BSc Architecture Degree

The Bachelor of S­­cience in Architecture Degree at Effat University investigates the principles and applications of history, theory, drawing, and structures, and is intended for students who seek a professional career in architecture and the building industry. BSc. Degree in Architecture will prepare you for a career as a practicing architect in both the public and private sectors. You'll be able to carry out multiple architectural tasks, from inception through to programming, and from encountering users and environmental constraints, to the development of a coordinated set of construction documents.

The Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture Degree is intended for students who seek a professional career in architecture and building industry. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in Saudi Arabia and throughout the region and the world, according to the requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education (MoE - HE). In addition, it follows the quality standards set by the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) in Saudi Arabia, and the Students Performance Criteria (SPC), set by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) in the United States of America, for a professional bachelor’s in architecture. The set of elective courses in architecture helps students to further develop their graduate studies in any of the related fields.

The practice of architecture today requires coordinated contributions from a variety of fields. Therefore, the study of architecture at Effat University investigates the principles and applications of history, theory, drawing, professional practice, and technology. Additional courses in technology, art, the humanities, engineering, the physical and social sciences, and management will help lay the foundation for the rest of education experience. Basic conceptual skills are emphasized early on, along with introducing the elements of architecture. Design studio at each level helps students develop the skills and intellectual tools to solve problems. Students will be immersed in architectural design; eight design studios and a full year capstone project are required, and it is the focal point of every semester. Studio exercises vary significantly during the five years. Students will learn to communicate ideas through models, and graphics, and written documents and/or reports. 

At the early years of your academic journey at Bachelor of Science in Architecture, you will take General Education Program (GEP), attributed to the Liberal Arts – American style education. The (GEP) covers arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technological studies to help you gain insight into varied critical learning skills, investigate essential branches of knowledge, and develop appreciation of diversity and change across time, culture, and national boundaries. ​

About the Field

Architecture arises from the same origins as other universal manifestations of material culture. However, the artefacts designated as architecture possess a scale, permanence, and pervasive influence unique among human endeavors. These qualities give the discipline a cultural prominence that few other professions enjoy. The study of architecture is concerned with complex, interdisciplinary issues. Some matters are primarily individual and practical, such as the basic human need for shelter and the desire to contrive efficient, adequate forms for the patterns of daily life. Architecture also serves a higher purpose. For example, often it is an expression of the living values of a culture. It gives form, order, and proportion to human activities.​​​​

To be a premier architecture education provider in the Middle East Region with global recognition in design, innovation, and technological advancement related to the architecture field with respect for culture, environment and societal vision.

Mi​ssion

The Architecture Department has the following mission statement 

The Architecture Department updated its mission statement to be aligned with the updated institutional mission statement. The following mission statement also emphasizes the role of scholar research and community services as integral parts of the goal of the 2022-2027 strategic plan: 

“Achieve excellence in architectural education aimed at preparing tomorrow’s leaders of qualified architects with the highest levels of knowledge, skills, and values, who are able to enrich the architecture field locally and globally with scientific research, community service and profession development through practice, and to contribute to the nation’s vision based on the principles of environmental, social and economic sustainability.”  

The architecture program is a five-year program designed to equip students with a sound knowledge and understanding of building design, landscape design, urban design, design computation, building technology, structure, construction, history of architecture, and heritage conservation.  

The mission of the Architecture program is pursued in the highest tradition of academia through: 

G​oals

1. Provide a professional learning environment that corresponds to the Architecture program mission and vision and track the progress of their achievement to guarantee the attainment of its strategic goals.
2. Provide a distinguished professional atmosphere that runs within the approved governance model to guarantee the efficient performance of the set organizational structure, and attain the local and international accreditation of the program
3. Provide state of the art facilities, equipment and learning resources to meet international standards of excellence and align to the global transformation in architectural education.
4. Create diverse, collaborative and inclusive learning and social environment to attract and retain highly qualified, innovative and creative students.
5. Recruit highly qualified and motivated faculty and researchers bridging the program with international academic programs, and create a vibrant, innovative and interactive research environment that aligns with the Saudi vision.
6. Update and enhance learning resources to match global standards of excellence in terms of new technologies and resources, in order to improve and develop the teaching and learning experience.
7. Contribute to the advancements of architecture knowledge and practices through research with socio-economic impact in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
8. Develop partnerships and collaborations with national/international institutions and organizations to enrich the pedagogical environment and expand the impact of the program in community engagement and professional consultancy.​
   

Students who successfully complete the Architecture program will be able to demonstrate the following abilities:​​

Knowledge a​nd Understanding

1. ARCH K1: Examine a broad range of knowledge areas in architecture with an emphasis on developing creative thinking and analytical design approaches. NQF20-K1 (Itqan).
2. ARCH K2: Demonstrate a critical perspective and in-depth understanding of various theoretical, historical, sociocultural, environmental, technological, and professional practices in architecture, urban design, and related fields. (NQF20-K2) (Itqan).
   
3. ​ARCH K3: Collect and present information about architecture and related fields from different sources using applied research methodologies. (NQF20-K4) (Itqan).​
   

Skills

1. ARCH S1: Integrate architecture theories, design principles, aesthetics, and problem-solving techniques in developing alternative project scenarios that are client-centered, sustainable, and socially responsive. NQF20-S1.1 (Itqan).​
   
2. ARCH S2: Implement appropriate technical documentation methods, digital instruments, and versatile communication media in the development of architecture project designs, representations, and reports. NQF20-S1.2 (Itqan).
   
3. ARCH S3: Develop advanced knowledge and technical skills in preparing integrated architectural solutions for projects of varying scales and levels of complexity reflecting consideration of stakeholders, budgets, regulations, constructability, building systems, and environmental stewardship. NQF20-S1.3 (Itqan).
   
4. ARCH S4: Initiate inquiries, conduct critical research investigations, and conceptualize sustainable development solutions for complex issues within architecture, urban design, and related fields. NQF20-S1.4 (Itqan).
   
5. ARCH S5: Employ various digital and traditional graphic representation tools in the production of two and three-dimensional design drawings, renderings, and project briefs that respond to client requirements and practice regulations. NQF20-S2.2 (Itqan).​
   
6. ARCH S6: Synthesize architectural knowledge, project management techniques, and practice skills in conducting effective oral presentations and preparing technical documents, status reports, and business startup proposals. NQF20-S3.1 (Ambassador).
7. ARCH S7: Apply mathematics, statistics, and quantitative reasoning skills to investigate urban developments, building projects, budgets, and environmental design strategies. NQF20-S3.2 (Itqan).​

Values

• ARCH V1: Manifest a commitment to ethical codes of conduct, academic principles, professional practice standards, legal obligations, social responsibilities, and civic duties. NQF20-V1 (Ihsan).​
  
• ARCH V2: Plan academic and career development goals through a self-reflective process of assessing own performance and implementing personal improvement strategies along with associated ethical, legal, financial, and professional responsibilities. NQF20-V2 (Stewardship).​
  
• ARCH V3: Collaborate effectively in diverse teams and take leadership initiatives that guide the development of creative project solutions, improve group performance, and enhance individual and collective professional practice opportunities. NQF20-V3 (Stewardship).
  

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• Effat University, Department of Architecture has received the International Certification designation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture. ICert was granted in 2019 for a term of six years
  

  The term “International Certification" identifies a program as comparable in educational outcomes in all significant aspects to a program accredited by the NAAB in the United States and indicates that it provides an educational experience meeting acceptable standards, even though such program may differ in format or method of delivery. The designation is valid for six years beginning 1 January of the year in which the final visit (Visit 3) took place. In order to maintain the designation, the program must be visited again in the sixth year of the designation.

  Schools with programs identified as International Certification are not formally “accredited" as that term is used with reference to programs in the United States and may not refer to their programs as “accredited" by the NAAB. However, students who graduate from International Certification programs are able to apply for individualized review of their credentials on an expedited basis for purposes of the Educational Evaluation Services for Architects program administered by the NAAB on behalf of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

  The following documents are available in the [library or other public area) and also may be downloaded from the Effat University, Department of Architecture

  • 2019 Conditions for NAAB International Certification
  • 2019 Procedures for NAAB International Certification
  • Visiting Team Report for NAAB ICert visit three
  • Decision letter from NAAB, stating that ICert has been granted​​
    
  • Program Self-Evaluation Report for visit three​