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Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

PO Box 294345 , Dubai ,United Arab Emirates

BA (Hons) in Architecture

The programme provides a thorough grounding in the subject of architecture, including a portfolio of design, technical and theoretical courses covering all aspects of architectural theory and practice. The course has been designed with reference to the RIBA criteria, providing students with a well-rounded and internationally respected curriculum. Students will work across technical and humanities disciplines, testing the knowledge and skills from these courses through a series of core design projects taught in a studio environment (approx 50% of courses). The course provides students with the key analytical and practical skills and knowledge required to attain the RIBA Part 1 level, the first step towards formal Chartership as an architect (course accreditation pending).

After graduation, students are equipped to work for consultants, contractors or government at Architectural Assistant level, and/or apply for an RIBA Part 2 level postgraduate course at international universities.

The core curriculum includes instruction in all main subject areas, providing a grounding in architectural design history and theory as well as technical instruction and application. Students will be required to produce a varied portfolio of drawn, modelled (CAD and physical), written and examined work. There is an emphasis throughout on the personal development of students within a professional environment.

Why study Architecture at Heriot-Watt University's Dubai Campus?

  • Heriot-Watt University has a wealth of specialist expertise in the built environment and is internationally recognised as one of only four Centres of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design.
  • The course is based on the internationally renowned RIBA Part 1 level.
  • The course covers both technical and theoretical aspects, providing an excellent foundation for future practice or study at postgraduate level, including RIBA Part 2.
  • The combination of lectures and studio delivery encourages excellent self-motivation and the development of transferable skills that are valuable across the built environment industry.
  • Our programme is designed to help shape the built environment for the 21st century, not only in terms of architecture but also to support a sustainable, energy-efficient and green society.

Intakes

  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Graduates from the Architecture BA(Hons) programme can expect to find jobs as architectural assistants in multinational architecture and engineering companies, government organisations and small to medium-sized private sector firms (architecture, urban design and interior design).

The BA (Hons) Architecture degree offered by Heriot-Watt provides an excellent first step in an architectural education that can lead towards becoming a professionally qualified Architect with further studies, examinations and experience (pending final RIBA validation for Part One).*

*Students who wish to join the UK Register of architects (a pre-requisite of becoming a Chartered Architect in the UK with the RIBA) should consult the Architects Registration Board’s website for further information about its routes to registration.

PSW Opportunity

After completion of their studies, students can change their study visa to work visa to extend their stay in Dubai.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Our entry criteria are listed below. However, please note that the final decision remains at the discretion of the course director after evaluating scores of individual relevant subjects.

Students who are eligible to be admitted directly into second year can choose to join the first year, where available.

First year entry

  • GCE A-Level CCC (or AABB at AS-Level)
  • CBSE 65%.
  • American High School Diploma + SAT 1s - 1000
  • Tawjihiyya 80%
  • International Baccalaureate 24 points.
  • BTEC Level 3 Ext Diploma MMM
  • Foundation year Successful completion of Heriot-Watt University Degree Entry Programme (Engineering) with a BBBB.
  • FBISE grade 12 or equivalent – 70%
  • Curriculum Russian/Kazakhstan (Attestat) with minimum grade of 5 + IELTS 6.0
  • EmSAT minimum 1400 English and 1200 Maths
  • Compulsory subjects to include English.

Second year entry
Consideration is subject to:

  • A design portfolio
  • An interview with the programme director
  • The completion of Year 1 of a design programme in which the learning outcomes and progression are similar to Heriot-Watt University, Dubai. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

We also welcome Year 2 and Year 3 students from other universities with architectural educational qualifications, provided they meet our evaluation process.