study programme

Architecture and Urban Design

Original title in Czech: Architektura a urbanismusFaculty: FAAbbreviation: N_A+UAcad. year: 2020/2021

Type of study programme: Master's

Study programme code: N0731P010001

Degree awarded: Ing. arch.

Language of instruction: Czech

Accreditation: 9.6.2020 - 9.6.2030

Profile of the programme

Professionally oriented

Mode of study

Full-time study

Standard study length

2 years

Programme supervisor

Degree Programme Board

Fields of education

Area Topic Share [%]
Architecture and Urbanism Without thematic area 100

Study aims

The aim of the study is to equip students with knowledge from the theoretical, technical, and related disciplines in the field of architecture and urban design, as well as an adequate set of professional competences and skills. The range and level of skills and knowledge is defined so that the graduate will be able to work as an independent certified architect. The graduates may also attain the position in the academic sector, research institutions, state administration, and in local government in the field of architecture and urban planning.

Graduate profile

The graduates of the master’s study programme (MSP) Architecture and Urban Design have acquired the up-to-date knowledge in the field of architecture, urban planning, and construction industry. The programme focuses on mastering the technical and theoretical knowledge of architectural and urban planning disciplines in their complex coherence. This knowledge is complemented with the relevant human sciences that are the essential basis for the quality performance of architect’s practice. The graduates are able to interpret the architectural works and place them in the social context. The graduates are able to implement the knowledge gained in the individual courses into practice.

Professional Knowledge
The graduates of MSP will have the professional knowledge required for the field of study of Architecture and Urbanism. In terms of the prospective employment, the graduates will have the knowledge defined by the Czech Chamber of Architects (CCA), in the field of Architecture (CCA Certification Code §4), and for the field of Urban Planning CCA (Certification Code §5):
– comprehensive knowledge of the history and theory of architecture,
– comprehensive knowledge of the urban design and urban planning,
– comprehensive knowledge of the methods of investigation and preparation of the brief for a design project,
– comprehensive knowledge of the physical problems and technologies and the functions of buildings, so as to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate,
– comprehensive knowledge of industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in integrating of partial designs into the overall project,
– comprehensive knowledge of the history and theory of urban design (town development) and urban planning at local, regional, and national government level,
– extensive knowledge of the related arts, technologies and human sciences,
– extensive knowledge and understanding of the culture, as one of the fundamental influences on the quality of land-use planning documentation, land-use planning data, and/or urban design plans and projects,
– comprehensive and adequate knowledge of the relationships between architecture and urban design, urban planning, and the process of designing buildings,
– comprehensive range of knowledge of methods of investigation and analyses and preparation of the brief for the land-use planning documentation and land-use planning data, and/or urban design plans and projects,
– comprehensive knowledge of the whole land-use planning process, and/or urban design process, and the competences and skills to deal with the natural, cultural, social, economic and technical problems of the area, and to protect its values,
– extensive knowledge of the technology how to design built environment in relation to health care, protection of nature and landscape components of environment, with aim to improve the quality of life,
– extensive knowledge of the relevant fields, branches, technologies, regulations, and methods that must be coordinated during land-use planning, and when applying the land-use planning documentation and the land-use planning data, as well as when developing and implementing the urban design plans and projects.

Professional Skills
The graduates of the master´s study programme will gain all professional skills required for the field of study of Architecture and Urbanism at the level of master’s degree. The extent of skills is defined by the graduate’s prospective employment as certified architects in the field of Architecture and/or in the field of Urban Planning. Students may individually develop selected skills in specialized and module studios, seminars, and the related selective courses.
The graduates will acquire skills that comply with the requirements on the education in the field of Architecture (the CCA Certification Code, §4) and in the field of Urban Planning (the CCA Certification Code, §5):
– competences to create architectural projects that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements,
– competences to understand the relationship between people and architectural projects, and between architectural projects and their environment, and to understand the need to relate architectural projects and the spaces between them to human needs and scale,
– competences to understand the profession of architect and the role of the architect in society, in particular in preparing briefs that take account of social factors,
– competences to understand building design, and constructional and engineering problems associated with building design,
– the necessary design competences to meet building users’ requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations,
– competences to create land-use planning documentation and land-use planning data, as well as urban design projects that comply with the natural, cultural, social, economic, technical, and aesthetic requirements,
– competences to understand the relations between people and urban environment, and between urban environment and landscape, and the need to design various spaces and environment while respecting human needs and scales,
– competences to understand the profession of urban planner and the role of the urban planner in society, in particular in preparing briefs that take account of social factors,
– design competences and skills to meet local users’ requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations.

Profession characteristics

The master’s study programme at FA BUT prepares the graduates for the architectural practice in an architectural office lead by a certified architect where they can lead the design of simple buildings, and after passing the professional qualification exam they may become a certified architect. The MSP graduates will gain the recognised professional qualification which is one of the conditions to become a certified architect as specified in CCA Certification Code (§4 to §6). The CCA certification authorise the graduates to perform the practice in Czech Republic as well as in the EU.
With the acquired knowledge and skills, the MSP graduates may find employment also in academic sector, and in other institutions focusing on theory, science, research, development and innovations, e.g. in the National Heritage Institute, or the Czech Academy of Sciences. Further, they may become an employee at the heritage departments, nature conservation agencies. The MSP graduates may find employment in the procurers of land-use planning data, land-use planning documentation, delimitation of the developed area, spatial development policy, in representation of the investor, or the client in the land-use permission, building permission, or handover procedure, and to be an official in the bodies of public administration in the area of land-use planning and building code. Beyond the typical employment defined in the field of study (Government Regulation No. 275/2016), the graduates may also work as a lead architect in the local government, as a specialist in the urban planning department or strategic development. They will have enough knowledge to do technical journalism and architecture promotion.

Fulfilment criteria

The final state exam in MSP Architecture and Urban Design has two parts: the defence of the master’s thesis and the oral exam. Both parts are evaluated using A-F grading scale in accordance with the Study and Examination Rules of BUT.
The oral part of the final state exam verifies the graduates’ knowledge in the field of theory of architecture, and urban design (corresponding with the theoretical courses of the study programme profile: Theory and Aesthetics in Architecture, Theory of Urban Design, Landscape Design, Master Thesis Seminar 1-2), and in the field of legislation in architectural practice (corresponding with the courses of the study programme profile: Architect´s Practice, and Construction Law in Architectural Practice).
The requirements on the defence, evaluation, and the overall evaluation of the final state exam are stated in the Study and Examination Rules of BUT, and the relevant internal guidelines of Faculty of Architecture.

What degree programme types may have preceded

The study programme is preceded by a bachelor’s study programme within the area of architecture, urbanism, and urban/land-use planning.
The graduates of the study programme may continue in the doctoral study programme Architecture and Urban Design at FA BUT. The graduates may also continue their studies in other doctoral study programmes in the field of study of Architecture and Urbanism at other universities.

Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

1. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
ARP-KArchitect’s Practicecs2CompulsoryExP - 26yes
KPR-KStructures and Indoor Environment of Buildingscs2CompulsoryExP - 26yes
OP2-ASpecialized Professional Internshipcs15CompulsoryCrPX - 380yes
TVK-TLandscape Designcs2CompulsoryCr,ExP - 16 / S - 10yes
ARB-KAccessible Architecturecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 4 / S - 14 / EX - 81yes
A16-TArchitecture of 16th Centurycs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 20 / EX - 41yes
A18-TArchitecture of 18th Centurycs2Compulsory-optionalGCr1yes
A19-TArchitecture of 19th Centurycs1Compulsory-optionalEx1yes
A20-TArchitecture of 20th Century in the USAcs1Compulsory-optionalExP - 261yes
XX1-TArchitecture of 21st Century 1cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 10 / EX - 401yes
DAP-KDesigning Architectural Elementscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 2 / S - 241yes
DEM-KDesign Manualcs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 12 / S - 141yes
DTA-NDigital Tools for Architectscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrC1 - 261yes
XPR-NExperimentariumcs2Compulsory-optionalGCrC1 - 261yes
IA1-TInterpretation of Architecture 1cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 261yes
KTA-TChapters from the Theory of Architecturecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 261yes
KPS-KStructures of Buildingscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 261yes
UT1-TModern Development and Theory of Urban Design 1cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 261yes
NS3-KDesign of Buildings 3 – Public Buildingscs1Compulsory-optionalEx1yes
NS5-KDesign of Buildings 5 – Industrial Buildingscs1Compulsory-optionalExP - 261yes
BENSpecialized English Languagecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrCj - 261yes
PMA-TSpace in Modern Architecturecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 261yes
RIO-KReconversion of Brownfieldscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 261yes
SCE-KScenographycs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 261yes
SE1-KBuilding and Environment-friendly Design 1cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 16 / EX - 101yes
ULA-TUrban Design and Vernacular Architecture of Czech and Moravian Countrysidecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 4 / S - 18 / EX - 41yes
PAD-NComputer Skills – Parametric Designcs2Compulsory-optionalGCrCp - 261yes
VST-KExhibition Designcs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 4 / S - 18 / EX - 41yes
VFI-NArt Techniques – Figurecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 2 / C1 - 241yes
VK2-NArt Techniques – Drawing 2cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrC1 - 261yes
ZAA-TELandscape architectureen2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 261yes
SA2-ASpecialized Design Studio A2cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1952yes
SA3-ASpecialized Design Studio A3cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1952yes
SA4-ASpecialized Design Studio A4cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1042yes
SA5-ASpecialized Design Studio A5cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1042yes
1. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
IGR-TInformation Literacycs2CompulsoryGCrS - 18yes
RES-KConstruction Processcs2CompulsoryCr,ExP - 18 / S - 8yes
OP2-ASpecialized Professional Internshipcs15CompulsoryCrPX - 380yes
UTE-TETheory of Urban Designen2CompulsoryGCrP - 26 / S - 4yes
SA1-ASpecialized Design Studio A1cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041yes
SA2-ASpecialized Design Studio A2cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041yes
SA3-ASpecialized Design Studio A3cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041yes
SA4-ASpecialized Design Studio A4cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041yes
SA5-ASpecialized Design Studio A5cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041yes
AAP-KCurrent Trends in Designing Inner Spacecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 12 / S - 143yes
ARB-KAccessible Architecturecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 4 / S - 183yes
A16-TArchitecture of 16th Centurycs2Compulsory-optionalGCr3yes
A17-TArchitecture of 17th Centurycs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 203yes
A18-TArchitecture of 18th Centurycs2Compulsory-optionalGCr3yes
A19-TArchitecture of 19th Centurycs1Compulsory-optionalEx3yes
XX2-TArchitecture of 21st Century 2cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 203yes
DAK-THistory of Architectural Drawingcs1Compulsory-optionalExP - 263yes
DAP-KDesigning Architectural Elementscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 2 / S - 243yes
DEM-KDesign Manualcs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 12 / S - 143yes
FOA-NPhotography and Architecturecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 12 / S - 143yes
HLS-KEEarthen Architectureen3Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 26 / VT - 24 / EX - 2 / C1 - 23yes
IA2-TInterpretation of Architecture 2cs3Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
KTA-TChapters from the Theory of Architecturecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
KTMCHAPTERS FROM ARCHITECTURAL THEORY Mcs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
UT2-TModern Development and Theory of Urban Design 2cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
NS3-KDesign of Buildings 3 – Public Buildingscs1Compulsory-optionalEx3yes
NS4-KDesign of Buildings 4 – Agricultural Buildingscs1Compulsory-optionalExP - 263yes
ORP-TRenovation and Restoration of Monumentscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 8 / VT - 8 / EX - 103yes
BENSpecialized English Languagecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
PMA-TSpace in Modern Architecturecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
RPS-KEReconstructions, failures and strengthening of buildingsen2Compulsory-optionalCr,ExP - 22 / EX - 43yes
RIO-KReconversion of Brownfieldscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
ROS-TRevitalization and Restoration of Settlementscs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
SCE-KScenographycs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 8 / S - 163yes
SE2-KBuilding and Environment-friendly Design 2cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrK - 26 / S - 263yes
TRA-TTraditionalism in Architecture of the 20th and 21st Centuriescs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
UMR-KArts and craftscs1Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 4 / EX - 203yes
ULA-TUrban design and vernacular architecture of Czech and Moravian countrysidecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 4 / S - 18 / EX - 43yes
UPV-TShaping and Transformations of the Rural Environment cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263no
VST-KExhibition Designcs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 4 / S - 18 / EX - 43yes
VFI-NArt Techniques – Figurecs2Compulsory-optionalGCrP - 2 / S - 243yes
VK2-NArt Techniques – Drawing 2cs2Compulsory-optionalGCrC1 - 263yes
ZAA-TELandscape Architectureen2Compulsory-optionalGCrS - 263yes
VYF005Professional Technical Frenchcs2ElectiveCrC1 - 262yes
VYI005Professional Technical Italiancs2ElectiveCrC1 - 262yes
VYN007Professional German 1cs2ElectiveCrC1 - 262yes
VYR005Professional Russian in Architecturecs2ElectiveCrC1 - 262yes
VYS005Professional Spanish in Architecturecs2ElectiveCrC1 - 262yes
2. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
MS1-TMaster Thesis Seminar 1 cs2CompulsoryGCrS - 22 / EX - 4no
SP2-KConstruction Law in Architectural Practicecs2CompulsoryExP - 26yes
TEA-TTheory and Aesthetics in Architecturecs2CompulsoryExP - 26yes
MA1-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis Concept M1cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041no
MA2-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis Concept M2cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041no
MA3-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis Concept M3cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041no
MA4-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis Concept M4cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041no
MA5-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis Concept M5cs15Compulsory-optionalGCrA - 1041no
2. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
MS2-TMaster Thesis Seminar 2cs3CompulsoryGCrno
DP1-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis M1cs27Compulsory-optionalCrA - 1041no
DP2-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis M2cs27Compulsory-optionalCrA - 1041no
DP3-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis M3cs27Compulsory-optionalCrA - 1041no
DP4-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis M4cs27Compulsory-optionalCrA - 1041no
DP5-AElaboration of Master´s Thesis M5cs27Compulsory-optionalCrA - 1041no
All the groups of optional courses
Gr. Number of courses Courses
2 1 VYF005, VYI005, VYN007, VYR005, VYS005
1 1 DP1-A, DP2-A, DP3-A, DP4-A, DP5-A
1 1 MA1-A, MA2-A, MA3-A, MA4-A, MA5-A