Architektur (grundständig)

The study program takes place at universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and art academies. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, workshops/studios, and libraries. Students also study at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

This is a foundational degree program (grundständiges Studium). Study options include universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and art academies. Degrees awarded are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), and Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.). The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The foundational architecture degree program imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in building, urban, and landscape planning, architectural history and theory, as well as design, construction, and building technology. Architecture is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible foundational degree programs include Architecture, Architecture and Interior Design, Architecture and Urban Planning, Architectural Heritage, and Art of Building. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions include the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the Fachhochschulreife is required. Additionally, passing a university-internal selection process and/or providing proof of a pre-study internship may be necessary.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Universities - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, the student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may also apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits) may also apply. For information on funding opportunities: German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) - Funding Opportunities; Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) as amended by the announcement of 07.12.2010 (BGBl. I S. 1952), last amended by Article 11 Para. 1 of the law of 16.04.2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 107).

Dual study programs (duale Studiengänge) combine a university degree with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the foundational architecture degree program, there are practice-integrating dual study programs. Further information and search for dual study programs: AusbildungPlus: Portal for dual study programs and additional qualifications in initial vocational training.

Compulsory modules include, for example: structural and building physics fundamentals, building economics and building law, fine arts, drawing and design, drafting and building construction, architectural research, building technology and energy, history and sociology of architecture, urban design, theory and history of architecture, and structural engineering. Elective modules may include, for example: Architecture for Health, Architectural Representation and Digital Fabrication, Lighting Technology, and Solar Energy Systems. Practical study content may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in architectural offices), or semesters abroad, depending on the university.

Universities may conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures are attended during the semester in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms; participation in online courses from home may also be required. Practical exercises include, for example, creating designs with CAD programs and constructing architectural models. Independent work involves preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during semester breaks). Students must independently plan their studies within the given framework, adhere to deadlines and study periods, and submit study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation may include internships (e.g., in planning offices) and preparing for entry into the profession.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, there is a binational German-French undergraduate architecture program in France. Universities offering this program include Technische Hochschule Dresden and École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Strasbourg (ENSAS). Graduates receive a Diplom-Ingenieur/in (Dipl.Ing.), Diplôme d'Etat d’architecte, and a certificate from the German-French University (DFH). Further information can be found on the Technische Universität Dresden website regarding the German-French Double Diploma in Architecture.

The following fields of study can be alternatives for Architecture (undergraduate): In the field of Architecture and Building Technology, these include Civil Engineering (undergraduate), Interior Architecture (undergraduate), Building Physics (undergraduate), and Construction Business Administration, Construction Management (undergraduate). Their commonality lies in examining and evaluating the physical properties of buildings, and acquiring knowledge about their construction, expansion, and maintenance. In the field of Landscape and Spatial Planning, alternatives include Urban and Regional Planning (undergraduate) and Landscape Architecture, Open Space Planning (undergraduate). Their commonality involves developing structures of different scales and acquiring knowledge about construction planning and supervision.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful studies: Art (e.g., art and architectural history), Physics (e.g., understanding statics and mechanical load-bearing capacity of building components), Mathematics (e.g., geometry for creating plans and construction drawings), Computer Science (e.g., to facilitate access to computer applications), and English (e.g., to read foreign-language specialized literature).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics are relevant, for example: Business Administration, IT, and Rhetoric. Elective and compulsory modules such as lighting technology can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in planning offices, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university: Universities in Germany - University search of Hochschulkompass).

The undergraduate (grundständig) study program in Architecture provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in building, urban, and landscape planning, architectural history and theory, as well as in design, construction, and building technology. It leads to a first university degree. Those who wish to work independently typically require a master's degree (Masterabschluss) and registration in the architects' list of a state (Bundesland) chamber of architects. Architecture is also available as a dual study program.

Examples: Architecture (Bachelor), Architecture and Interior Architecture (Bachelor), Architecture and Urban Planning (Bachelor), Architecture and Urban Development (Bachelor), Building Cultural Heritage (Bachelor), Art of Building (Degree Certificate), Climate Engineering (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates in Architecture, various fields of activity are available in the private sector and public service. For example, they can work in construction planning, construction management, urban, regional, traffic planning, or energy consulting and management.

In the 18th century, architecture was established as an independent academic discipline at art and military academies. In the 20th century, methods from art history were adopted, and the importance of social aspects in architectural planning increased. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, aiming to unify the European higher education area, harmonize study programs and degrees by introducing Bachelor and Master programs, and improve the mobility of students and lecturers. In the 21st century, topics such as energy-saving, sustainable, and ecological construction were integrated into architecture study programs.

Degree titles vary depending on the study program: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Additionally, there is the degree of Diplom-Ingenieur or Diplom-Ingenieurin (Dipl.-Ing.).

The following vocational trainings (Ausbildung) can be alternatives for those who discontinue their architecture studies: Architecture and Construction Technology Field: State-certified assistant for interior architecture, construction technician specializing in architecture, architectural drafter, state-certified construction technician assistant. Commonalities: Construction planning, construction drawing, technical construction. Development, Construction, and CAD Field: Technical system planner specializing in steel and metal construction technology. Commonalities: Construction planning, construction construction, statics. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on perspectives after dropping out of studies: 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and studienwahl.de.

There is no remuneration during the Studium (university studies). For practical phases, such as an internship in a company, a remuneration can be agreed upon. The remuneration during a dual Studium (dual study program) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Depending on the university and study program, specialization is possible, for example in Lighting Design, Urban Planning, or Urban Development.

At the federal level, the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) in the version of the announcement from 19.01.1999 (BGBl. I S. 18), last amended by Article 1 of the law from 15.11.2019 (BGBl. I S. 1622), applies. There are also joint structural requirements for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs, as per the resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) from 10.10.2003, as amended on 04.02.2010. The Qualifications Framework for German Higher Education Degrees was developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and adopted by the KMK on 16.02.2017. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations (e.g., on the accreditation of study programs) and qualification or university admission regulations apply. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study program are valid.

The prerequisite for Studium (university studies) at universities and equivalent higher education institutions is the general or, if applicable, subject-specific Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification). For Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences), at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the Bundesland (state) (e.g., Ministry of Education) is required. Information on Studium (university studies) without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found under 'Access to Higher Education in the individual Bundesländer (states)'. Depending on the university, an internal university selection process takes place. For dual study programs, an Ausbildung (vocational training), internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (so-called practical partner) is usually required. If necessary, a pre-internship must be proven or a portfolio of work samples must be submitted.

Bachelor's graduates in Architecture can continue their studies in a further study program, such as Architecture, Monument Preservation, or Interior Architecture, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Other possible further study programs include Exhibition Design, Construction Business Administration/Management, Civil Engineering, Building Physics, Real Estate Management, and Urban/Regional Planning.