Master of Science in Architecture and Urbanism

Overview​

The Master of Science in Architecture and Urbanism (MSAU) degree is offered at Effat University, administered by the Architecture Department, and supervised by Effat College of Architecture and Design. The MSAU program constructs a common intellectual ground for architects, planners, designers, landscape architects, environmental designers, and graduates holding a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, business and humanities who plan to practice architecture and urban design professionally, pursue a career in academia and research, or enhance and update their knowledge and experience as architects and urban designers. Towards the attainment of this objective, the program provides state-of-the-art knowledge of the architecture and urbanism techniques-and-procedures. The program’s educational culture is to challenge students to reconsider architecture and urbanism within the contemporary context of economic, political, social, and environmental challenges that often designate today’s agglomerations. The program amalgamates theoretical-based knowledge and practical-based knowledge that enable graduates to seize a competitive edge in the job markets through the multiple career opportunities that might be pursued.

Students at the MSAU program work in groups to handle larger assigned projects. Students themselves will form their teams based on academic interests and assigned design problems. By working in groups students are able to take on projects that would otherwise exceed the capabilities of a single person. This allows the students to get a deeper and broader understanding of the complexity of the studied problems while developing teamwork skills.

The MSAU program focuses on Problem-Based Learning (PBL). The philosophy behind PBL is that the interaction between academic theory and professional practice develops the students’ ability to analyze and solve complex problems in a more independent and innovative manner. Naturally, students are also introduced to theories and methods through lectures, courses, and workshops. In each semester, there is a significant project, in which the taught theories and methods are applied. The MSAU program is based mainly on research so that students are offered the newest scientific knowledge. As a result, the students will be able to develop and present an individual graduation thesis on a topic of their choice.​

Knowledge and Understanding

1. MSAU-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. MSAU-K2: Integrate critical thinking and interdisciplinary perspectives in researching theoretical and technical knowledge within architecture, urbanism, engineering, environmental science, and digital technologies. NQF20-K3 (Itqan).

3. MSAU-K3: Articulate literature gaps and evidence-based arguments for research proposals using applied research methodologies and a wide range of qualitative and quantitative data. NQF20-K4 (Itqan).
   

Skills

1. MSAU-S1: Synthesize architecture and urbanism theories with advanced technical knowledge of high-performance buildings, engineering systems, and digitization to evaluate and deliver solutions for real-world projects. NQF20-S1.2 (Itqan).

2. MSAU-S2: Develop creative design solutions to complex problems related to buildings and cities based on the critical review of appropriate theoretical knowledge and application of advanced technical skills. NQF20-S1.3 (Itqan).

3. MSAU-S3: Conduct a substantial research investigation employing advanced methodological and theoretical frameworks and writing a thesis with clear findings and scholarly contributions. NQF20-S1.4 (Itqan).

4. MSAU-S4: Communicate complex theoretical ideas and technical knowledge effectively through oral presentations and clear effective writing. NQF20-S3.1 (Ambassador).
   

Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility

1. MSAU-V1: Demonstrate commitment to professional ethics, social responsibilities, environmental stewardship, and public safety and welfare. NQF20-V1 (Ihsan)

2. MSAU-V2: Master individual and collaborative work on complex tasks and exercise leadership roles that navigate interpersonal situations with multiple worldviews. NQF20-V3 (Stewardship).​
   

The MSc in Architecture and Urbanism program prepares students for effective intervention and development of both physical change and design proposals. Upon completion of the program, students will have developed the necessary skills and understanding to have a smart and positive impact in a variety of architectural design-based roles in both public and private areas.

Alternatively, with a Master of Science Degree in Architecture and Urbanism, students will have received adequate preparation to pursue a higher degree at the Doctoral level.

Graduates of MSAU will be well equipped to pursue careers as:

• Architects, urban designer practitioners, and project management roles for design processes.
• Architecture and urban field executioners at different private and public projects.
• Architecture and urban officials in municipalities, boroughs, townships, and governmental bodies as urban officers, urban officials, and urban managers.
• A career in academia as instructors and researchers.
• A career in governmental or private agencies.
• Town and transport planners and historic buildings inspectors/conservation officers.
• A career in professions related to urban development.
• Effective designers and advocates for development enterprises.
• Architectural technologist.
• ​BIM Coordinator
• BIM Manager​​
• Landscape Architect.
• Interior Architect.
  

Major Requirements (Total of 24 Credit Hours)

• MSAU Core Courses​ = 18​
  

• MSAU Thesis = 6
  

Elective Courses 

Total Program Credits = 33

Master of Science in Architecture and Urbani​sm​ Study Plan (PDF)​​

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