Syllabus & Courses

The doctoral programme in Architecture consists of courses to the extent of 60–90 ECTS credits. The course part consists of a fixed set of mandatory courses and a variable number of courses individually determined according to the doctoral student’s needs. The General syllabus for doctoral studies in Architecture with a doctoral degree as goal is available here (PDF). 

The mandatory courses convey generic skills, provide an overview of the field as such and its scientific methods, and thematize sustainability, gender equality, and equal opportunities issues as an integral component. Depending on the specialization and the doctoral students’ previous knowledge, the admission decision can specify additional mandatory course requirements if such is deemed necessary to guarantee that the student achieves a good overall expertise of the subject, and deep knowledge in their particular area of specialization. 

The remaining course requirements can be fulfilled with elective courses which broaden or deepen the doctoral student’s expertise in the subject or provide additional generic skills.

Courses developing general competence:

• Introduction to Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Science and Technology, 1 ECTS credit
• Writing Science, 5 ECTS credits
• Oral Presentation, 1 ECTS credits
• Science, ethics and society, 4 ECTS credits
• Basic statistics and research methods, 5 ECTS

Mandatory courses developing specific competence in architecture and its research methodologies are: 

• Concepts, theories and sustainability perspectives of architecture, 7.5 ECTS credits
• Scientific theory and research methodology in architecture, 7.5 ECTS credits

ResArc courses

Within ResArc – The Swedish Research School in Architecture – a collaboration between the Swedish architecture schools, UMA contributes to the development of a thematic series of courses, seminars, and workshops for doctoral students. 

ResArc’s thematic doctoral courses offer 7.5 ECTS credits and are regularly scheduled, with 1-2 courses offered per academic year, so that enrolled students can plan their participation throughout their education. The courses assure a subject-specific range of contents related to architectural theory, history, materiality, socio-spatiality, design, and practice. They typically include a theoretical introduction (phase 1), an exercise where approaches and methods are tried (phase 2), and a public outcome, such as an article, intervention, or exhibition (phase 3). At least one phase may involve a situation-specific investigation. Updated scheduled ResArc thematic courses are found on the ResArc website here.

Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology 

Each term, the Faculty of Science and Technology offers several mandatory and elective courses. For upcoming course dates, detailed information, and application instructions, click here.