Programme Overview

Architecture seeks to respond to the challenges of a changing world, particularly with regard to the design and composition of modern cities. Geared towards nowadays’ major issues, this programme covers not only more technical areas in the field of Civil Engineering, but also more artistic aspects related to design and conceptual perception. Architects thus have the necessary tools to execute projects, namely in the areas of urban renewal, conservation and rehabilitation of buildings and public spaces.

Study Plan

The Integrated Masters Programme in Architecture has a duration of 10 semesters (5 years), equivalent to 300 ECTS. The structure is depicted below.

  • 1st year (ECTS)

    • 15
    • 21
    • 24
  • 2nd year (ECTS)

    • 9
    • 21
    • 6
    • 24
  • 3rd year (ECTS)

    • 6
    • 27
    • 3
    • 24
  • 4th year (ECTS)

    • 30
    • 6
    • 24
  • 5th year (ECTS)

    • 6
    • 12
    • 12
    • 30

Programme Structure

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).

  1. Basic Sciences (30 ECTS)

    The basic sciences courses of this undergraduate programme ensure the fundamental training in:

    • Mathematics
    • Physics
  2. 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
  3. Project (108 ECTS)

    In order to integrate the maximum amount of knowledge acquired, every semester includes a project course in which the practical component of the programme is stimulated, from drawing to construction techniques, design and planning.

  4. 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.

    Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

  5. 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.

    Minors

    Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS credit points.

  6. 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

Career Opportunities

Architects trained at Técnico are qualified to practice professional activity in Architecture, Planning, Urbanism, Rehabilitation and Urban Regeneration. They can exercise it as specialized technical staff of private companies and public institutions, or as self-employed professionals, being able to develop activities such as:

  • Project;
  • Elaboration of territorial plans;
  • Urban management;
  • Conservation of architectural heritage;
  • Consultancy;
  • Teaching;
  • Research.

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) + Geometry or Mathematics (A or B)
  • 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:

Admissions

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