Master's in Architecture
Architecture
Degree title
Study places
Duration of studies
Scope
Teaching method
Next application period
Top reasons to study Architecture
- Design-oriented study programme that has educated internationally recognized architects.
- Leads to an EU-notified professional architect’s degree allowing graduates to practise their profession across Europe and in countries such as Canada and Australia.
- Collaboration with architectural and construction firms, and possibilities to do projects with students from different fields, such as civil engineering.
- Students can engage in new research fields, such as environmental health.
- University of Oulu hosts the northernmost architect school in the world.
Nordic conditions challenge architects
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 for sustainable living.
Nordic nature, climate and light circumstances offer a living laboratory for lighting experiments in 1:1 scale. Conditions vary significantly with different seasons, which have very strong characteristics. This means unique requirements for the design, materials and sustainability.
The courses are taught by professionals with wide range expertise in the field of architecture and urban design. Professors of the school are internationally recognized architects who are actively involved in the profession and architectural debate both in Finland and internationally.
"I wanted to explore more how Finnish architecture is modelling itself for the effects of climate change and bring my own background to collaborate on a bigger solution for tomorrow." - Arpa, alumna
Core skills and competence
The programme provides students with skills, 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
- Team work and presentation.
Studies are carried out both individually and in multicultural teams in an international working environment. Varying courses and additional study options give possibilities to integrate student competitions or workshops in the student’s individual study plan.
The degree awarded is an architect’s professional degree, providing the right to practise the architect’s profession in Finland and the European Union according to the national laws and decrees. The Oulu School of Architecture is a very practice-oriented teaching institution, which makes its graduates to turn into sought-after recruits in the field of architecture and design.
Newly renovated premises
The School of Architecture has recently become a part of the university’s main campus in Linnanmaa campus with tailored and newly 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. In Fab Lab Oulu the university 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.
Programme structure and courses
For detailed information about courses and the programme structure, take a look at the study guide:
See study guide for Architecture programme structure and courses
Career opportunities
After graduation the students are eligible to carry on to doctoral studies at the University of Oulu. Most architects work as building designers and urban designers. Additional career options for an architect may be:
- Entrepreneur
- Expert
- Teacher
- Researcher
- Concept Designer
- Visualizer.
You are a great fit for our programme if
The ideal candidate is a design-driven individual with a passion for sustainable building. This person thrives in multicultural settings, values teamwork, and seeks practical experience through real-world projects. They are academically proficient, technologically adept, and eager to apply innovative tools in design and research.
With a desire for international exposure and a commitment to community, the candidate is ready to embrace the unique opportunities offered by the northernmost architecture school in the world and become a sought-after professional in the European Union and beyond.
Admissions criteria
Read about eligibility and admissions procedure for this programme, detailed information available at Studyinfo.
Get international at home and abroad
Studio excursion abroad is offered as part your studies. You also get to collaborate with local, exchange and international students at the campus making it a truly international study environment.
