Master's in Architecture
Master's programme in Architecture
Degree title
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Duration of studies
Scope
Teaching method
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Scholarship
Top reasons to study Architecture
- Design-oriented master’s degree programme taught at the northernmost architect school.
- Your competence develops in wood construction and design, architectural lighting design, and urban design following Finnish architectural design principles and tradition.
- Develop your design skills via project-based learning in collaboration with Finnish architecture students.
- Leads to an EU-notified professional architect’s degree allowing graduates to practice their profession across Europe and in countries such as Canada and Australia.
- Oulu School of Architecture is known for its great community spirit and internationally recognized alumni.
Why study Architecture in Nordic conditions?
Nordic conditions challenge architects and make Finnish architectural design unique. Climate change affects the lives of humans all over the world, and it is a palpable force in the North and the Arctic, which brings its own challenges to designing sustainable living.
Conditions vary significantly with different seasons, which have very strong characteristics. This means unique requirements for design, materials, and sustainability.
In your studies you will learn about wood construction and design, architectural lighting design, and urban design following Finnish architectural design principles and tradition.
Nordic nature, climate, and light circumstances offer a living laboratory for lighting experiments on a 1:1 scale.
The Oulu School of Architecture is an academic, yet practice-oriented institution in the field of architecture and design. The Architecture master’s courses at the University of Oulu are taught by professionals with a wide range of expertise in the field of architecture and urban design. Professors at the school are internationally recognized architects who are actively involved in the profession, academic research, and architectural debate both in Finland and internationally.
Core learning outcomes and competence
The programme provides students with design skills, research-based knowledge and advanced tools in:
- Design of urban areas and spaces
- Public building design
- Detailing of buildings and urban structures
- Use of Nordic building materials (e.g. wood)
- Architectural lighting
- Interior design
- Research and theory of architecture
- Academic writing
- Teamwork and presentation
- Generic / transferable skills required in work life.
Studies are carried out both individually and in multicultural teams in an international working environment. Students follow a ready-made study plan. Space is reserved for optional courses, and this flexibility allows students to integrate, e.g., student competitions or workshops in their study plans.
Recently, our students shortlisted in a design competition at the Architecture and Design Museum.
Great learning environment and community
The School of Architecture is a part of the University of Oulu’s main campus in Linnanmaa with tailored and renovated premises. The studies take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and digitalisation. The school has its own computer labs for architecture students and workshops for professional model making.
Super Fab Lab Oulu provides common facilities, tools and instruction for digital fabrication and 2D and 3D laser cutting.
The school has a very strong identity inside the University and is known for its sense of community. Communication with the students and faculty is very straightforward and non-hierarchical.
Architecture programme structure and courses
For detailed information about courses and the programme structure, take a look at the study guide:
Are you a great fit for Architecture programme?
An ideal candidate is a design-driven individual with a passion for architecture and sustainable building. This person thrives in multicultural settings, values teamwork, and seeks practical experience through simulated real-world projects. They are academically proficient, and eager to apply innovative tools in architectural design and research.
With a desire for international exposure and commitment to community, the candidate is ready to embrace the unique opportunities offered by the northernmost architecture school in the world and become a professional working in the European Union or globally.
Admissions criteria
Read about eligibility and admissions procedure for this programme, detailed information available at Studyinfo.
Career opportunities for Architecture graduates
The degree awarded is an architect’s professional degree, providing the right to practice the architect’s profession in Finland and the European Union according to the national laws and decrees.
After graduation, the Architecture students are eligible to apply for doctoral studies at the University of Oulu. Most architects work as building designers, urban planning designers, or building renovation designers.
Additional career options for an architect may be:
- Entrepreneur
- Real Estate Developer
- Building Control Officer or Expert in municipal sector
- University Teacher or Lecturer
- Researcher
- Concept Designer
- Visualizer.
Get international at home and abroad
Studio excursion abroad can be a part of your studies. You also get to collaborate with local, exchange, and international students at the campus, making your study environment truly international.
