Bachelor of Architecture

Concerned with the art and science of merging human activity harmoniously with interior and exterior environments, architecture is the process of planning, designing and constructing buildings and their surrounding landscapes.

This five-year program will introduce you to the world of architecture and design, help you tap into your creativity and develop your skills in art and design as well as the required technical and environmental knowledge. You will learn to identify the physical, physiological, psychological and cultural needs of different user groups and how to meet these needs, develop conceptual designs, conduct design development, prepare working drawings and contractual documents for the construction of different types of buildings from villas to high-rise towers.

We are the only university in Abu Dhabi to offer a professional degree in Architecture.

We are also the first architecture program in the UAE to have international accreditation/RIBA Part 1 validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). We will receive full international accreditation/validation in 2018. We are extremely proud of this accolade because it is testament to our program excellence.

Career Opportunity

The Bachelor of Architecture Degree from ADU is designed to be recognized as a professional degree in most regions of the world including North America, Europe and all Arab countries. This puts you on the right track to become a registered licensed architect.

There has never been a better time to study architecture in the UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular. Its stunning city skyline boasts some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and many of its innovative buildings push the limits of architectural imagination. As it continues to expand and compete with the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, it provides a plethora of material to study and research, the perfect place to explore new forms and designs, with no limits on your creativity.

Both private companies and public agencies seek architects for a variety of professional positions. Many work for engineering and architecture consulting offices or construction companies as designers and project managers. As well as becoming a professional architect and establishing your own design office, the study of architecture is also an excellent vehicle for further academic study at postgraduate level including our Master of Sustainable Architecture program.

Graduates have gone on to work in companies including Al Bayaty Architects, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, Musanada, RW Armstrong and Shankland Cox Ltd among many others.

Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture

In line with the UAE’s strategy to foster sustainable architecture, this program incorporates the best international practices of environmental design and contemporary architecture. It is a 30 credit hour program that will prepare you to research and develop innovative sustainable architectural solutions, provide you with an understanding of the latest environmental design trends and develop the research skills that are essential for sustainable design.

Covering the full range of issues associated with sustainable design, including energy consumption, materials and resources, different global environments and the health and wellbeing of end users, you will gain knowledge and skills that will enable you to take a leading role as a specialized practitioner and improve your professional profile.

Since the launch of the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, the inauguration of Masdar city and the launch of the ‘Estidama’ guidelines, it is a great time to study sustainable design, preparing you for the UAE’s progressive city planning and development policies.

We graduated our first cohort of students in 2017 and the demand for practitioners skilled in sustainable design continues to grow.

Career opportunity

There has never been a better time to study sustainable architecture in the UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular. Its stunning city skyline boasts some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and many of its innovative buildings push the limits of architectural imagination. As it continues to expand and compete with the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, it provides a plethora of material to study and research, the perfect place to explore new forms and designs, with no limits on your creativity.

Both private companies and public agencies seek architects with a master’s degree for a variety of professional positions including architecture and consulting offices, construction companies, municipalities and the Urban Planning Council.

The acquisition of a master’s degree demonstrates a high level of knowledge in your chosen field. You may use it to enhance your employability, as preparation for further academic research or as a means of professional training.