reflect and debate on matters of vital importance to architects. The subject is geared towards knowing, understanding, seeing, re-evaluating, contemplating, experimenting with and getting closer to architecture.

The Final Degree Project

The Final Degree Project is the final stage in the learning process for students at UIC Barcelona School of Architecture. The Final Degree Project is mandatory for 5th-year students and involves creating and developing an architectural project based on technical and construction innovation. Every year, students work on a specific topic agreed upon in conjunction with public institutions (Barcelona Metropolitan Area, Barcelona City Council, and the Regional Government of Catalonia). The aim is to defend the role played by architecture schools in thinking about the city and contemporary landscapes while building on the transfer of knowledge in society. In addition to the public defence of final degree projects before an independent committee, there will also be a large-scale exhibition held in leading cultural and social centres throughout the city

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture.