Is Architectural Engineering for you?
Want to know if you are suited to the master in Architectural Engineering programme? See the information and activities below to find out.
What does this programme involve?
The master in Architectural Engineering programme builds an advanced level of knowledge in three dimensions:
(1) Architectural sciences, in which you will explore the history of architecture, architectural theory, the social context in which an artifact is created and critical interpretation of the architectural discourse;
(2) Engineering sciences, in which you will delve into construction methods and technologies, as well as digging deeper to calculate and simulate all technical aspects related to the execution of an artifact, ranging from acoustics, stability of the structure, foundation engineering, building physics, heating, lighting, material properties, the use of new materials and lightweight structures, reuse and renovation of existing structures and the design of structures with a transformation capacity;
(3) Architectural design, in which you will acquire knowledge, and methods to apply this extensive knowledge and resources and to communicate and integrate them in space and time.
Who better to tell you what this programme is like than the students who've participated?
- Isabelle Hens | Student Architectural Engineering
"I was looking for a programme that would allow me to combine my interest in science with my creative spirit. Already in the first year, I knew I had made the right choice. The master in Architectural Engineering offers a good mix of creativity and exact sciences, which sets us apart from other engineering programmes and yields a variety of career paths after our training."
- Lore Vantomme | Former student
"As an architectural engineer, you have, as it were, a luxury position. After my studies I gained experience in four very diverse jobs. The creative way of dealing with problems and the flexible search for solutions, which I developed during my studies, has demonstrated its added value time and again."
What is the difference with the master of Science in Civil Engineering and the master in Architecture?
The master in Architectural Engineering has a unique profile, despite its similarities with other programmes, in particular master of Science in Civil Engineering or master in Architecture. We are often asked about the difference with these two programmes, and the answer is very simple: architectural engineering combines the best of both worlds, through its three-fold focus on architectural design, architectural sciences and engineering sciences.
Why study at the VUB?
Studying at VUB gives you more than a diploma. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking, and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity. Who you are today and want to be tomorrow.
Spread the study load
Create your own studypath
Within the VUB, we want to maximize our commitment to personal development and give as many students as possible the opportunity to continue their studies and develop themselves. Depending on your personal situation, it may be more difficult to devote full time to your studies. For example, you combine your studies with a job, you do top-level sports, ...
At VUB you study at your own pace. With a flexible study pathway you make room for your personal situation (elite sports, dyslexia, disability, etc.). More information?
Study and examination flexibility
Reflex status
Do you have a physical disability, learning disability or chronic illness, or are you starting a business or finding it harder to study because of your personal situation? If so, you qualify for Reflex Status.
With this you can ask for a flexible approach to your studies and exams, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Elite sports and studying
Elite sports and study
Keen to combine your elite sporting career with a programme at VUB? It makes sense, as it strengthens your position in the jobs market after your sporting career ends.
Our Elite Sports & Study department helps you work out a personal study pathway and guides you through to the end.
Studying with a disability
Studying with a functional impairment
Do you have a disability (for example, a learning disability, chronic medical condition, psychiatric or sensory disability)? If so, you qualify for a flexible approach to your studies and exams through Reflex Status, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Find out more about Reflex Status
For extra support there are other student services to draw on at VUB. For example, a wheelchair-adapted room, study guidance and a personal study-pathway, mental healthcare, medical care, etc.
Study Guidance
Study Guidance
An experienced team of student psychologists, student counsellors and study-pathway supervisors are there to give you personal study advice, guidance and training. At every phase in your study career.
- Individual - Advice on your choice of programme, stress and anxiety training, help with exam planning, help for students with dyslexia...
- Group (workshops, courses) - Choosing a subject for your bachelor's or master's thesis, learning to present, dealing with stress and anxiety...
- Tools - An example of good weekly planning, tips and tricks for a good study method, a step plan to help you choose the right programme...
Combining your studies with a job
The master in Architectural Engineering is a daytime only programme. Therefore, there is no option to combine this study with a fulltime job.
Studying abroad
The curriculum of the first master year can be replaced by an alternative programme of usually 30 or 60 ECTS at a foreign university. This international mobility offers you extra opportunities to tune the content of your curriculum with international courses, internships and research projects without delaying your study progress. Possible destinations are Milan (Italy), Cottbus (Germany), or Göteborg (Sweden).