International University of Catalonia

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

The profile of our candidates is very varied, although the high level of internationality and heterogeneity of backgrounds stand out. We are looking for young people who are eager to learn and open to great ideals.

Why study Architecture at UIC Barcelona?

At the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture we combine academic excellence with practical and personalised training. Our educational model is based on cross-disciplinary teaching, direct contact with the profession, and an international perspective that will prepare you to tackle the challenges of contemporary architecture.

The Bachelor's Degree in Architecture at UIC Barcelona provides you with the best academic, theoretical and practical training to acquire the necessary tools and contacts for an easy transition into the job market.

1. Master’s level degree Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture in five years with the academic level of a master’s degree, allowing you to work in any European Union country. You also have the possibility of earning a double degree with the Universidad de Belgrano in Argentina.
2. Practical and personalised approach Small class groups (fewer than 10 students per lecturer) and continuous support from your first day to your Final Degree Project.
3. International perspective We have students from over 63 nationalities and one of the most comprehensive international programmes available, thanks to our double degree agreements and mobility and exchange programmes with prestigious universities worldwide, such as UC Berkeley, the Architectural Association of London, UCLA Extension and Boston University MET. The first and second years are taught entirely in English, while from the third year onwards, subjects are available in English, Spanish and Catalan.
4. State-of-the-art workshops open 24/7 Our workshop classrooms and plotter room are available 24/7, allowing you to work flexibly and transport your projects at your convenience. In addition to the analogue model workshop, you will have access to the latest technology at the Digital Architecture Workshop, including laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing.
5. Cross-disciplinary teaching and social commitment We are the only architecture school in Spain with mandatory subjects in cooperation, sustainability and accessibility. Our unique cross-disciplinary teaching method enables students to carry out projects at all scales.

The teaching and learning process is based on the acquisition of competences:

Crosscutting competences

• Critical thinking, creativity, analytical and synthesis skills, the ability to plan and organise, good decision-making skills, responsibility, observation, teamwork and leadership, positive study skills, self-discipline, and dedication.

Specific competences

• The ability to create architectural projects that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements. Adequate knowledge of architectural history and theory, as well as of art, technology, and the related areas of social sciences. Knowledge of fine art and the role it plays in architectural concepts. Sufficient knowledge of urban design and applied planning techniques
• The ability to perceive and understand the relationships between people and buildings, between buildings and their surroundings, as well as the need to link buildings to the spaces around them, depending on requirements and human scale. The ability to understand the architect's profession and its function in society, particularly in terms of becoming involved in projects which take social factors into account
• Knowledge of research methods and construction project preparation. Knowledge of the potential problems in structural design, construction, and engineering involved in construction projects
• Sufficient knowledge of physical problems and various technological tools, as well as the different functions of different buildings, and the ways they are endowed with internal structures or features which provide comfort and protection from climate related factors. Ability to plan in order to satisfy the demands of the building’s users in a way that respects the limits imposed by planning budgets and building regulations
• Sufficient knowledge of the industries, organisations, regulations and procedures relevant to launching construction projects, and incorporating designs into project planning

These competences are worked on through a variety of methodologies: lectures, problem-solving, research projects, site visits, project planning, and group and individual learning.

Their acquisition is evaluated using a variety of assessment tools that allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the course material. These include objective tests, papers, projects, portfolios, dossiers, memos, self-evaluation and interviews.

The competences are divided between theoretical classes, seminar-workshops, practical classes, external work experience, group and individual tutorials, and group and individual projects and study.

Prepare yourself for greater job opportunities

En UIC Barcelona somos conscientes de que la arquitectura ha vivido cambios profundos en los últimos años. Por lo tanto, nuestro grado busca asentar las bases teóricas inmutables y, a la vez, atender a las nuevas herramientas que nos ayudan a ponerlas en práctica en los siguientes ámbitos:

• Architecture
• Construction
• Urbanism
• Landscaping
• Environment
• Design
• Project design
• Site management
• Building calculations
• Expert appraisal
• Real-estate development and management
• Work as a civil servant in city councils and other administrations
• Teaching

Job offers at prestigious international architecture studios

Our job bank and compulsory work placements at prestigious international architecture studios make it easier for our students to secure employment. The School’s three university-business research chairs provide greater opportunities to work at architecture studios such as Álvaro Siza, Miralles Tagliabue, RCR Arquitectes, Zaha Hadid Architects.

Year 1

• Mathematics 6 ECTS
• Physics 9 ECTS
• Architectural Drawing 9 ECTS
• Spatial and Formal Analysis 9 ECTS
• Computational Design 9 ECTS
• History of Art and Architecture 6 ECTS
• Introduction to Architectural Construction 6 ECTS
• Design Studio 0 6 ECTS

Year 2

• Building Construction I 5 ECTS
• Building Construction II 5 ECTS
• Structural Calculation I 5 ECTS
• Architectural Composition I 6 ECTS
• Architectural Composition II 6 ECTS
• Design Studio I 5 ECTS
• Design Studio II 5 ECTS
• Vertical Workshop I 1 ECTS
• Urban Design I 6 ECTS
• English I 5 ECTS
• Critical Thinking I 5 ECTS
• Critical Thinking II 5 ECTS
• Foros I 1 ECTS

Year 3

• Building Construction III 5.5 ECTS
• Building Construction IV 5 ECTS
• Structural Calculation II 5 ECTS
• Building Mechanics and Facilities I 5 ECTS
• Architectural Composition III 6 ECTS
• Architectural Composition IV 6 ECTS
• Accessibility 2.5 ECTS
• Design Studio III 5 ECTS
• Design Studio IV 5 ECTS
• Vertical Workshop II 1 ECTS
• Urban Design II 5.5 ECTS
• English II 4.5 ECTS
• Ethics 3 ECTS
• Foros II 1 ECTS

Year 4

• Building Construction V 6.5 ECTS
• Building Construction VI 6.5 ECTS
• Structural Calculation III 6 ECTS
• Building Mechanics and Facilities II 5 ECTS
• Cooperation I 3 ECTS
• Cooperation II 3 ECTS
• Sustainability I 2.5 ECTS
• Architectural Theory and Criticism 2.5 ECTS
• Design Studio V 5.5 ECTS
• Design Studio VI 5.5 ECTS
• Vertical Workshop III 1 ECTS
• Urban Design III 6 ECTS
• Foros III 1 ECTS
• Elective Course I 3 ECTS
• Ceramics Chair 3 ECTS
• Site Management 3 ECTS
• Theory and Practice in the Restoration of Architectural Heritage 3 ECTS
• Introduction to BIM 3 ECTS
• ESARQ Option 3 3 ECTS
• Ceramics Chair 3 ECTS
• Site Management 3 ECTS
• Theory and Practice in the Restoration of Architectural Heritage 3 ECTS
• Introduction to BIM 3 ECTS

Subjects in course 5

• Professional Ethics 3 ECTS
• Building Construction VII 5.5 ECTS
• Management 3 ECTS
• Sustainability II 3.5 ECTS
• Design Studio VII 6.5 ECTS
• Design Studio VIII 7 ECTS
• Vertical Workshop IV 1.5 ECTS
• Urban Design IV 1.5 ECTS
• Foros IV 1.5 ECTS
• ESARQ Option 2 3 ECTS
• Designing Healthy Public Spaces 3 ECTS
• Construction of the Ephemeral Installation Llum BCN 3 ECTS
• Hospital Architecture: Health and Environment 3 ECTS
• ESARQ Option 4 3 ECTS
• Designing Healthy Public Spaces 3 ECTS
• Construction of the Ephemeral Installation Llum BCN 3 ECTS
• Hospital Architecture: Health and Environment 3 ECTS
• Final Degree Project 15 ECTS
• Work Experience 6 ECTS