Architecture Program 300 credits

About the programme
Do you want to create sustainable, socially just cities and buildings of the future? The Architecture programme at the School of Architecture can be described as being on the borderline between the artistic and the scientific disciplines. The programme is characterized by a consistent focus on sustainability and has an international profile with teachers from all over the world.
International learning environment
Focus on sustainable architecture
Well-equipped and accessible workshops
Programme overview
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Architectural design
36%
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Architectural history
16%
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Architectural technology
14%
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Practical studies in Architecture/eligible courses
7%
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Perspectives on sustainability
4%
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Architectural tools and communication
4%
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Urban design and planning
4%
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Degree project
15%
While studying
The teaching is largely project-based and aims to integrate theoretical and scientific knowledge with process-oriented and artistic research. Sustainability and resource awareness, as well as experimentation in full-scale construction, are important elements in the education. Umeå School of Architecture is equipped with a wood workshop, laser cutter, 3D printer and computer rooms.
Teaching is in English.
Architecture theory and practical tools
The school is located on the Art Campus by the banks of the Ume River together with, among others, the Academy of Fine Arts, Umeå Institute of Design and Bildmuseet.
The education mainly consists of project work with supervision, in groups or individually. Courses in, among other things, architectural theory, architectural history and technology are combined with project work and run in parallel during the semesters. Our focus is to give you a broad orientation in the subject of architecture and practical tools for analysis, development of concepts and composition, as well as a broad technical knowledge.
Hang out with a student
Are you curious about what it is like to study architecture at the School of Architecture at Umeå University? Join one of our students for a day and you'll find out more.
Your own workplace in the school studio
Many lectures are given by internationally professional architects, artists and researchers. You present your projects with, among other things, models and sketches, and have your own workplace in the school's studio. During the first three years of the education, key concepts, methods and theoretical models are introduced. The starting point gradually shifts from the local, to the regional, to the global. During the two final years, opportunities are given for specialization through different study choices with different specializations.
Courses within the programme
Year 1
- Architectural Design 1:1
- Architectural Technology 1:1
- History and Theory of Architecture 1:1
- Tools and Communication in Architecture 1:1
- Architectural Design 1:2
- Architectural Technology 1:2
- History and Theory of Architecture 1:2
- Tools and Communication in Architecture 1:2
- Perspectives on Sustainability and Architecture 1
Year 2
- Architectural Design 2:1
- Architectural Technology 2:1
- History and Theory of Architecture 2
- Tools and Communication in Architecture 2:1
- Architectural Design 2:2
- Architectural Technology 2:2
- Urban Design and Planning 1
- Tools and Communication in Architecture 2:2
- Perspectives on Sustainability and Architecture 2
Year 3
- Architectural Design 3:1
- Architectural Technology 3:1
- History and Theory of Architecture 3:1
- Urban Design and Planning 2
- Architectural Design 3:2
- Degree Project
- Architectural Technology 3:2
- History and Theory of Architecture 3:2
- Perspectives on Sustainability and Architecture 3
Year 4
- Architectural Design 1
- Architectural Technology 1
- Research Methods in Architecture 1
- Contemporary Research in Architecture
- Elective course
- Sustainability in Architectural Practice
Year 5
- Architectural Design 2
- Architectural Technology 2
- Research Methods in Architecture 2
- Master Thesis
Future and career opportunities
The education leads to an architect's degree, which means that you can work as an architect in both the private and public sector. The international character of the programme provides good preparation for working both in Sweden and in the rest of the world.
Common professions:
• Architect
• Consultant
• Project manager
Degree
The education leads to an architect's degree.
Programme director

Apply
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Autumn 2025
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Architecture Program
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
StartAutumn Term 2025
Number of credits300 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length5 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P1592
SelectionAlternative selection: GPA, the Swedish National University Aptitude test (Högskoleprovet) and the Arkitektprovet (Architecture test) in the ratio 34/33/33 percent. Admission to a maximum of one third of the study places is made after a special test that is open to those who apply for the Architecture programme via www.antagning.se or Antagningsservice, R 312, 106 53 Stockholm. The test begins with a home assignment that should be submitted no later than the last day for registration. The test can be downloaded at www.arkitektprovet.se. More information about the test can be found at www.arkitektprovet.se or www.umu.se/arkitekthogskolan/. Please note that it is necessary to make an application at www.antagning.se or have it arrive to Antagningsservice, R 312, 106 53 no later than the application deadline. This is mandatory even for those who submit the home assignments.
DegreeAfter a completed study programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Architecture in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website). In Swedish, Master of Architecture is called Arkitektexamen.
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 118,400
Total fee: SEK 1,184,000
Increase your chances with ArkitektprovetArkitektprovet is a test used for selection among eligible applicants. Up to a third of the seats at the Architecture programme are assigned to those who have taken part in Arkitektprovet.
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Autumn 2026
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Architecture Program
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
Application opens 16 March 2026Show more Show less
StartAutumn Term 2026
Number of credits300 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length5 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P1592
SelectionAlternative selection: GPA, the Swedish National University Aptitude test (Högskoleprovet) and the Arkitektprovet (Architecture test) in the ratio 34/33/33 percent. Admission to a maximum of one third of the study places is made after a special test that is open to those who apply for the Architecture programme via www.antagning.se or Antagningsservice, R 312, 106 53 Stockholm. The test begins with a home assignment that should be submitted no later than the last day for registration. The test can be downloaded at www.arkitektprovet.se. More information about the test can be found at www.arkitektprovet.se or www.umu.se/arkitekthogskolan/. Please note that it is necessary to make an application at www.antagning.se or have it arrive to Antagningsservice, R 312, 106 53 no later than the application deadline. This is mandatory even for those who submit the home assignments.
DegreeAfter a completed study programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Architecture in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website). In Swedish, Master of Architecture is called Arkitektexamen.
ApplicationThe online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 118,400
Total fee: SEK 1,184,000
Increase your chances with ArkitektprovetArkitektprovet is a test used for selection among eligible applicants. Up to a third of the seats at the Architecture programme are assigned to those who have taken part in Arkitektprovet.
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How to apply
Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
More about application and admission
Film about the programme
In the Architecture programme technology meets an artistic approach to architecture.
Explore your future at Umeå University
Join a vibrant academic community where high-quality education meets groundbreaking research in science, technology, humanities, and the arts. At Umeå University, you will learn from passionate, expert teachers and benefit from a close connection between research, education, collaboration, and innovation.
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