Architecture (B.A.)
Architecture as a holistic approach to planning, coordination, and communication.
The architect’s scope of responsibilities includes the responsible conception, planning, and execution of buildings. In addition, the role of architects is increasingly expanding to include that of a facilitator and holistic planner of the planning, design, and construction process—one who conceives, oversees, monitors, and ultimately takes responsibility for all aspects of this process, both in analog and digital formats. Future challenges will include dealing with existing buildings, meeting the need for living space—particularly housing—and responding to demographic, sociocultural, ecological, and economic conditions at both the regional and international levels (> program focus of the Master’s in Architecture: “Near and Far”).
The complexity of processes in the construction industry therefore makes it more urgent than ever to have architects who work responsibly and possess a broad spectrum of expertise, including, in particular, sensitive contextual design. Projects with social added value and a connection to the region are a key focus.
To this end, the bachelor program in Architecture lays the groundwork and establishes initial areas of specialization, which are further developed in the Master’s program in Architecture.
Curriculum
In the first semesters, you will learn the creative, technical, and theoretical foundations of architecture. You will design spaces, develop an understanding of building construction, and explore architecture within its social and cultural context.
As you progress through the programme, you will deepen your knowledge in a range of specialist areas:
- Architectural Design
- Building Construction
- Urban Design and Planning
- History and Theory of Architecture
- Building in Existing Contexts
- Sustainable Planning and Construction
- Representation and Visualisation (analogue and digital)
- Interdisciplinary Project Work
Practice-oriented design projects are at the heart of the programme and help you develop the ability to work creatively, independently, and in a structured manner.
An integrated practical semester also provides valuable insights into professional practice. In the final semesters, you will further specialise your studies and complete the programme with a Bachelor's thesis.
Downloads
Study Plan
| Orientation Phase | Specialization Phase | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 2nd Semester | 3rd Semester | 4th Semester | 5th semester | 6th semester | 7th semester |
| Architecture + Perception | Architecture + Design | Architecture + Materials | Architecture + City | Practice | Architecture + Existing Buildings | Architecture + Personal Approach |
| Entwerfen + Gestalten (Design + Composition) | Entwerfen + Methodik (Design + Methodology) | Entwerfen + Typologie (Design + Typology) | Praktische Tätigkeit (Practical Training) | Integratives Entwerfen (Integrated Design) | Vertieftes Entwerfen (Advanced Design) | |
| Konstruktion + Material (Construction + Materials) | Konstruktion + Bauelement (Construction + Building Components) | Konstruktion + Holzbau (Construction + Timber Construction) | Konstruktion + Hülle (Construction + Building Envelope) | Praxisseminar I (Practical Seminar I) | Konstruktion + Bauen im Bestand (Construction + Building in Existing Contexts) | Bachelorseminar (Bachelor's Seminar) |
| Städtebau + Gebäudekunde (Urban Design + Building Studies) | Stadt + Freiraum (City + Open Space) | Stadt, Land + Wohnen (City, Countryside + Housing) | Praxisseminar II (Practical Seminar II) | Bachelorarbeit Schwerpunkt Entwurf/Konstruktion/Stadt (Bachelor's Thesis Specialisation in Design / Construction / Urban Design) | ||
| Tragwerke + Werkstoffe (Structural Design + Materials) | Tragwerke + Konstruktion (Structural Design + Construction) | Energie, Bauphysik + TGA (Energy, Building Physics + Building Services Engineering) | ||||
| Darstellen + Gestalten (Representation + Design) | Darstellen mit CAX + digitale Werkzeuge (Representation with CAX + Digital Tools) | Darstellen mit CAX (Representation with CAX) | Digitales Entwerfen (Digital Design) | Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten + Architekturtheorie (Academic Research + Architectural Theory) | ||
| Baugeschichte 1 (History of Architecture 1) | Baugeschichte 2 (History of Architecture 2) | Denkmalpflege + Vermessungskunde (Heritage Conservation + Surveying) | Historische Baukonstruktion + Theorie (Historic Building Construction + Theory) | |||
| Allgemeinwiss. Wahlpflichtfach 1 (General Studies Elective 1) | Wahlpflichtmodul Teil 1 (Elective Module Part 1) | Allgemeinwiss. Wahlpflichtfach 2 (General Studies Elective 2) | Wahlpflichtmodul Teil 2 (Elective Module Part 2) | Wahlpflichtmodul Teil 3 (Elective Module Part 3) | ||
You can find a more detailed version of the study plan in the “Course Content” section of the Downloads page.
Practice-Integrated Study Program
Such a study model combines the advantages of an academic degree programme with the benefits of extensive practical experience in a company. These programmes integrate theory and practice in a way that creates valuable learning opportunities for students while also benefiting partner companies.
Please note: In the Architecture degree programme, only the Study Programme with Extended Practical Experience (degree programme plus intensive practical phases) is available.
Detailed information about the different programme options, application procedures, and partner companies can be found on the general page about the Practice-Integrated Study Program
If you have any questions, please contact your faculty advisor directly.
Is Architecture for you?
Strengths and skills that will help you in your studies:
- An interest in architecture, cities, and the built environment
- Creativity and strong spatial imagination
- An interest in social issues and sustainability
- Enjoyment of design and creative work, as well as using both analogue and digital tools (e.g. sketches and CAD software)
- Technical aptitude and an interest in construction and building processes
- The ability and motivation to work on complex projects in a structured and persistent manner
- Enjoyment of teamwork and creative exchange
- An interest in combining creative and technical aspects
- A sensitivity to space, form, and materials
Got questions?
For questions about studying Architecture, please contact our Academic Advisor Prof. Bernhard Irmler directly:
bernhard.irmler(at)tha.de
If you have general questions about studying at THA, our Central Student Advisory Service will be happy to help.
Visit the Central Student Advisory Service
Your Career Prospects
Architects are true generalists, combining creativity with professional service and technical expertise. The profession requires not only strong technical knowledge but also an understanding of economic, social, and environmental considerations. As an architect, you will develop critical thinking skills, gain an understanding of construction materials, regulations, and building codes, and learn to address the complex demands of the built environment.
Your future responsibilities may include the design, technical development, and economic planning of a wide range of projects, from residential buildings and office developments to public, industrial, and commercial buildings, as well as urban and regional planning initiatives.
Clients rely on the expertise and experience of architects throughout the entire building process. Architects advise and represent clients in all matters related to the planning and execution of construction projects and are often responsible for overseeing project delivery.
Graduates enjoy a wide range of career opportunities, including positions in architecture and design practices, specialised areas of the construction sector, the real estate and building industry, public administration, and architectural journalism.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to a university program—such as a subject-specific high school diploma—admission to the architecture program requires successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure administered by Bavarian universities (Section 48(5) of the Ordinance on Qualifications at Universities in the Free State of Bavaria).
Admission with a University of Applied Sciences Qualification or a Subject-Specific University Entrance Qualification
For the bachelor program in Architecture, no specific subject focus is required for the University of Applied Sciences Qualification or subject-specific university entrance qualification. Even a non-technical focus (e.g., social work or economics) fulfills the formal admission requirements for studying at the THA.
Regardless of this, a prerequisite for admission is passing an artistic aptitude test.
Basic Internship
The program begins in the winter semester. Before or during the program, students must complete a 6-week introductory internship, typically at a company in the primary construction sector. Further information can be found in the general information sheet from Augsburg University of Applied Sciences as well as in the training plan for the introductory internship in the bachelor program in Architecture. General questions about the internship can be directed to Ms. Brigitta Raffai and the faculty’s internship coordinator.
Application
Steps
Time Period
If your portfolio is approved: Invitation to an aptitude interview
If your portfolio catches our attention, we'll invite you to an in-person interview. We'll send the invitation by email, so please check your spam folder.
Job Interview
The admissions interviews will take place all day at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. You can find more information about this in the email.
Admission Notifications
Admission letters are sent out approximately one week after the interview.
Please note the deadline in the admission letter!
Enrollment
After successfully passing the admissions interview, you must still enroll in the program by submitting your enrollment application through the application portal.
Be sure to follow the instructions in the information sheet provided to you when you submitted your online enrollment application.
October 1
Start of Studies
Your new degree program begins at the start of the next winter semester.
Information on the Portfolio and Aptitude Assessment Procedure
This procedure is conducted across Bavaria at all participating universities. Therefore, you should only apply to Augsburg University of Applied Sciences if you intend to begin your studies here.
The process is designed to give applicants the opportunity to learn more about the study conditions, facilities, and working environment at the university. This includes the opportunity to:
- Explore studios, seminar rooms, laboratories, the library, the canteen, and the cafeteria
- Experience the benefits of the central campus location and short distances between facilities
- Meet professors and lecturers in person
- Gain first-hand insight into the study environment
- Experience the advantages of small seminar groups
The aptitude assessment is intended to evaluate your suitability for the diverse technical, artistic, and communicative demands of the architectural profession. It considers a range of abilities and talents that are important for both academic study and professional practice, including:
- Spatial imagination and visualisation skills
- Presentation and communication skills
- Technical understanding
- Perception and information processing
- Creativity and imagination
- Ability to work in a team
- Motivation and working approach
The aptitude assessment consists of two stages, both of which must be successfully completed:
- Portfolio submission
- Participation in the aptitude assessment examination
Information on Portfolio Contents
The portfolio consists of 10 independent projects and 4 projects with specified themes.
Free Works
Please submit 10 of your own (!) meaningful works that demonstrate your artistic talent. These may be from the fields of graphic art, sculpture, painting, photography, etc.
Thematically Assigned Works
The guidelines for the thematically assigned works will be published here as a PDF document starting in early May. If you can´t see the document, switch to the language “German” on this website!
Regarding the portfolio format
Please digitise your 14 portfolio pieces by scanning or photographing them, including a scale where appropriate. Combine all works into a single file named using your surname, first name, and application number. The file should be submitted in JPG or PDF format and must not exceed 10 MB in size.
Please make sure to meet the submission deadline. Unfortunately, portfolios submitted after the deadline cannot be considered.
As with your other application documents, the portfolio must be uploaded via the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences application portal.
If you have completed vocational training in a craft profession, we would be interested in seeing your journeyman’s piece or master craft project. You are welcome to include photographs of it in your portfolio.
We look forward to receiving a portfolio that reflects your enthusiasm for creative work. If your portfolio sparks our interest, you will be invited to a personal interview at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. Please remember to check your spam folder.
We wish you every success with your application!
Contact Information
Questions about the programme?