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Deutsch Who is the Bachelor's Degree in Architecture at Alanus University Suitable For?
The architecture degree at Alanus University is aimed at prospective students who want to take on creative and planning tasks and understand architecture as a connection between building art, technology, and social responsibility. It is intended for students with the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) as well as subject-specific higher education entrance qualification holders who possess both creative and analytical skills and seek the challenge of designing livable spaces. Applicants with a strong interest in artistic processes, interdisciplinary teamwork, and practice-oriented project work will find an individually supervised, NC-free course of study here, which prepares them for future work in architecture, construction planning, or urban and spatial design.
What formal requirements apply for admission?
You must meet the following admission criteria:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- Alternatively: Advanced technical college entrance qualification and passing an aptitude test at the university
- Or: Proof of a professional qualification or a completed university degree
- Proof of artistic aptitude in the application process
- Submission of proof of at least a six-week preliminary internship in the construction industry (the internship can be submitted up to the start of studies)
- International applicants: Proof of sufficient German language skills (e.g. TestDaF 3, DSH 1 or an equivalent recognised language certificate)
The application must include a tabular CV, a motivation letter, an example of your own creative work, and the relevant certificates. Study places are awarded based on an aptitude test and a selection procedure, not by numerus clausus.
Important personal requirements are creativity and an interest in both creative and technical topics. You should enjoy independent problem-solving and artistic expression, be open to teamwork, and have perseverance for the intensive project-based study. Analytical thinking, powers of observation, and communication skills are just as relevant as the willingness to engage with both social issues and technical details. An interest in building, sustainable development, and interdisciplinary work will make it easier for you to begin your studies and your future profession.
Which topics do you deepen in the Architecture degree at Alanus University?
The Bachelor's degree in Architecture at Alanus University combines theoretical foundations, practice-oriented project work, and artistic-cultural perspectives, placing special emphasis on professional and personal development. You engage with the following subject areas:
- People, Architecture and Society: Analysis of the interactions between the built environment, social needs and societal change
- Spatial Design and Composition: Development of design concepts for interior and urban spaces as well as fundamental methods of architectural planning
- Building Studies and Building Typology: Imparting knowledge about different building types, spatial functions and architectural basic principles
- Building and Structural Engineering as well as Building Materials Science: Basics of construction, materials science, static planning and technical installations
- Resource-Optimised Construction: Sustainability aspects, ecological and energy planning
- Artistic and Cultural Studies Subjects: Elective courses in freehand drawing, theory of forms and colours, space and movement, installation, photography as well as perception training
- Representation Methods: CAD and 3D visualisation, graphic design, model making, moderation and presentation of designs
- Building Culture and Architectural Sociology: History of building and urban development, architectural theory, building law, building economics
- Scientific and Societal Foundations (Studium Generale): Ethics, epistemology, art and cultural history, anthropology, philosophy, aesthetics
- Practical Components: A compulsory internship of at least six weeks in an architectural office complements the degree with practical experience, project-related teamwork and contact with potential employers
You acquire competences in design, technical and artistic areas, as well as a critical understanding of social, ecological and economic challenges of construction.
How is the course structure of the Bachelor's degree in Architecture at Alanus University organised?
The Architecture degree is a full-time on-campus course with a standard period of study of six semesters and 180 ECTS points. It starts each autumn semester. The course structure is characterised by the following features:
- Project-oriented work: Practice-related design tasks play a central role, often addressing real-world questions and solved through teamwork
- Intensive supervision and small cohorts: You study in manageable groups with direct access to lecturers
- Atelier operation: Work takes place in the dedicated studio building with workspaces, a lab for spatial experiments, a model-making workshop and a Digi-Lab
- Presentation and exhibition: You present and reflect on your project results at the end of the semester as part of exhibitions
- Integrated teaching of theory and practice: Scientific findings are directly transferred to constructional and design practice
- Bachelor thesis: In the final semester you independently work on your own design or research project and complete your studies with the Bachelor thesis
During your studies, you can participate in excursions, public project presentations and possibly accompanying internships, which facilitate direct access to professional practice.
What career opportunities can you expect after graduation?
The Bachelor's degree qualifies you for numerous activities in the architectural, technical and artistic-creative fields:
- Work in architectural offices: Planning, design and execution of construction projects
- Urban planning as well as urban and regional development: Participation in the conception of urban spaces and infrastructures
- Offices for interior architecture and building design
- Involvement in site management, construction management and project controlling
- Work in public institutions and authorities
- Research and scientific activities in architecture and the art of building
- Basis for entry into innovative fields such as sustainable construction, building technology, building economics or digital architectural visualisation
A subsequent Master's degree is recommended for later registration with the Chamber of Architects or for leadership positions. Graduates emphasise the social impact and versatility of the course content as the foundation for their successful careers.
Where and under what conditions do you study Architecture?
The on-campus course takes place at Campus II – Villestraße in Alfter near Bonn. The Architecture Department has the following facilities there:
- Studio building with individual workspaces for students
- Model-making workshop for craft and technical experiments
- Digi-Lab for digital planning and 3D visualisation
- Spatial laboratory for practical full-scale spatial experiments
The campus is located between Cologne and Bonn, is modernly equipped and offers a familiar, creative learning atmosphere. Excursions as well as close cooperation with practice partners and municipalities complement the course offering. Stays and events may also take place at other locations depending on the course module.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
The following fees apply for the Architecture degree at Alanus University:
- Monthly fee: 626 €
- Semester fee: 3,697 €
- Total costs for the Bachelor's degree: 22,182 € (based on the standard period of study)
As a private university, Alanus offers various financing options, including:
- Advice on BAföG
- Scholarship programmes, including exclusive ones for Alanus students
- Access to external and state funding, such as the Deutschlandstipendium
- Study loans or educational funds
The university's financing advisory service supports you with all questions regarding grants and individual financing solutions.
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