Architecture

(MArch, Integrated Master in Architecture, 5 years / BAArch, Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 4 years)

Duration

5/4 Years

Qualification Awarded

Integrated Master in Architecture (MArch) / Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BAArch)

Level of Qualification

Integrated Master (2nd Cycle)

Language of Instruction

English

Mode of Study

Full-time or Part-time

Minimum ECTs Credits

MArch, 300ECTS / BAArch, 240ECTS

Request Information

Architecture (MArch, Integrated Master in Architecture, 5 years / BAArch, Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 4 years)

Duration 5/4 Years
Qualification Awarded Integrated Master in Architecture (MArch) / Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BAArch)
Level of Qualification Integrated Master (2nd Cycle)
Language of Instruction English
Mode of Study Full-time or Part-time
Minimum ECTS Credits MArch, 300ECTS / BAArch, 240ECTS

Request Information

The Architecture Programme provides students with a comprehensive set of skills, competences and knowledge with the aim of preparing them for a career in Architecture.

The objective is to create critical thinkers, who are intellectually acute, socially aware, and technically skilled architects that can meaningfully contribute to contemporary architectural discourse. A strong design-based education equips students with both a hands-on approach and advanced knowledge and understanding of cutting-edge digital tools and technologies. Global issues are addressed, along with local conditions of culture, climate, the local industry and social needs. Ecological and sustainable thinking are highly valued, providing the necessary tools of context, comprehension and application of social, environmental and cultural aspects. The programme caters to diversity, enabling students to prepare complex design projects of various scales and in diverse contexts.

The programme acknowledges that design teaching is central to architectural education and is characterized by a strong emphasis on critical thinking, on positive and constructive reasoning and rationality, and on creative and reflective thought. Design is considered as the core skill of the architect. The programme develops around five thematic headings: design, technology, history and theory, communication and management & practice. Design projects aim to integrate all thematic positions into the process of ‘design thinking’ and to develop the students’ skill of combining and assimilating complex and multiple components of information and knowledge into the project proposal.

Following the completion of the 5-year cycle of studies (300ECTS) students are awarded an Integrated Master in Architecture (MArch). Students may choose to graduate in year 4 (following the completion of 240ECTS) with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BAArch).

Graduates of the programme are well prepared for a labour market orientation and can pursue a professional career in architectural practice. They are also well equipped for further postgraduate studies or an academic career.

The programme is accredited by the CYQAA and has been designed in accordance with the European Commission’s Architects Directive. It is recognized by the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK – Επιστημονικό Τεχνικό Επιμελητήριο Κύπρου) and the European Commission.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Graduates of the Architecture Programme are well prepared for a labour market orientation and can pursue a professional career in architectural practice, both locally and abroad. They are also well equipped for further postgraduate studies or an academic career.

Indicative areas of possible employment sectors:

  • Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape, Urban Design and Planning practices.
  • Built Environment Engineering practices.
  • Architecture, Planning and Engineering Consultancies.
  • Governmental and Municipal Public sectors such as Planning Authorities, Historic Preservation and Cultural Heritage departments.
  • Governmental Ministry departments such as Environmental Preservation, Historic Urban Centres, Built Environment Heritage, Energy Classification of Buildings, National Monuments Departments.
  • Retrofitting Building Industry, including both consultancy firms as well as Building Construction Industry.
  • Non-Governmental-Organizations with relevant scope of work.
  • Applied Arts and Design practices, such as product design, furniture design, theatre design, curating, visualization, industrial design, gaming industry etc.
  • In private and public secondary education.
  • In higher education as professors or researchers in Cyprus and abroad.

Access to Further Studies

Graduates of the programme can be accepted into Third Cycle degrees (Doctoral Degree, PhD)

The minimum admission requirement to an undergraduate programme of study is a recognized High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) or equivalent internationally recognized qualification(s). Students with a lower HSLC grade than 7.5/10 or 15/20 or equivalent depending on the grading system of the country issuing the HSLC are provided with extra academic guidance and monitoring during the first year of their studies.

An additional admission requirement for the Department of Architecture is the submission of a portfolio and an interview with faculty members of the Department. The portfolio is required in order to demonstrate the student’s creative ability and skills which may not be reflected in school examination results. The portfolio can include examples of any creative projects carried out previously by the applicants, such as; artwork, design projects, photography, technical drawings, sketches, graphics etc. Portfolios are assessed for creative ability, drawing skills, an indication of spatial or technical understanding, expression through drawing/visual media and other skills demonstrating the imagination, awareness and thinking abilities of the prospective student. Together with the high school grade and student interview an overall assessment is made of each student assessing their appropriateness for the course.

The standard admission procedures of the University of Nicosia apply.

English Language Proficiency

The list below provides the minimum English Language Requirements (ELR) for enrollment to the programme of study. Students who do not possess any of the qualifications or stipulated grades listed below and hold IELTS with 4.5 and above, are required to take UNIC’s NEPTON English Placement Test (with no charge) and will receive English Language support classes.

  • TOEFL – 525 and above
  • Computer-based TOEFL – 193 and above
  • Internet-based TOEFL – 80 and above
  • IELTS – 6 and above
  • Cambridge Exams [First Certificate] – B and above
  • Cambridge Exams [Proficiency Certificate – C and above
  • GCSE English Language “O” Level – C and above
  • Michigan Examination of Proficiency in English (CaMLA) – Pass
  • Pearson PTE General – Level 3 and above
  • KPG (The Greek Foreign Language Examinations for the State Certificate of Language Proficiency) – Level B2 and above
  • Anglia – Level B2 and above
  • IEB Advances Programme English – Pass
  • Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) Michigan Language Assessment by: Cambridge Assessment English & University of Michigan – 650 average score for ALL skills and above

Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, mid-terms, projects and class participation.

Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.

MArch: The student must complete 300 ECTS and all programme requirements.

BAArch: The student must complete 240 ECTS and all programme requirements.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. Thus, although a ‘D-‘ is a PASS grade, in order to achieve a CPA of 2.0 an average grade of ‘C’ is required.

Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:

  1. Create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic aspects of buildings as well as technical requirements.
  2. Extend relevant historical knowledge and theoretical concepts of architecture into the design thinking process.
  3. Consider the fine arts as a resource of conceptualisation and representation, and demonstrate their influence on architecture.
  4. Apply knowledge of urban design, planning and the skills involved in the planning process.
  5. Assess the relationship between people and buildings, demonstrating knowledge of the contextualisation and impact of buildings on the environment as well as the needs and aspirations of users.
  6. Comprehend the profession of architecture and the role of the architect within the design team, construction industry and wider society.
  7. Formulate project briefs through defining and thoughtfully considering user requirements, site, function, appropriate scale and technological strategy of building proposals.
  8. Critically appraise structural, constructional and materiality systems associated with architectural design.
  9. Recognize the physical problems, technologies and the function of buildings so as to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate, in the framework of sustainable development.
  10. Consider building users’ requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations.
  11. Translate design concepts into buildings and integrate plans into overall planning by utilising an adequate knowledge of the industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved.
  12. Demonstrate their ability to undertake research and evaluate evidence in order to make informed judgements related to architectural design strategies and their appropriate application at a variety of scales.
  13. Apply a range of representation methods to present projects in a clear and effective way, supporting all stages of the design process.

Section: A Major Requirements

ECTS: Min. 270 Max. 270

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-101 Introduction to Architectural Design 12
ARCH-102 Architectural Design I 12
ARCH-111 Introduction to Structures 4
ARCH-112 Construction Materials and Finishes 4
ARCH-141 History of Architecture I 4
ARCH-142 History of Architecture II 4
ARCH-161 Fundamentals of Drawing 2
ARCH-162 Architectural Communication Skills 4
ARCH-171 Experiencing Architecture 2
ARCH-201 Architectural Design II 12
ARCH-202 Architectural Design III 12
ARCH-211 Structural Mechanics – Statics I 4
ARCH-212 Structural Mechanics – Statics II 4
ARCH-232 Space and Light 4
ARCH-242 Introduction to Architectural Theory 4
ARCH-251 Landscape Architecture 4
ARCH-252 Cultural Heritage 2
ARCH-261 Computer Aided Design 4
ARCH-262 Advanced Computer Aided Design 4
ARCH-301 Architectural Design IV – Urban Design 12
ARCH-302 Architectural Design V – Building Technology 12
ARCH-311 Construction I – Masonry/Reinforced Concrete 4
ARCH-312 Construction II – Timber/Steel 4
ARCH-321 Preservation and Restoration of Architectural Heritage 4
ARCH-322 Building Services 4
ARCH-331 Construction Workshop 2
ARCH-341 History and Theory of the City 4
ARCH-342 Advanced Spatial Theories 4
ARCH-351 Contemporary Architects 4
ARCH-362 Advanced CAD and Mixed Media 4
ARCH-401 Architectural Design VI 12
ARCH-402 Advanced Architectural Studio 12
ARCH-411 Sustainable Design 4
ARCH-441 History and Theory of Sustainable Design 4
ARCH-442 Perceptions of Architecture 4
ARCH-452 Special Topics in Architecture 4
ARCH-481 Architectural Practice and Project Management 4
ARCH-482 Work Placement 6
ARCH-501 Introduction to Final Project 12
ARCH-502 Final Project 30
ARCH-541 Thesis 18

Section: B Major Electives

ECTS: Min. 12 Max. 24

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-392 Architecture Catalyst I 2
ARCH-400 Visual Culture Studies 4
ARCH-410 Emergency Architecture 4
ARCH-421 Senior Living Social Aspect of Architecture 4
ARCH-431 Advanced Building Technology 4
ARCH-432 Fundamentals of Earthquake Engineering 4
ARCH-451 Rethinking Architecture 4
ARCH-462 Advanced Computational Design 4
ARCH-472 Advanced Urban Design 4
ARCH-491 Architecture Catalyst II 2
ARCH-492 Visualising Urbanity 4

Section: C Language Expression

ECTS: Min. 12 Max. 30

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
BADM-231 Business Communications 6
BADM-332 Technical Writing and Research 6
BENG-100 College English 6
COMM-200 Business and Professional Communication 6
ENGL-100 Basic Writing 6
ENGL-101 English Composition 6

Section: D Free Elective

ECTS: Min. 6 Max. 6

Notes: The free elective course shown is indicative. Students may choose one free elective from any Department at the University of Nicosia.

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
DES-260 Photography I 6

Semester 1

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-101 Introduction to Architectural Design 12
ARCH-111 Introduction to Structures 4
ARCH-141 History of Architecture I 4
ARCH-161 Fundamentals of Drawing 2
ARCH-171 Experiencing Architecture 2
ENGL-101 English Composition 6

Semester 2

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-102 Architectural Design I 12
ARCH-112 Construction Materials and Finishes 4
ARCH-142 History of Architecture II 4
ARCH-162 Architectural Communication Skills 4
BADM-332 Technical Writing and Research 6

Semester 3

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-201 Architectural Design II 12
ARCH-211 Structural Mechanics – Statics I 4
ARCH-211 Structural Mechanics – Statics I 4
ARCH-251 Landscape Architecture 4
ARCH-261 Computer Aided Design 4
DES-260 Photography I 6

Semester 4

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-202 Architectural Design III 12
ARCH-212 Structural Mechanics – Statics II 4
ARCH-232 Space and Light 4
ARCH-242 Introduction to Architectural Theory 4
ARCH-252 Cultural Heritage 2
ARCH-262 Advanced Computer Aided Design 4

Semester 5

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-301 Architectural Design IV – Urban Design 12
ARCH-311 Construction I – Masonry/Reinforced Concrete 4
ARCH-321 Preservation and Restoration of Architectural Heritage 4
ARCH-331 Construction Workshop 2
ARCH-341 History and Theory of the City 4
ARCH-351 Contemporary Architects 4

Semester 6

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-302 Architectural Design V – Building Technology 12
ARCH-312 Construction II – Timber/Steel 4
ARCH-322 Building Services 4
ARCH-342 Advanced Spatial Theories 4
ARCH-362 Advanced CAD and Mixed Media 4
ARCH-392 Architecture Catalyst I 2

Semester 7

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-401 Architectural Design VI 12
ARCH-411 Sustainable Design 4
ARCH-441 History and Theory of Sustainable Design 4
ARCH-451 Rethinking Architecture 4
ARCH-481 Architectural Practice and Project Management 4
ARCH-491 Architecture Catalyst II 2

Semester 8

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-402 Advanced Architectural Studio 12
ARCH-442 Perceptions of Architecture 4
ARCH-452 Special Topics in Architecture 4
ARCH-482 Work Placement 6
ARCH-410 Emergency Architecture 4

Semester 9

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-501 Introduction to Final Project 12
ARCH-541 Thesis 18

Semester 10

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ARCH-502 Final Project 30
The above semester breakdown is an indicative one. A few of the courses are electives and can be substituted by others. Students may contact their academic advisor and consult their academic pathway found on this website under “Schools & Programmes”.

Mr Michalis Georgiou

Associate Professor
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Architecture

Professor Yiorgos Hadjichristou

Professor
Department of Architecture
School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ms Maria Hadjisoteriou

Associate Professor
Department of Architecture , School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mr Adonis Kleanthous

Associate Professor
Department of Architecture
School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Professor Petros Lapithis

Professor
Department of Architecture
School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr Antonia Lemonari – Sophocleous

Assistant Professor
Department of Architecture
School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ms Markella Menikou

Head of Department
Associate Professor
Department of Architecture
School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ms Angela Kyriacou Petrou

Associate Head of Department
Associate Professor
Department of Architecture
School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Professor Alessandra Swiny

Professor
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Architecture

Ms Eleonore Zippelius

Assistant Professor
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Architecture

Mr Ioulios Georgiou

Adjunct Faculty

Dr Elena Limbouri

Adjunct Faculty

Dr Christos Papastergiou

Adjunct Faculty

Mr Phidias Pavlides

Adjunct Faculty

Mr Panayiotis Pierides

Adjunct Faculty

Mr Constantinos Zannetos

Adjunct Faculty

Go to Top