BA Architecture
The BA Architecture program provides students with the skills and specialized knowledge to develop and apply creative and responsible solutions in the field of architecture. The program is firmly grounded in the vibrant city of Berlin but taught exclusively in English. It is designed to help students understand their role and responsibility as architects in any given physical and cultural context – on either a local or a global level. Upon completing the program, graduates will be able to apply their understanding of spaces as a whole and use their design skills and their knowledge of the relationships between built environment, technology, art, and geographical, social, sociocultural, and political contexts to solve complex architectural challenges.
* Architecture is a protected profession in Germany. In order to be entitled to use the title “Architect” professional practice and registration with the Chamber of Architects is obligatory.
The BA Architecture program curriculum
In a practice-driven and supportive learning atmosphere, an internationally experienced team of lecturers and professors encourages students to explore their individual talents and forge their own professional path.
The first year of the BA Architecture program provides students with a broad foundation in basic design skills, structural and construction fundamentals, visualization skills, and a historical framework. In the second year, students deepen their structural and material knowledge, tackle architectural design projects, and reflect on the discipline of architecture from a theoretical vantage point. They also get the chance to integrate their acquired knowledge into the larger context of urban design and planning. During the third year, students collaborate with peers from other programs on an interdisciplinary design project to develop a tailored design solution for a real-life client. In addition, they hone their research skills, learn about building law and physics, and sharpen their profile choosing a variety of electives. The last year is dedicated to subjects that prepare students for their imminent entry into professional life. During the last semester, students apply and deepen their acquired skills by completing a bachelor thesis and a bachelor design project with a topic of their own choice.
Photo: Michael Feser
Head of Program BA Architecture
Study Architecture at Berlin International
The learning environment fostered at Berlin International is student-centered and hands-on. Our teaching concept focuses on project-based learning; students work individually and in groups in order to promote professional and personal growth and the development of team skills. All BA programs at Berlin International are taught in English. In combination with our diverse student and teaching body and our global network this enables us to offer a truly international academic experience.
Architects have a wide variety of job opportunities. Our graduates can work on the creation and alteration of design and building projects in various scales and typologies as well as in the artistic and creative industries.
Potential professional environments include:
- Architecture and urban design practices
- Construction companies
- Building materials industry
- Cultural and state institutions
- Production design for film, TV, and theater
- Design agencies and trade fairs
- Freelance work
Learn more about the BA Architecture program and Berlin International. Below, you can download the study plan, the Berlin International brochure, and our current academic calendar in PDF format.
To meet the German university entrance level requirements set by the German Central Office for Foreign Education, you will generally need to hold a German Abitur / Fachabitur or equivalent qualification.
Berlin International can only consider applicants who meet the admission requirements.
All applicants who meet the admission requirements will also be subject to faculty selection and seat availability per program.
The requirements for equivalence vary from country to country. We have summarized a few of the most frequently asked about education systems:
To confirm whether you meet the requirements to study in Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service provides an English language resource here.
For the original German source, please check the homepage of the Kulturministerkonferenz here.
The BA Architecture program is a technical program, please see the information for technical programs when checking if you meet the admission requirements.
There are four admission possibilities:
Direct general admission – you are qualified to start undergraduate studies into any subject area.
Direct subject-restricted admission – you are qualified to begin undergraduate studies in the subject area you have previously studied.
Subject restricted admission to a preparatory course/the Feststellungsprüfung (university qualification exam) – you require additional periods of study before you can begin undergraduate studies in Germany, see more information below.
Admission is not possible without additional proof of education – the qualification you hold is not equivalent to a university entrance qualification in Germany. You will need to complete further qualifications to meet the admission requirements.
Preparatory Course / Additional Studies
A result of subject restricted admission to a preparatory course/Feststellungsprüfung generally means you will need either to complete a German Studienkolleg or successfully complete the first academic year (or more) of a bachelor´s degree outside of Germany.
A 'Studienkolleg' is a university preparatory course that acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and the qualifications required to enter a German university. There are different types of Studienkolleg programs, so make sure to choose the type that prepares you for the subject of study you want to complete.
For more information on types of Studienkolleg program and general information, you can read more here.
If you qualify for this type of program, you would be eligible to study at German post-secondary institutions upon successful completion of the examination (Feststellungprüfung, or FSP).
There is a German language requirement for many of these programs and to meet the admission requirements for a higher education institute in Berlin, the Studienkolleg has to be completed in the German language as required by the Berlin Senate. Therefore, it is not a typical route for our students.
Berlin International does not offer a Studienkolleg program but would be able to accept students who have completed the appropriate examinations in the type of Studienkolleg program required for your subject choice.
An alternative to the Studienkolleg would be to enroll in a university near you, or outside of Germany, and complete the first academic year of a bachelor´s degree successfully. In order to meet the admission requirements, the university and program must be fully accredited, you must choose the same subject you intend to apply for at BI, and you must complete the first academic year with all courses and credits successfully. For some countries, you may need to complete more than 1 academic year.
If you choose this route, you would be welcome to apply as a transfer student into a higher semester.
Read more about this in the ‘Transfer students and course acknowledgments’ section on our Admissions page here.
Our BA Architecture program is taught in English. We will require proof of your language skills. German knowledge is not required.
If your language skills are at CEFR Level B2 or above, one of the following currently valid language test certificates and scores can be accepted for your application:
- TOEFL ITP: 543
- TOEFL IBT: 74
- IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall
- Cambridge FCE: B2
- PTE Academic: 59
- BI internal exam/ BAU 'English Language Proficiency Exam': 60/100
- IB Diploma: English A or B at HL or SL
- German Abitur
The score must be earned within the last two years.
If you have not completed high school in a majority-English speaking country (ie. USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand), an approved language exam is required in order to qualify for admission.
You are welcome to attend the internal Berlin International language proficiency exam. It will be hosted via the software MS Teams and participation can only be offered after an application to one of our programs.
For the dates of our next language proficiency exam, see the Language Requirements tab on our Admissions Page.
Preparatory School:
If you do not yet have CEFR level B2 English, and are eligible to study on a BA program at BI, you can sign up for our English Preparatory School.
The application process for studying Architecture at Berlin International is very easy. You can simply and safely share your personal information through our online application platform. After receiving a confirmation email with a link a copy of the following documents can be uploaded:
- Passport
- High school diploma certificate with transcript (German Abitur, Fachabitur or equivalent). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- University certificate with transcript (if applicable). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- English language test certificate (CEFR level B2 or above)
- Portfolio PDF with a minimum of 10 works. See the guildines here.
We are also offering webinars on the topic of ‘Portfolio Advice’ throughout the year. For information on upcoming dates and how to register, please visit our current dates page.
If you have missed a recent webinar, then simply email us and we will be happy to send you the link to the recording.
For more information please use the menu item Admission.
