BArch Architecture

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

American University of Sharjah

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Architecture at the American University of Sharjah is a five-year professional degree that combines intensive design studio education with technical, theoretical, and hands-on architectural training. It suits creative and analytical students aiming for professional architectural practice and international career pathways.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Students build foundations through Design Studio I & II, Architectural Graphics, and History of Architecture I, developing core skills in drawing, model-making, and spatial thinking. The focus is on understanding form, space, and architectural language within historical contexts.

Year 2:
The second year advances design and technology with Design Studio III & IV, Building Construction I, and Environmental Systems for Buildings. Students learn how buildings are assembled and how climate and environmental factors influence architectural design.

Year 3:
Students study Structural Systems, Site Planning and Urban Analysis, and Design Studio V & VI, integrating structure and context into more complex architectural projects. Emphasis is placed on holistic design thinking and system coordination.

Year 4:
Advanced learning includes Architectural Detailing, Professional Practice, and Design Studio VII & VIII, focusing on comprehensive design, regulations, and professional responsibilities. Projects address real-world constraints and sustainable design strategies.

Year 5:
The final year centres on a Capstone Design Project supported by advanced electives, allowing students to synthesise design, theory, and technology into a full architectural thesis demonstrating professional competence.

Focus areas :
Architectural design; building technology; structural systems; environmental design; architectural history and theory; professional practice; comprehensive studio projects.

Learning outcomes:
Ability to design and communicate architectural solutions; integrate technical and environmental systems; analyse architectural contexts; produce professional documentation; demonstrate ethical and professional practice readiness.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), meeting international standards for architectural education and professional licensure.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The American University of Sharjah is consistently ranked among leading universities in the region, with its architecture programme recognised internationally and graduates highly sought after by design firms and postgraduate institutions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The program's experiential learning is structured around the following specific components:

Core Design Studio Culture: The design studio is the primary learning environment. Students from all three years work alongside each other in these dedicated spaces, which are used for drawing, model making, fabrication, and collaborative discussion.
Project-Based Assessment: Students are assessed through a variety of practical work, including individual and group project work, presentations, portfolio development, and a culminating major design project.
Industry-Linked Projects: Students have opportunities to work on live design projects in the local city and region, creating work with real community impact. Design work is also reviewed by guest architects and critics from the industry.
Industry Advisory Board: The program benefits from an Industry Advisory Board composed of leading experts and professionals, which ensures the curriculum stays relevant to current trends and demands.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of American University of Sharjah's Bachelor of Architecture lead impactful careers in UAE's design and urbanism sectors, ranking as top employer choices with placements at leading firms before graduation. The NAAB-accredited program—first outside North America—ensures global licensure eligibility and success in high-profile graduate programs at Harvard, Columbia, and Bartlett. Alumni excel through hands-on Design-Build Initiative projects earning ACSA and AIA awards.

Typical job roles: Architect, Urban Designer, Project Manager, Design Consultant.

Careers service: internships, study tours (Europe/Asia), Design-Build projects, industry networking.
Employment stats: top UAE employer preference; competitive salaries in regional firms.
Partnerships: collaborations yielding ACSA/AIA awards; real-world professional training.
Accreditation value: NAAB (first outside North America) for US/UAE licensure.
Outcomes: roles shaping regional architecture; grad school at elite institutions.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue MArch or urban planning master's at AUS or global universities like Harvard/Columbia, leveraging NAAB foundation and portfolio for PhD research.

Additional Information & Requirements

Secondary school certificates are awarded either by ministries of education with 85% score.

International Baccalaureate- Applicants must be awarded the full IB Diploma with six subjects (excluding Islamic Education) with at least three in the higher level, and attain a minimum score of 24 points.

IELTS Academic- 6.5 or TOEFL iBT- 80

Internationally recognized by National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)

Country Requirements

Indian Curriculum- Applicants must attain a minimum of 65% or more in the Senior Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard), or 65% or more in the best two years.

Chinese Curriculum- Applicants must attain a minimum of 85% or more or its equivalent in the final year national exam, or a minimum of 85% or more or its equivalent in the best two years.

British Curriculum- Applicants must have five IGCSE/GCSE (O-Level) subjects with a minimum grade of 5 or B in each subject, and either three AS-Level subjects, or two A-level subjects with a minimum grade of B in each subject.

America- Applicants must attain a minimum of B or 85% average in the final grade (Grade 12) or the average of the best two years of grades 10, 11, and 12. Applicants are also required to obtain an SAT-Math score of 450 and above.

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