Architecture

Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Architecture, B.Arch.
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The five year undergraduate program in Architecture aims to foster critical thinking and develop the capability to significantly improve the built environment through active participation of its graduates in the profession of architecture in Qatar and the region.  The program considers the following aspects as important measures of success:

• Striking a balance between different types of knowledge an architect needs. The objective of the program in this context is to graduate architects who can play multiple roles within Qatari society and can compete with their counterparts, while positioning themselves distinctively in a competitive global market.

• Striving to graduate architects who are able to, effectively and efficiently, deal with the realities of the Qatari local context exemplified by its culture and society and the regional context of the building industry.

• Striving to graduate architects who are well versed in developing design ideas, and in materializing those ideas into practical design and building solutions while utilizing up to date information technology in design.

Considering the multifaceted nature of Architecture, the program is 160 credit hours and is undertaken over a period of five years (10 semesters) in addition to two compulsory summer sessions of practical training.

The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning is going through Substantial Equivalency Procedures for the Bachelor of Architecture Program from NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board, inc.,)  in the United States.

The mission of the Program of "Architecture", Department of Architecture and Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, is pursued in the highest academic tradition of the University through: 1) excellence in teaching and delivery of instruction, 2) exploration and dissemination of Knowledge through scholarly research and exemplary artistic production, and 3) the advancement and application of professional knowledge and expertise through service to the industry, the local community, and society at large.

The classification of the objectives of the Bachelor Program in Architecture at Qatar University stems from the widely acknowledged taxonomy of educational objectives developed by educational theorists under the headings of Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor. Therefore, the objectives of the program are to integrate knowledge-based and skill-based pedagogies in a balanced manner needed to graduate responsive architects:

1. Cognitive: Provide high quality education that prepares students to assume professional roles in architecture by offering sound knowledge in design theories and applications, building technology, social, cultural and environmental factors, and the application of information technology.

2. Affective:  Prepare students to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within the building industry by providing knowledge in built environment related disciplines relevant to ethical responsibilities and professional obligations in architecture.

3. Psychomotor:  Prepare students to acquire and develop creative problem solving and lifelong learning skills including critical thinking and assessment of existing environments, active and experiential learning for developing design concepts and solutions, and communication and presentation of those ideas to peers, clients, decision makers, and the public.  

Students who are fully exempted from the College of Engineering  foundation program requirements and wish to specialize in the Architecture program will be requested to sit for the aptitude test and the personal interview with the program's specialization panel during the first week of September. This panel has the authority to decide on the fitness of the candidates. The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning will contact those students and inform them about the date and venue of the test and interview”. This program is only for Female.

Qatar University supports a wide variety of scholarships recipients each academic year in order to attract highly qualified students. While the vast majority of academic scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and scholarly achievement, Qatar University also provides other scholarships that also consider financial need. All scholarships cover the cost of tuition fees while the benefits of some scholarships may also include one or more of the following benefits: free accommodation in university dormitories, transportation to and from the University, and a yearly airfare ticket to the home country for students who are not residents of Qatar.The student shall pay the due penalties in case he/she drops courses, or withdraw from the semester.

Scholarships contained within this guide includes only first bachelor students and students who transfer from other universities to Qatar University. Non-degree applicants, visiting students and applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree are not eligible for academic scholarships offered by Qatar University.