What is it about?
Architecture shapes spaces and thus helps to shape society. It combines classical craftsmanship and innovative technologies to create modern architecture. The special feature of this study program is the combination of aesthetic and artistic demands and the teaching of technical skills.
Profile of the study program
Architecture deals with questions such as
- How do we create liveable cities?
- How can we maintain building traditions?
- What do our buildings and spaces look like? How do they function?
- What opportunities does the conversion of our building stock offer?
- How can we develop resource-saving building structures?
Modern architecture by combining craftsmanship and technology
During your studies, you will learn all facets of building, design and construction in a team of architects, artists, civil engineers and other experts in a very practical way. The spectrum ranges from urban planning to building materials science, from artistic design to load-bearing structures and from conversion to complex construction tasks. In addition, research-based learning is a central component of the course. This includes independent action and intensive communication.
The study program is based on the guidelines of the Federal Chamber of Architects and the NRW Building Chamber Act.
Building holistically with practical experience
In the first year of study, you will acquire the necessary basic knowledge, and as the course progresses you will work on more demanding designs and constructions.
The eight semesters include a mobility window that allows you to study abroad or complete a practical phase during the semester. This allows you to gain practical experience outside the university during your studies and establish contacts with architecture firms and Business Studies.
There are compulsory modules on which the compulsory elective modules are based. You can decide for yourself whether you would like to develop your specialist knowledge more broadly or specialize. Ecological, economic and social aspects form the basis of architecture teaching at Fachhochschule Dortmund. Workshops, summer academies, lecture series and excursions to current and historical buildings complement the lectures and seminars.
Bachelor of Science, which qualifies you for planning and construction
After successfully completing the course, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. Membership of the Chamber of Architects is possible after two years of professional practice.
Students report on the study program
Specializations in the study program
Architecture offers specializations in the following areas:
- Drafting, design and construction
- Urban planning and building theory
- Building physics and metal construction
- Resource-conserving construction
Course of study
This is a thematic overview of the course content. Detailed information on the exact names of the courses, information on ECTS or semester hours per week can be found in the examination regulations and in the module handbook.
| 1st semester | Architectural history | Design | Representation techniques | Building materials technology | Structural engineering | Construction | |
| 2nd semester | Design | Building Theory | Digital methods | Representation techniques | Building materials technology | Structural engineering | Construction |
| 3rd semester | Design | Building Theory | Digital Methods | Urban design | Integral building technology | Building Physics | |
| 4th semester | Building History | Design | Urban design | Integral building technology | Building Physics | Construction | |
| 5th semester | Semester abroad / practical semester incl. supplementary module | ||||||
| 6th semester | Design | Digital methods | Compulsory elective module | Public building law | Construction Management | Construction | |
| 7th semester | Integrated project and integration module | Compulsory elective module | Compulsory elective module | Private construction and architectural law | Construction industry | ||
| 8th semester | Key competencies | Compulsory elective module | Thesis & colloquium |
Why study at Fachhochschule Dortmund?
What makes Fachhochschule Dortmund special? What should you know about the city and the region? How is Fachhochschule Dortmund positioned in terms of internationality and what advice and support do we offer you? Find out more about Fachhochschule Dortmund.
Who is it for?
Desirable subject-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge
If you have ideas, imagination, the will to design and patience, you can bring these skills to your studies. If you enjoy design, development and drawing, and if you like working with graphics and model making, architecture is a good choice. If you are prepared to acquire technical knowledge and meet high design standards, you can expect an exciting course with many opportunities.
Prospects after graduation
Career prospects
Graduates work, for example, in
- Architecture and planning offices / urban planning
- Building authorities, companies and administration
- Housing associations
- Planning, design and development departments of production and service companies and associations
- Scientific institutions
or as
- Self-employed
- Site manager at construction companies or in the building materials industry
- Expert
Master programs
Information and advice on the transition from university to work
Stay abroad possible during your studies
What do I need?
1. qualification / certificates and degrees
The qualification for studying at universities of applied sciences is proven by the certificate of the university of applied sciences entrance qualification or a previous education recognized as equivalent.
Here you will find a detailed description of the various recognized qualifications.
2. aptitude test
The aptitude assessment is proof of the artistic and creative aptitude for the course of study. The procedure for determining the course-related artistic and creative aptitude is carried out annually in the summer semester. Admission to the procedure requires an application. If there are several aptitude assessment days in one year, participation is only possible once.
The current dates and further information on this year's aptitude assessment can be found on the department's website.
Applicants whose course-related artistic and creative aptitude has not been determined can take part in the procedure for determining artistic and creative aptitude again at the earliest on the next year's date.
An aptitude assessment that was carried out as part of an assessment procedure at another state-recognized German university for a comparable course of study will be recognized upon presentation of corresponding proof, provided that the equivalence of the procedure is established.
Applicants from abroad can submit an application to the chairperson of the examination board to establish comparability.
Students who have already achieved 30 credit points (CP) in an architecture degree program at another university do not have to provide proof of artistic and design aptitude for the degree program. Officially certified copies of the transcript of records must be submitted as proof of academic achievements upon enrolment.
3. relevant practical activity / pre-study internship
If a certificate from a technical secondary school specializing in construction is not available at the time of application, the completion of a relevant practical activity in the context of eight weeks of full-time employment is required. The activity must be suitable for providing an introduction to the constructive contexts of building construction.
The following are also recognized as internships
- training as a draughtsperson in structural engineering and
- all apprenticeships according to the following trade list.
Proof of the entire internship is a prerequisite for admission to the module examinations from the third semester onwards.
It is recommended that the entire internship be completed before commencing studies.
Trades for the internship are (trade numbers according to the standard service book STLB):
- Bricklaying
- Concrete and reinforced concrete work
- Natural and artificial stone work
- Carpentry and timber construction work
- Steel construction work
- Waterproofing work
- Roofing work
- Roof waterproofing work
- Plumbing work
- Plastering and stucco work
- Tiling and slab work
- Screed work
- window work
- Carpentry work
- Parquet and wood paving work
- Roller shutter and sun protection work
- Metal construction work
- Glazing work
- Painting and varnishing work
- Floor covering work
- Ventilated curtain walls
- Dry construction work
- Heat supply systems Operating facilities
- Gas and water system pipes, fittings
- Pressure pipes for gas, water
- Sewage systems - pipes, drains, fittings
- Gas, water and drainage systems - equipment, elements, prefabricated bathrooms
- Gas, water and drainage systems - operating equipment
- Insulation and fire protection work on technical systems
- Fire extinguishing systems, fire extinguishing equipment
- Lightning protection / earthing systems, overvoltage protection
- Underground cable construction work
- Medium-voltage systems
- Low-voltage systems - cables / lines, installation systems, installation equipment
- Low-voltage systems - distribution systems and built-in devices
- Safety and backup power supply systems
- Building systems technology
- Lights and lamps
- Safety lighting systems
- Intercom, call, antenna reception, clock and electro-acoustic systems
- Communication and transmission networks
- communication systems
- Hazard alarm systems
- Access control and time recording systems
- elevators
- Building automation
- Ventilation systems
- Refrigeration systems for ventilation and air-conditioning systems
The Chair of the Examination Board of the Department of Architecture decides on the recognition of practical activities to fulfill the special enrollment requirement. He or she also decides on the recognition of relevant educational and professional activities.
4. register now!
The study program starts annually in the winter semester and is admission-free.
However, enrolment for the study program is only possible after recognition of aptitude and fulfilment of the other admission requirements!
Who can help me?
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the study program and Fachhochschule Dortmund.
Central Student Advisory Services (ZSB)
Student advisory service
Contact with students
Admissions Office for Student Affairs
Registration office team
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