Architecture and Urban Design, term 7 30 credits

About the course package

The exchange term at Umeå School of Architecture gives the student the opportunity to explore of new fields of knowledge related to architecture and urban design. The aim is to develop your own critical thinking and your ability to apply new perspectives, designing alternative architectural proposals, strategies and practices that can contribute to change in today's societal- and urban development. Important elements of the programme are social- and environmental sustainability, resource awareness, work on different scales, experimenting with technical solutions and prototyping through full-scale construction and architectural interventions and installations in the physical environment.

The package consists of two seminar courses run in parallel with a synthesis course in the form of a design project. The seminar courses introduce and deepen theoretical and technical concepts, methods, processes and issues. Design projects are carried out within different studios, allowing you to choose an approach departing from your personal interest.

5AR420 Synthesis course 1: Architecture and Urban Design Project, Positioning, 20 Credits The course focuses on a specific architectural and urban research theme within which the students are encouraged to develop their own position and agenda. Students formulate and develop a strategic, research-based approach to creating urban and architectural design strategies. The course is studio based. The course teachers adjust and determine specific course information, themes, design requirements, and submission requirements for the academic year.

5AR421 Seminar course 1a: Technology, 5 Credits In the course the students will develop knowledge of structural engineering, environmental comfort, material consideration, system and detail design development. The students will apply this knowledge in design projects with particular focus on sustainability and environmental impact.

5AR422 Seminar course 1b: History & Theory, 5 Credits The course will provide the students with an orientation of the contemporary debate on architecture and urban planning, developing an awareness of the historical, theoretical political and professional concerns and agendas that drive it. Departing from the broad overview the students will identify, explore and research a specific issue related to their work in the synthesis project.

Courses in the course package

Starts 31 August 2026

Show syllabus

This course is only included in the course package.
Starts 31 August 2026

Show syllabus

This course is only included in the course package.
Starts 31 August 2026

Show syllabus

This course is only included in the course package.

Apply

Autumn 2026
- Architecture and Urban Design, term 7
  
  HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  31 August 2026
  
  Ends
  17 January 2027
  
  Number of credits
  30 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-A5256
  
  Eligibility
  
  Bachelor's degree in architecture, minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent foreign degree and work samples/portfolio. English language proficiency equivalent to (the Swedish upper secondary school) English course 6/level 2.
  
  Selection
  
  Students applying for courses within a double degree exchange agreement, within the departments own agreements will be given first priority. Then will - in turn - candidates within the departments own agreements, faculty agreements, central exchange agreements and other departmental agreements be selected.
  
  Application
  Online applications are now open. Application deadline is 18 April 2026.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As 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 118,400
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Exchange students only

Once your home university has submitted your nomination, you will receive application instructions and a link to the course application portal. Use that link to choose your courses and upload the required documents.

To submit a complete application, follow the instructions on the application page carefully: Application instructions

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