Self-test FH Architecture Bachelor course: Is this course right for me?
Test here whether studying architecture or working as an architect UAS suits you and whether studying for a "Bachelor of Arts [UAS] in Architecture" is the right path for you.
What does the everyday working life of architects FH look like?
Architects FH are professionals in the planning, design, realization and supervision of construction projects, such as residential buildings, hospitals, company headquarters, industrial buildings, school and sports facilities, as well as roads, parking lots, landscapes, playgrounds and interiors. In their work, they combine aesthetic creativity with sound engineering knowledge.
They often work as employees in architecture and planning offices. However, they can also be found in public administration, real estate management, building cooperatives, cultural institutions or the media (journalism), research, science and teaching/schools. Some work as freelance architects and run their own company, often together with business partners as architecture and planning offices.
The day-to-day work of architects FH can be very varied. For example, they are responsible for or, depending on their professional experience, initially involved in the following tasks:
- Drafting, designing, constructing, visualizing and renovating buildings using detailed working drawings
- Development of the construction plans (digital with three-dimensional models)
- Advising clients on planning, design, financial and legal issues
- Communication with clients, authorities (building zones, obtaining permits, etc.) and relevant companies
- Preparation of documents, documentation, analyses, reports and presentations for clients or for project tenders/competitions
- Preparation and monitoring of the cost budget and schedule
- Monitoring and control of construction progress
UAS architects take a holistic view in their work and also take into account developments in the economy, politics, energy, environment and climate. In order to be able to cover the wide range of topics, they are in constant and close contact with other experts such as electrical planners, civil engineers, plumbing and heating specialists, climate experts, sociologists, etc.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an architect FH?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your FH Architecture degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offered by Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Then take a look at the relevant job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require the activities that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training.
Remember: in practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: Who is the FH Architecture course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The architecture course leading to a Bachelor's degree from a federally accredited university of applied sciences is suitable for
- Graduates of upper secondary level (EFZ with BM1/BM2 or high school diploma and at least 1 year of relevant professional experience) who are enthusiastic about architecture and would like to gain a professional foothold in it.
- Ambitious professionals who work in the real estate industry, for example, and would like to professionalize their passion for buildings and houses from a different perspective.
- People with a federal certificate of competence as a draughtsperson specializing in architecture who would like to give their career a boost by studying architecture at a university of applied sciences.
- Experienced professionals with an upper secondary level qualification who would like to reorient themselves and switch to architecture.
Architects FH should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Spatial imagination
- Craftsmanship
- A sense of aesthetics
- Creative expressiveness
- Flair for numbers
- Sense of responsibility
- Meticulous, reliable and solution-oriented way of working
- Creativity
- Communication skills and foreign language skills
- Winning, confident and professional demeanor
- Team and conflict management skills
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of this degree program and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot directly pursue the FH Architecture degree. However, many paths lead to the architecture sector. Take a look at the page "Architecture studies" with various courses from suitable providers. You can also take a look at ourGuide "Training and further education in the construction and architecture sector". You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have a qualification at upper secondary level, there are still ways: even as an adult, it is possible to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the architecture industry, look for internships. You may also know someone who works in the architecture industry; ask them if they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in the role of an architect FH. Keep an eye out for other further training courses. You can find numerous courses and suitable providers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the FH Architecture Bachelor's program:
The respective universities of applied sciences decide on admission to architecture studies at Bachelor's level. In addition to direct, examination-free admission, some universities of applied sciences also offer other admission procedures (entrance examination, admission "sur dossier", i.e. examination of personal documents). Depending on previous education and experience, it is sometimes possible to have credits recognized. Here too, the decision lies with the universities of applied sciences.
As a rule, the following admission requirements apply:
- Draftsman EFZ specializing in architecture or other related EFZ with (technical or design) vocational baccalaureate
Or
- High school diploma and one year of relevant work experience in construction and planning
Or
- Other completed apprenticeship (EFZ) with vocational baccalaureate and relevant one-year internship in construction and planning
Or
- Degree from a university of applied sciences (HF) in the construction industry and relevant practical experience
Note: Some universities of applied sciences
- explicitly require practical professional experience in a recognized Swiss architecture firm.
- require a workload of 40-50% in a relevant job in the part-time model.
- offer voluntary preliminary courses or "practical construction courses" to deepen basic knowledge and skills in the practical construction field and thus ideally prepare students for their studies.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
Interesting:
As already mentioned, the respective universities of applied sciences decide on admission to studies. They can largely design their courses themselves. Institutional accreditation in accordance withUniversity Funding and Coordination Act(HFKG) (Chapter 5.) of the federal government is a prerequisite for the designation right "university of applied sciences" or "university" and "university of teacher education", the granting of federal contributions and program accreditation.
If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Here you will find an overview of the cantonal websites.
You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation.You can find more information here.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for architects FH, clarify your chances directly with the university of your choice.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant position. To do this, contact the relevant job portals, such as jobs.ch
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the field of architecture or construction and planning, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Interesting:
As already mentioned, the respective universities of applied sciences decide on admission to studies. They can largely design their courses themselves. Institutional accreditation in accordance withUniversity Funding and Coordination Act(HFKG) (Chapter 5.) of the federal government is a prerequisite for the designation right "university of applied sciences" or "university" and "university of teacher education", the granting of federal contributions and program accreditation.
If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Here you will find an overview of the cantonal websites.
You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation.You can find more information here.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for architects FH, clarify your chances directly with the university of your choice.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant position. To do this, contact the relevant job portals, such as jobs.ch
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the field of architecture or construction and planning, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Interesting:
As already mentioned, the respective universities of applied sciences decide on admission to studies. They can largely design their courses themselves. Institutional accreditation in accordance withUniversity Funding and Coordination Act(HFKG) (Chapter 5.) of the federal government is a prerequisite for the designation right "university of applied sciences" or "university" and "university of teacher education", the granting of federal contributions and program accreditation.
Subject matter and content of the course
The universities of applied sciences are free to design their Bachelor's degree programs in architecture within the framework of the Higher Education Funding and Coordination Act (HFKG). The course content and thematic emphasis therefore vary. Most universities of applied sciences offer (elective) compulsory modules and elective modules.
Here is a selection of topics that are usually covered in a Bachelor's degree in Architecture:
- Design basics
- Basics Execution
- Architectural theory
- Spatial perception, representation and design
- Fundamentals of construction technology
- History of architecture, building and (residential) culture and art
- Building economics and building law
- Building technology
- Construction communication
- Building physics
- Mathematics for architects
- Scheduling and cost planning
- Site management
- Digitization
- Sustainability
- Climate, Environment
- Energy
- Mobility
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the UAS course, don't throw your arms up in the air straight away. As the course content varies from university of applied sciences to university of applied sciences, it is best to compare the course content of the different providers. There may be a course that suits you after all.You can find an overview of educational offers and suitable providers here.
Obviously the typical course content on the way to a Bachelor of Arts (FH) in Architecture is not your thing. Take a look at other training or further education courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider, training location and training model. In general, the following costs are to be expected for the 6-8 semester FH Architecture course:
- Course fees:between CHF 500 and CHF 1000 per semester for Swiss residents. Students from abroad must expect to pay higher course fees.
- Application/registration fee:between CHF 100.- and 300.-
- Examination fees (per semester):between CHF 40.- and CHF 150.-
- Additional costs:Some providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, training documents, copies/printouts, student ID/campus card, software licenses or expenses for excursions, block and seminar weeks or study trips.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 3,000-4,000 or CHF 6,000-8,000 for tuition fees?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, the federal government, cantons, foundations or loans from theEducaSwiss Foundation for the Promotion of Educationand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay your tuition fees in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for paying in installments.
Information on financial support options from the employer, the federal government, cantons, foundations or loans from theEducaSwiss Foundation for the Promotion of Educationand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay your tuition fees in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for paying in installments.
Information on financial support options from the employer, the federal government, cantons, foundations or loans from theEducaSwiss Foundation for the Promotion of Educationand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Duration of study, number of lessons, training model and learning effort
- Duration of studies and training model:The Bachelor's degree in Architecture has a modular structure and lasts 6 semesters in the full-time model or 8 semesters in the part-time model (part-time).
- Number of lessons:Academic achievements are reported in ECTS points (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System Points), a type of tool for the standardized study structure of Bachelor's and Master's degree courses at universities. As a rule, 180 ECTS points are required for a Bachelor's degree, which corresponds to 4,500-5,400 hours of work. (One ECTS point corresponds to a student workload of 25 to 30 working hours). This includes all study units such as lectures, tutorials, exercises, coursework, semester examinations, etc.
- Teaching format:In addition to traditional classroom teaching, some universities of applied sciences also offer online courses and forms of learning.
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model.
Question 6:
Can you find the time to study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A well-organized study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than 8 semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training.
Degree, diploma and title
The modules of a Bachelor's degree in Architecture all conclude with a performance assessment (examinations, module work, etc.). The architecture degree program is completed with a Bachelor's thesis, usually in the form of a project.
The universities of applied sciences are responsible for carrying out the performance assessments of modules and the final assessment. At some schools, the Bachelor's thesis is written after the subject lessons in the last semester, at others it is possible to write it during the subject lessons. At some universities of applied sciences, the written Bachelor's thesis must also be presented orally.
In the Bachelor's thesis, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, spatial, creative, interdisciplinary, networked and practical thinking. They write their thesis in individual or group work on a topic relevant to the architecture sector (usually specific construction projects)
Diploma and title
Graduates of the architecture program receive a Bachelor's degree from a federally accredited university of applied sciences and are entitled to use the title "Bachelor of Arts [FH] in Architecture".
* Note: The job title "architect" is not recognized in Switzerland.not protected. In principle, anyone can use this designation.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Bachelor's examination?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from coaches or autogenic/mental training.
You can find suitable providers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, such as coaching or autogenic/mental training.
You can find suitable providers here:
No, studying for a Bachelor's degree as an architect FH does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Architect FH is probably not the right educational goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal career. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable training or further education.
Then see what other training or further education courses interest you. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
This is a half-hearted result: working as an architect FH does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. You will find a large selection of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Further training to become an architect FH is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the information events organized by the providers. There you will learn a lot more about the course and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the subject representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin