Table of Contents
Introduction
The Masters of Architecture degree is probably more about learning about a specific field of architecture and is only offered to those determined to become the best in that field. Being a niche course requires specific competencies for which the student must meet certain standards. Students may select their Master’s program in India or abroad, depending upon the ideology. In this article, we discuss the requirements for Indian students to attend any prestigious university outside of India.
Good overall Percentage in B.Arch
It is important. The most basic requirement for students is to be eligible to do coursework abroad at a university. Students may possess high software skills and design skills but, they may not have a good percentage, which would limit their chances of being eligible or may eliminate their probability for admission.
Considering this, if you are a student or enrolled in a bachelor’s of Architecture course, then you may need to improve your score as much as possible. Overall, the percentage does matter as it increases the chances of selection. On average, most universities require students to score 70-75 percent on their bachelor’s degree program, while the rest varies.
Even if you may have realized later, there is still hope. For example, some Universities consider you eligible for a course only if you have obtained a minimum score for your last two years of education. A good percentage acts as a bonus in your application. So, gear up in your bachelor’s year and strive to get better marks for a higher percentage.
There are different minimum requirements for admission to colleges than for universities. They measure it in terms of GPA or CGPA. Getting this metrics may be done by converting your total percentages to those available on online portals.
Architecture Portfolio
An architecture portfolio is an essential component of this field, whether you are an academic or a professional. A portfolio is a document that describes your previous works in architecture. Showing your various skills lay outed in a well-composed manner. It comprises your academic and professional projects.
Academic work
The assignments or projects done in your 5-year bachelor’s degree course have a lot of weight here. Any work that shows your abilities, such as basic sketches, modals, design problems, building and construction drawings or details, 3D renders, photographs, thesis projects, documentaries, presentations, writings, or any work that is of high quality or for which you have received praise, should be included. It may also include individual or group works.
It is your best work, as quality dominates quantity. Therefore, ensure the quality of work you put into it. Students lack the discipline to collect their data. To avoid this situation, the data needs to be captured effectively before submission.
Professional work/ internship work
The experience you have in a professional field, whether for years or months, most likely reflects your mastery of design and working drawings. Understanding different type of drawings is clear in this type of work. Show a portfolio of your best projects or work where you have contributed the most or have been a crucial part of the team. Include your expertise, whether it is drafting, detailing, 2D working drawings, concept drawings, construction drawings, 3D renders, or any other type of drawing you are good at. Different design projects show your versatility and proficiency.
Architecture Competition entry
If you include architectural competition entries, it suggests that you have interests and endeavours beyond academics and professionals. It shows your imagination and thinking abilities.
Consider composition a primary step in setting up your portfolio, since not only your work, but the layout also adds to its appeal. The work you give must be your own, and the projects done within the group must be mentioned. There may be variations in portfolio specifications for universities, such as page sizes and the number of pages. It is best to search for the university’s website if you are interested in that institution.
A Writing or published article
In some universities, architectural writing is required for admission application. It may be your writing or a document that is published. It showcases your research skills, understanding of grammar, and describing skills. Keep working to improve your writing skills since it will assist in your pursuit of an architecture degree.
Statement of purpose for Masters of Architecture
The statement of purpose is a crucial document required by most universities. It introduces you to them in your own words and allows them to gain an insight into your perspective and interests in the architecture field you are applying to.
You can think of it as an off-the-cuff interview, and you should respond to questions about your goals. Writing ideas may be taken from SOPs that are available online. This document should be unique.
First, it should convey your interests, life goals, and determination to seek this course. Second, it involves your idea of the specific university you choose and how its contribution is beneficial in your chosen field. It may be the expert faculty, well-equipped studios, infrastructure, or other university amenities that made you apply to it.
Third, express your views, strengths, academic or professional work in a summarised way. This document outlines a professional statement while also providing an insight into your inspiration and aspirations.
English language proficiency
If a student is applying for M. Arch admission abroad, they will need to provide a document that proves their English proficiency. For a minimum eligibility score in ILETS (International English Language Testing System), Academic or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is necessary for the application process.
It’s basically to validate your English language skills. The result is an average score based on four tests: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. It is a student’s choice to opt for one of these. However, some may require both scores. Therefore, you may need to give both the tests according to your course and university specifications.
Transcripts
One of the most important documents for your future host, the M.Arch University, serves the purpose of proving your academic record. It specifies the course details, like subjects, marks, and others, that are mandatory for your application consideration. The signed copy sent by the university is considered official; otherwise, it is unofficial.
Information related to transcripts is in brief on university portals and is to be submitted per their requirements. Therefore, check them as soon as you begin the application process so you can have time to talk to your institution and university to ensure that you will receive your documents on time.
Letter of recommendation
Generally, two LORs are required to represent your recommendations from academic and professional backgrounds. Some may require three or more.
A letter of recommendation is an essential document referred to by someone under whose guidance you have studied or worked. Your academic faculty and the head of the firm, who will describe your work ethics on their terms. At the time of application, you require their names, mail ids, and contact numbers to be filled in. Furthermore, you may need their initiative to fill in and reply to mail sent by the universities on their mail ids.
What factors contribute to the selection of a country and course?
Funds
No less, but a comparatively enormous amount is required for the M.Arch courses at a university for international students in the architecture field. Many students cannot apply, considering the expensive fee structure. Their application process requires you to pay a fee for the admission process to enroll for a master’s in the architecture programme. Despite this, some have a substantial fee structure where students may apply to fulfil their professional goals. So, search out a scholarship programme and generate your application for your selective course.
Country and the course
It is the primary factor of consideration. The M.Arch course is a broad stream with various domains whose availability depends on university and country levels. Therefore, the country and the course go hand in hand. It may happen that your selected country does not offer the course of your choice, or vice versa may happen. You may begin the admission process once you have a list of countries, courses, and your eligibility for each.
Future goals
Sometimes students don’t recognize their future goals in their professional field and apply for courses abroad, which may become an obstacle in their future. Firstly, their course value for themselves and the world, and their likelihood of success and fulfilment in the field they have chosen. Secondly, is the choice of the country regarding the further continuation of their professional aspirations in the field of architecture.
Summary
Various aspects help you to make decisions for M.Arch course selection abroad. It’s just the time you realize it. When this realization strikes, you should start your research work and look out for all the proximities that help you visualize your future in the field of architecture. As long as you are determined and optimistic, you have many prospects for building your skills and career. Aspire! Target! and achieve!
