Programme Overview
In a world that is constantly changing, Architecture plays a crucial role in creating fairer, more sustainable and inclusive environments. The Integrated Master’s Programme in Architecture at Técnico provides a solid, multidisciplinary education that combines creative vision, critical thinking and technical expertise. It fosters a cultural and artistic sensitivity while maintaining the rigour of engineering and technology, preparing professionals to engage with the built environment at various scales — from buildings to territories —, addressing major contemporary challenges such as climate change, the housing crisis and the improvement of public spaces.
Programme Structure
The Integrated Masters Programme in Architecture has a duration of 10 semesters (5 years), equivalent to 300 ECTS. The structure is depicted below.
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1st year (ECTS)
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15
-
21
-
24
-
-
2nd year (ECTS)
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9
-
21
-
6
-
24
-
-
3rd year (ECTS)
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6
-
27
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3
-
24
-
-
4th year (ECTS)
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30
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6
-
24
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-
5th year (ECTS)
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6
-
12
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12
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30
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The curricula of the 1st and 2nd cycles were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model (previous programme structure).
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Basic Sciences (30 ECTS)
The basic sciences courses of this undergraduate programme ensure the fundamental training in:
- Mathematics
- Physics
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Core Structure (105 ECTS)
The core training aims to complement the basic sciences by deepening knowledge in:
- Architectural Design
- Architectural History
- Programming and geometric modelling
- Territorial, urban and environmental planning
- Building and construction
- Geography
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Project (108 ECTS)
Architectural Design Studios are the core of the programme, promoting experimental, intensive and collaborative practice that integrates technical and theoretical knowledge into projects spanning buildings, public spaces and cities.
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Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (9 ECTS)
The humanist curricular component plays an important role in harnessing architects’ curiosity about the world they live in as well as understanding it, empowering them to actively respond to its challenges, using scientific and technological knowledge, in a more appropriate and contextualised way.
Students can choose subjects, offered in several faculties of ULisboa, from areas such as Management, Economics, Literature, Psychology, Visual Arts or Sport, among others.
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Free options (18 ECTS)
Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose subjects not only in Architecture, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.
This component offers the possibility to take a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary courses – which is equivalent to 18 ECTS credits. The offer cuts across all programmes offered by Técnico.
Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS credit points.
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Dissertation (30 ECTS)
The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialize on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:
- Scientific thesis
- Final project in Architecture
The Final Project in Architecture consolidates the essential skills for professional practice, promoting a critical approach to the territory and the development of projects with a high level of complexity and demand.
Career Opportunities
Architects trained at Técnico are prepared to work in various areas, such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Planning, Rehabilitation and Urban Regeneration. They can work as freelancers or join technical teams in private companies or public institutions, both nationally and internationally. They are qualified to work in various fields, including:
- Architectural and Urban Design;
- Urban Management and Spatial Planning;
- Project Management and Technical Consulting;
- Conservation and Rehabilitation of Architectural Heritage;
- Digital Technologies and 3D Modelling;
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Architecture;
- Teaching and Training;
- Scientific Research;
- International Career in Multicultural Contexts.
Facts & Figures
93,8%
employed MSc graduates
86,7%
employability in the field of expertise
13,3%
internationalization
Source: Técnico Employability Observatory | 2016/17 academic year data.
Entry Requirements
To apply to the 1st Cycle (or the whole integrated cycle), through the National Admission to Higher Education it is required:
- National Admission Exams1: Mathematics (A or B) + Drawing or Mathematics (A or B) + Descriptive Geometry
- Application Grade2: MS x 50% + PI x 50%
1 Minimum grade: 100 points (out of 200)
2 Minimum grade: 120 pontos (out of 200)
MS: high school final arithmetic average grade | PI: Average of national admission exams’ grades.
Automatic admission to the 2nd Cycle is granted for students that finish the 1st Cycle of Architecture at Técnico.
To apply for a 2nd Cycle in Architecture at Técnico students should:
- hold a 1st cycle degree in Architecture;
- hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.
Candidates are selected according to these criteria:
- affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
- type of degree they hold;
- academic success in the programme they attended.
Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.
More information about admissions to Técnico (national and international candidates) is available at:
Students' Organisations
Técnico students autonomously and proactively stimulate projects that complement their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.
The Architecture Students’ Organisation (NucleAR) is the main structure of Architecture students, which promotes activities such as:
- 5×5 conferences
- Projeto Relâmpago challenge
- Course Magazine (Nuws)
- Study materials database
- Técnico Summer Internships
