Master of Architecture
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English, Dutch
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,771 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EEA; June 1st for EEA | for the most recent – and only official – information on application deadlines, please check the KU Leuven webpage
** for non-EEA; EUR 1157 for EEA | for the most recent – and only official – information on tuition fees, please check the KU Leuven webpage
Key Summary
Introduction
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The Master of Architecture programme explores subjects through Design Driven Research (DDR), combining both academic and creative experimental approaches. You will be fully prepared for multicultural and international contexts.
Based on a highly interdisciplinary learning process of integrated research, students are expected to determine a critical stance on current issues with an emphasis on facilitating, making and imagining, leading to relevant spatial interventions.
The programme consists of theoretical courses in the field of History and Theory, Building Technology and Professional Practice.
Design Studios
The design studio landscape is formed along 3 Engagements with each specific focus: Urban Cultures, Craftsmanship, and Mediating Tactics. Every master studio and elective is related to one of these engagements. A rich lecture and exhibition program will deepen and accompany each of these engagements.
From the academic year 2023-2024, students will choose an engagement as an option at the start of the Master's program. Within the option are studios and master's thesis. In addition, there are the theory courses and some electives that we recommend within the option, but that students will not be obliged to include within the chosen commitment.
Curriculum
Programme in Brussel
Brussels has an undeniable appeal. This is where it happens. A city full of contrasts, a place that gives you the opportunity to be who you are. A story in itself. A different world behind every corner. The ideal lab for the architecture student.
Theory
History and Theory
- maib11 Critical Urban Theory
- maib21 Urban Anthropology
- Beyond Urban Projects
Building Technology
- maib12 Building Technology Integration
- maib22 Conversion in Urban Contexts
Professional Practice
- maib 31 Project Management
Practice
- maib14 Design Studio
- maib24 Design Studio
- maib34 Design Studio
- Master Dissertation
Theory
History and Theory
- maig11 Architecture and Sustainability
- Landscape, Ecology and Urbanism
Building Technology
- maig12 Building Technology - Integration
- maig22 Climate Design & Sustainability
- maig32 Innovative and Sustainable Structures
Professional Practice
- main 31 Project Management
- Building Technology
Design Studio
- maig14 Design Studio
- maig24 Design Studio
- maig34 Design Studio
- maig42 Master Dissertation
Programme in Ghent
Ghent is a city on a human scale, a home base. As the largest educational city in Flanders, it is a centre of knowledge and development. An attraction pole for interaction with international expertise, a magnet for students and young families.
Theory
History and Theory
- maig11 Architecture and Sustainability
- Landscape, Ecology and Urbanism
Building and Technology
- maig12 Building Technology - Integration
- maig22 Climate Design & Sustainability
- maig32 Innovative and Sustainable Structures
Professional Practice
- maig 31 Project Management
Design Studio
- maig14 Design Studio
- maig24 Design Studio
- maig34 Design Studio
- Master Dissertation
Ideal Students
- You have an interest in architecture, building technology, history, and theory to design and critically propose projects and interventions
- You have a high level of creativity and want to explore and apply it within the field of architecture
- You're developing a critical attitude and a personal position in both historical and actual debates in architecture
- You're good at isolating and identifying problems, conducting research, and delivering design-science solutions
- You want to work with international experts in a multicultural team setting
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Faculty
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Graduates are trained to lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers, interior architects, landscape architects and artists. In addition to working as independent (self-employed) architects, graduates also work as professionals in government agencies and international design firms worldwide. Many graduates go onto roles as researchers, serving local or international governance bodies, NGO's or other institutes.