Overview
Global changes in the construction sector — including increasing globalisation and the rise of digital technologies — are reshaping how buildings are designed, planned and realised. This Master’s programme responds to those shifts by combining traditional architectural design and planning with advanced digital methods. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in digital analysis, computational design, planning and production techniques, while also gaining a clear picture of the latest technological developments shaping the profession.
Programme focus and partnerships
The curriculum covers operational aspects of information technology, advances in building materials, and scientific approaches relevant to architectural education. Strong cooperation with external partners—other universities, planning offices, construction firms and software manufacturers—creates opportunities for applied projects and international networking. The course is aimed at preparing architects and engineers for interdisciplinary, internationally oriented and increasingly digitally supported roles in the construction and design industries.
Structure and specialisations
The standard study period is four semesters. Two specialised tracks are taught in English: Façade Design and Computational Design. The Façade Design specialisation offers a comprehensive, research-informed grounding in façade planning and consulting, addressing legal, physical, material-technology, structural and aesthetic challenges that make façade work one of the field’s most demanding specialisms. The Computational Design specialisation concentrates on digital design workflows and construction technologies across architecture, engineering and design, providing both scientific foundations and practical exposure to current developments.
Key facts / requirements
This master's curriculum is studio-centred and balances technical knowledge, design practice and digital methods across four semesters. In the first two semesters students build foundational skills through courses such as Tools and Methods 1 & 2, Construction and Dimensioning, and Theory and Sustainable Construction, while engaging in parallel design studios. The programme runs two linked specialization strands—Façade Design and Computational Design—so students are exposed to topics like Sustainability, Climate and Comfort; Culture and Climate Related Façade Design; Programming and Simulation; and Digital Fabrication and Robots, integrated into practical studio projects (e.g., Façade Design, Computational Design, Integrated Building Façade Design, Integrated Computational Building Design).
In the third semester the focus shifts toward research, professional practice and advanced materials/technical issues. Core offerings include Conference and Communication, an elective from the catalogue, and specialization modules such as Materials, Surfaces and Safety (Façade) and Computational Optimisation (Computational Design). Students work on an Open Research and Practice Project in studio to develop independent, practice-oriented research. The final semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, including its presentation and colloquium, consolidating design, technical and research competencies.
Compulsory elective options allow further tailoring of the degree and include Advanced Construction, Advanced Programming, Advanced Theory, Advanced Visualisation, Technical English II and Business start‑up / Career start.
Key modules and learning outcomes (concise)
Key modules
Expected learning outcomes
Degree requirements (summary)
This master’s programme seeks candidates with a solid academic foundation in architecture, engineering or a related design field, plus demonstrable professional and methodological aptitude for advanced integrated design work. Applicants should hold a recognised university entrance qualification and a relevant Bachelor’s or Diploma degree (see list below) that included substantial scientific or engineering content and had a minimum study duration of six semesters (180 ECTS/credits). A short practical placement in the architectural/design sector is recommended to strengthen an application.
Assessment focuses strongly on your portfolio and supporting documents: your portfolio should present key projects that show your abilities in urban, architectural, building or façade design and/or construction, together with concise project explanations and evidence of your specific contribution to any team work. You must also submit a motivation letter and CV that explain your background and suitability for the chosen specialisation (Façade Design or Computational Design). These materials together demonstrate the professional and methodological suitability required for admission.
You must provide proof of English language ability as required by the programme (check the programme’s information for exact minimum levels and accepted test certificates). Follow the portfolio formatting rules carefully—files should be legible and submitted in a common data format.
Admission requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
Please check thewebsitefor deadlines.
The programme is designed to qualify architects and engineers for interdisciplinary, international and digitally supported roles in the building sector. Graduates are prepared for positions in architectural and façade planning offices, façade consultancy, building design and construction companies, and roles with software manufacturers and engineering firms where computational design and digital fabrication skills are required.
Additional career paths include research and teaching in architecture and construction technology, project management roles in international practice, and entrepreneurial opportunities (the curriculum includes electives related to business start-up and career launch). The programme’s combination of theoretical grounding and practice-oriented projects (including industry collaborations and recommended internships) supports direct employability in specialist and hybrid technical-design roles.
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg — Cottbus
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar — Weimar
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar — Weimar
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar — Weimar