This English-language master’s program combines design and construction teaching across scales — from urban planning and the design of buildings within existing contexts to entirely new structures. Teaching is delivered through lecture series and modular courses, linked by internationally oriented projects and a range of electives that let you specialise and shape the focus of your Master’s thesis. You can also elect up to 30 ECTS from the German Master’s programme “Entwurf und Konstruktion” (Design and Construction) to broaden or deepen your technical training.
The programme emphasises a global, diversity-aware and multicultural approach: you will study varied cultural, historical and climatic contexts so you can turn abstract design concepts into buildable solutions. Coursework trains you to balance professional, technical, economic, ecological and social considerations when developing projects. Teaching formats are integrated and complementary — combined projects, excursions, guest lectures, conferences and e‑learning ensure close links between theory and practice, and the course is anchored in Frankfurt’s forward-looking urban environment.
Learning activities include project work, office internships and collaboration with the university’s research institute (FFin) and construction-sector partners, so advanced, future-oriented concepts are tested against professional practice. Graduates are prepared to operate at the interface between conceptual design and concrete implementation — especially in the planning phase known in Germany as “execution planning” — and to engage with current research in design and construction. Typical career destinations include architectural, engineering and construction firms; property developers, housing associations and real estate companies; public-sector bodies; and research and technological development roles related to building design and construction.
Program requirements (curriculum-level)
This full-time, English-taught Master of Science runs over four semesters (two years) and awards 120 ECTS. It builds on and cooperates closely with the existing German Master’s programme “Design and Construction,” and offers students a pathway from urban design through to detailed building construction. The programme is aimed at graduates who already hold a first academic degree in architecture and want to work and research in an international architectural context. Practical learning opportunities are strengthened through collaboration with the Frankfurt Research Institute (FFin) and the TRAX architectural trainee programme, enabling students to join applied research projects or follow up concepts through implementation in practice.
The curriculum is structured to progressively move from conceptual design to technical construction and specialised research. The first and second semesters combine lecture series with intensive design studios and international design-build projects; the third semester deepens focus on existing contexts and a specialisation project; the fourth semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis and colloquium (30 ECTS). The programme follows UIA (Union of International Architects) standards and therefore provides the necessary prerequisites for entry into the German Chamber of Architects.
Key modules (semester and ECTS)
Elective options
Typical learning outcomes
Program facts / entry overview (concise)
Admission overview
This English-language MSc programme requires a first degree in architecture and a compact application package that demonstrates your academic achievement, design skills and practical experience. International applicants should note the programme expects a completed 180 ECTS Bachelor’s (or diploma) in architecture — typically a three-year professional degree — and a grade that converts to at least 2.3 on the German grading scale. In addition to formal transcripts you will need to document relevant professional experience and present a carefully curated portfolio that follows strict formatting rules.
The selection documents are used to assess both your theoretical foundation and your applied design/practical skills. Pay close attention to the portfolio requirements: they are specific about length, layout and content, and exceptions are not permitted. Also prepare a curriculum vitae, a focused motivation letter, and evidence of a post-degree internship of at least four months in an architecture‑related field.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Academic qualification
Application documents
Portfolio specifications
If you are applying from a country with a different grading system or programme structure, ensure your transcripts and degree information allow the admissions office to verify the 180 ECTS and the German-equivalent grade of 2.3.
Winter Semester (International)
The application deadline for the next summer semester is 1 March of the same year for applicants holding German Bachelor's degrees. Applicants with Bachelor's degrees from foreign countries must submit their applications by 15 October of the previous year.
Summer Semester (International)
15 October 2025
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 October 2025
Graduates are prepared to work where design meets implementation: architectural and engineering firms, construction companies, property developers, housing associations, real estate companies and public-sector planning bodies. The programme’s emphasis on execution planning, applied research and collaboration with industry partners also suits careers in technology development, research institutes and specialised consultancy.
Because the curriculum complies with UIA standards and covers the planning-to-construction workflow, alumni are positioned to pursue professional registration and roles that require both creative design skills and practical construction knowledge.
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