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Masters (MS) in Architecture Abroad

Overview

Are you inspired by famous architects like Eero Saarinen or Philip Johnson? Well, yes, then pursuing your career in this same field will be the best opportunity for you. Architecture is the art of forecasting, designing and building a physical structure through scientific methods. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) missions an 8.4% employment growth for architects between 2018 and 2028.A Master in Architecture abroad would permit the international student access to state-of-the-art university campuses, world-class faculty, and a worldwide recognized working degree. 

Students studying abroad would also get an opportunity to practise their profession in an abroad country and have a chance to settle there if he/she so wishes.

With people inclined towards aesthetics, green buildings, and energy-saving ways of construction, who is better than a capable architect to build your dream space? Let us take a closer look at masters of architecture programs.


Why Study Masters in Architecture Abroad?

Obtaining a degree in architecture from the top global universities is a life-changing experience for most international students. Down below are some compelling reasons to study Masters in architecture abroad:

  1. Quality Education

Top-ranking universities abroad are known for their quality of education. The curriculum for masters in architecture courses will provide the students with a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. 

  1. Learning Experience

Architecture is all about visualisation and design. Travelling abroad to pursue masters of architecture programs will inspire your creative genes to think out of the box. Students will experience the diverse campus culture, interact with like-minded people and delve deeper into the world's architectural wonders.

  1. Job Prospect

Work opportunities after completion of the best masters programs for architecture are immense. Architectural courses have a great return on investment as the jobs offered in top global companies are well-paid. Post graduation, students can work as architects, design consultants, project managers, construction heads, etc.

Suggested:Best Countries to Study Abroad 

Course Structure

Architecture degrees focus on the past of the building and home design in the framework of art movements. International students might study famous architects, as well as diverse architectural styles throughout the history of America and Europe. Let us quickly check out the course structure:

  1. Course Duration 

In the best universities for masters in architecture, the course duration varies between 1.5 to 2 years. By the end of this course, students can participate in placement programs offered by the university of their choice. 

  1. Core Courses

Masters in architecture courses are specialised degree programs in which the advanced concepts of architecture are taught. Apart from the fundamentals, other core courses included in the program are as follows:

  • Design & drawing
  • Computer technology
  • Water supply & sanitation
  • Climatology
  • Mathematics & geometry

Course Subjects

Program structure for Master’s in architecture degree includes analytical, historical, theoretical, technological and a few subjects. Typically, the masters in architecture subjects includes the study of the following M Arch subjects or topics:

  1. Architectural history & conservation
  2. Urban design & planning
  3. Housing facility management
  4. Landscape architecture
  5. Sustainable architecture
  6. Architectural design & drawing
  7. Visual arts & CAD

Suggested:5 Best Countries to Study MS Abroad 

Top Specializations

Every master in architecture abroad university would permit international students to choose from various elective modules and enjoy the right architectural study. There is various specialisation in architecture course, and some of them are:

  1. Urban planning & design
  2. Sustainable architecture
  3. Construction management
  4. Landscape architecture
  5. Visual design
  6. Project management
  7. Design engineering
  8. Interior design
  9. Industrial engineering

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Core Skills

In order to apply for the best architecture masters programs abroad, students must upskill themselves to beat the competition. Here are some of the core skills required to study Masters in architecture courses:


1. Maths Calculations

The knowledge of mathematics is a must for future architects. M Arch subjects involve solving complex numeric calculations including algebraic and geometric expressions. Thus, good marks in maths are a basic prerequisite for this course. 


2. Creative Sensibility

To become a good architect, one must know how to design structures aesthetically, sustainably, ergonomically and economically. Having a creative flair for architectural designs will help students stand out.


3. Tech Savvy

The coursework for M Arch requires students to learn computer-aided Design (CAD). Thus, students must also learn the fundamentals of computer application processes quite efficiently to increase their admission chances.


4. Leadership, Teamwork & Communication

The roles and responsibilities of a professional architect are to manage teams and communicate with clients. Mastering the skills of working in a team and leading them with effective communication will help students in the long run.

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Requirements

To study in the best colleges for masters in architecture abroad, international students must meet all the M Arch eligibility. Mentioned below is an overview of all the Masters in architecture requirements for prospective students -

  1. Bachelor's Degree
  2. English Proficiency Test Scores
  3. GRE/GMAT Scores
  4. Work Experience
  5. Student Visa

So, these are some of the masters in architecture requirements that international students need to fulfil to get admission efficiently. 

  1. Bachelor’s Degree 

International students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in architecture or design from an accredited college/university and have scored at least 60% in the same.

  1. English Language Proficiency Scores

For international students, it is mandatory to take the English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. On average students must score minimum qualifying marks to secure admission to the best colleges for masters in architecture abroad. 

  1. GRE/GMAT Scores

In case of top-ranking universities around the globe, international students are required to take standardised tests such as the GRE or GMAT and must score minimum qualifying marks to be selected in the university of their choice.

  1. Work Experience

To study a Masters degree in architecture, international students must have at least 2 years of work experience in the same field. Work experience will include the internships and jobs you had done during and after your B.Arch or any other design related courses.

  1. Student Visa

A student visa allows international students to legally stay in a foreign country and study in one of their universities for a designated period of time. Once you receive your appointment letter, visit the nearest embassy or consulate to apply for a student visa.

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Documents Required for Masters of Architecture programs

International students are required to submit a variety of documents along with their applications. The university officials will authenticate these submitted documents and shortlist the applications. The following are the most important documents required during the application process:

  1. Academic transcripts of previously attended college/university
  2. Letter of recommendation
  3. Statement of purpose
  4. Scorecard of standardised tests
  5. Scorecard of English language proficiency test
  6. Updated CV or Resume
  7. Photocopy of passport
  8. Student visa

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Admission Process for Masters in Architecture Abroad

International students must follow the admission process exhaustively to get a chance to study M Arch in abroad. Check out this step-by-step guide to complete your application process without a mistake. 

  1. Shortlist the best architecture masters programs by conducting extensive research on the course curriculum.
  2. Select the top universities for masters in architecture globally to submit your application. 
  3. Visit the official university website to check M Arch eligibility and carefully go through the masters in architecture requirements. 
  4. Fill out the application and submit all the necessary documents as specified by the university of your choice.
  5. Submit the complete application form before the deadline as specified by the university.
  6. Appear for the interview (if applicable) with the university officials.
  7. If selected, the student will receive an appointment letter from the university. 
  8. Pay the tuition fees in instalments and apply for financial aid such as education loans or scholarships (if required).
  9. Apply for a student visa for the study abroad country of your choice.

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Top Scholarships

Studying an M. arch abroad can be expensive depending on where you reside and the worth of your currency against where you’re willing to study. So, there is an opportunity for international students to get scholarships to ease their education funds. Some of the following scholarships are:

  1. DAAD Scholarship for International Students

Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD is a fully-funded scholarship program. It is applicable for international students willing to pursue Masters in Germany.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must have a work experience of minimum 2 years
  • Must score at least 6.0 in IELTS or 550 in TOEFL 

Scholarship amount - EUR 861 per month along with travel allowance.

  1. Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening scholarship is applicable to international students willing to pursue Masters in the UK. It is offered by the UK government and is a fully-funded scholarship program. 

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must receive an unconditional offer letter from a recognised university in the UK
  • Must have a minimum work experience of 2 years or 2,800 hours

Scholarship amount is EUR 917 per month (for living outside London) and EUR 1134 per month (for living in London).

  1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is applicable to international students willing to pursue Masters in Cambridge University, UK. The scholarship is offered by Bill Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation and is fully-funded. 

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
  • Must receive an unconditional offer letter for Master’s degree from Cambridge University

Scholarship amount - Approximately USD 32,000 (INR 26 Lacs) annually 

  1. ACI Foundation Graduate Scholarship

ACI Foundation Graduate Scholarship is applicable to international students willing to pursue Masters in major universities in the US. The award covers a student’s tuition fees, accommodation costs, books and supplies.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be selected for a full-time course by a recognised university in the US or Canada
  • Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in Bachelor’s degree 

Scholarship amount - 5,000 USD (INR 2.4 Lacs to INR 4.1 Lacs) annually 


Cost of Studying Best Architecture Masters in the World

Before finalising their study abroad destination, students must consider the cost of studying and staying in the country. Tuition fees and living costs are the two main expenses incurred by international students. Students can apply for various masters in architecture scholarships to fund their studies abroad. The breakdown of M Arch fees is listed below -


1. Tuition Fees

In the United States, the average M Arch fees is USD 16,500-55,700 per year (approximately INR 1.16 lakh to INR 41.78 lakh). In the United Kingdom and Europe, students spend roughly EUR 20-50,000 per year (approximately INR 20-50 lakh) on tuition fees. In Canada, the tuition fee is CAD 10-50,000 (approximately INR 5.96 lakh to INR 29.80 lakh) on average. In Australia, the approximate tuition fee is AUD 34,700-135,720 (approximately INR 19.06 lakh to INR 74.56 lakh). 


2. Cost of Living

The estimated cost of living for international students is about USD 1,000 to 1,500 per month or USD 10,000 to 18,000 annually. This includes accommodation costs, food and groceries, transportation, books and supplies, electricity and phone bills, etc. 

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Work Opportunities

Excellent job opportunities await those who complete their architecture Masters abroad. Architects get job offers from both public and private establishments, top design agencies and engineering companies. A list of job titles with their average salary on an international level is listed below: 

Job Titles

Average Annual Salary

Architectural Designer

USD 46-82,000 (INR 37.8 Lacs - INR 67.5 Lacs)

Project Manager

USD 57-122,000 (INR 46.9 Lacs - INR I Cr)

Construction Manager

USD 49-75,000 (INR 40 Lacs - INR 61.7 Lacs)

Architectural Technologist

USD 41-112,000 (INR 33.7 Lacs - INR 92 Lacs)

Architect

USD 42-100,000 (INR 34.5 Lacs - INR 82.3 Lacs)

Urban Designer

USD 48-89,000 (INR 39.5 Lacs - INR 73.3 Lacs)

Suggested:Getting a Job While Studying Abroad

Pursuing a specialised degree such as the M Arch in abroad is a great career boost for international students. The field of design and architecture is constantly evolving with time and new technologies are used for developing high-quality visuals and error-less structures. Wondering which universities to target for a successful admission? Talk to our Yocket Experts who will guide you personally on the application process and help you to secure a spot in your dream university abroad. 

FAQs

Ques. What is the scope of MS Architecture abroad?

Ans. The scope of MS Architecture abroad is vast. Students can work in the following job roles -

  • Architect
  • Town planner
  • Urban designer
  • Construction manager
  • Project head
  • Product developer

Ques. What is the duration of MS Architecture abroad?

Ans. The typical duration of an MS Architecture course abroad is between 1.5 years to 2 years.  

Ques. Which are the best places to study MS Architecture abroad?

Ans. The best countries to study MS Architectureabroad are as follows -

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Netherlands
  • Singapore

Ques. What are the requirements to study MS Architecture abroad?

Ans. In order to study MS Architecture abroad, students must have a minimum of 55% marks in their Bachelor’s degree in design, architecture or any related field from an accredited college/university. Additionally, students must have qualifying scores in TOEFL, IELTS or PTE.

Ques. What are the top specialisations for MS Architecture abroad?

Ans. The top specialisations in MS Architecture are as follows -

  • Landscape architecture
  • Urban design & planning
  • Town & city planning