The Master of Architecture program is designed to prepare a new generation of highly competent and specialized architects capable of addressing contemporary and emerging architectural challenges across diverse contexts. The program combines in-depth theoretical knowledge with creative practical applications, enabling students to develop critical design thinking, advanced analytical skills, and innovative approaches to the built environment.

The program offers three specialized tracks:

  • Architectural History

  • Interior Architecture and Environmental Design

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology

These tracks allow students to tailor their academic experience to their interests and career aspirations. The program emphasizes the integration of human, environmental, and technological factors in architecture and encourages innovation in sustainable design, heritage preservation, and digital modeling techniques.

Students are engaged in advanced research and applied projects that address architectural issues on local, regional, and global scales. Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue careers in architectural design, supervision, consultancy, and academic research, or continue their postgraduate studies in related fields.

Vision

To be a leading academic platform in advancing knowledge, research, and innovation in architecture, contributing to the development of a sustainable built environment and a distinguished architectural identity.

Mission

To deliver a specialized and multi-track architectural education grounded in scientific research and creative practice, preparing professionals capable of critical thinking, innovative design, and meaningful contributions to the built environment at both local and global levels.

Program Goals

  1. Prepare specialists in architecture with advanced design and research capabilities.

  2. Deepen knowledge in architectural history and theory and their application to contemporary contexts.

  3. Integrate environmental and digital modeling technologies into the design process.

  4. Develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills in architectural issues.

  5. Promote research output that addresses environmental, cultural, and urban challenges.

  6. Equip graduates with leadership and competitiveness in the local and international markets.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

  1. Apply architectural theories and concepts to formulate advanced design solutions.

  2. Conduct rigorous research to analyze contemporary architectural issues.

  3. Use digital design and building information modeling tools effectively in architectural projects.

  4. Develop sustainable design approaches that consider environmental and cultural identity.

  5. Produce high-quality academic and professional architectural research.

  6. Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams within academic and professional settings.

Architectural History Track

The Architectural History track aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical evolution of architecture across different periods and regions. It explores the cultural, social, and political contexts that have influenced the shaping of the built environment throughout history. The track focuses on studying major architectural movements, regional styles, urban history, and the global and local architectural heritage.

Students will develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills by engaging with architectural texts, historical buildings, archival documents, and preservation case studies. The track encourages scholarly research that contributes to the documentation and conservation of architectural heritage, enriching the academic discourse in this field. It is ideal for those pursuing careers in heritage documentation, restoration, academic teaching, or historical consultancy.

Interior Architecture and Environmental Design Track

This track focuses on the dynamic relationship between human users and interior spaces, emphasizing environmental design principles and sustainability. Students will learn to formulate design solutions that enhance the quality of life indoors by controlling factors such as lighting, ventilation, acoustics, and material selection.

The track also integrates green design strategies and ecological awareness into the interior design process. It balances aesthetics, functionality, and environmental performance to create user-centered, adaptive spaces. Through theoretical and practical training, students will master advanced tools for interior design and develop the ability to design for diverse human needs.

Graduates of this track will be well-prepared to work in interior architecture, sustainable design consulting, or environmental planning, where human comfort and ecological responsibility are key.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology Track

This track focuses on the latest digital technologies used in the design, planning, and management of architectural projects through Building Information Modeling (BIM). Students will gain hands-on experience using advanced tools such as Revit, ArchiCAD, and other industry-standard platforms to create integrated digital models that represent the architectural, structural, and technical aspects of buildings.

The track emphasizes interdisciplinary coordination, efficiency in design and execution, and resource optimization. It bridges theoretical foundations with practical application in intelligent, collaborative design environments.

This track is ideal for students aiming to develop strong technical and digital skills in design and project management. Graduates will be prepared to work in architectural firms, construction companies, or research institutions that focus on technological innovation in architecture.

Study Duration

● The student studies eight courses, distributed as follows:
√ Six compulsory courses.
√ Two elective courses from among the courses offered by the college for master’s students.
● The study is conducted through research seminars in each course. The research seminar is based on multiple references and is in accordance with the methodology and standards of scientific research.
● The study of each of the eight courses takes four credit hours for a minimum of four weeks and may exceed that according to each student’s abilities. After that, the student’s competency and knowledge test is held in the course he completed, then he begins another course in the same manner, and so on.
● The student is assigned a hypothetical course that the college chooses from among the courses that the student has studied at the undergraduate level, and this is considered a practical training for the student to be evaluated with ten credit hours. The student must divide this course from twelve to fourteen brief lectures. The student presents each lecture in the form of a written summary of its topic in Word or PDF format, accompanied by a video recording of it in the student’s voice using the Power Point program, with a duration of not less than ten minutes and not more than About twenty minutes.
● Study courses in the first year, the student has the right to extend the study for a period not exceeding a second year.

The requirements for obtaining a master’s degree in various disciplines are sixty credit hours according to the study plan approved by the University Council, and these requirements are distributed according to the following programs:
1- Research courses of thirty-two credit hours.
2- A scientific thesis with eighteen credit hours.
3- A practical training of ten credit hours.

Requirements for registering a thesis topic for a master’s degree
● The student must pass the stipulated courses with a score of at least 70%.
● The student obtained a TOEFL certificate of at least 450, or its equivalent, or obtained an equivalent certificate in the French language, with the exception of those who obtained a first university degree in one of the two languages, or in one of the two languages.
● The student submits a request to the university administration to register a master’s thesis with a proposed topic in one of the subspecialty tracks.
● If the initial approval of the subject title is achieved, the college council will designate a supervisor to guide and follow up the student in preparing the plan.
● The research plan includes the importance of the topic and a critical presentation of previous studies in it, specifically the research problem, then defining the study’s curriculum and its main hypotheses or questions that you want to answer, and the division of the study and its sources.
● The student presents his proposed plan in a scientific seminar, discussing the plan as a topic and an approach.
● The student adjusts his plan based on the professors’ observations in the seminar if he is asked to amend.
● After the seminar, the plan is presented to the college council to take its decision regarding the registration of the subject.
● In the event of approval, the College Council’s decision is presented to the University Council to approve the registration, and the registration date is calculated from the date of the University Council’s approval.

Jury discussion and award of degree
● The minimum for preparing a master’s thesis is nine months, starting from the date of approval by the University Council to register the subject, and the maximum is two years, which can be extended for a third exceptional year upon the recommendation of the supervisor and the approval of the College Council, provided that the total period of student enrollment in the degree does not exceed four years.
● The supervisor submits a semi-annual report that includes what has been accomplished and what is required in the remaining period.
● After the student completes the thesis and the supervisor reviews it, the supervisor submits to the university administration a report stating its validity for discussion, including an evaluation of the student’s performance during the preparation period of the thesis of 140 degrees, with a full copy of the thesis signed by him, and a letter with the names of the discussion and judgment committee proposed by the professors of the specialty, for presentation to the college Council.
● At least fifteen days must pass before the student’s discussion from the date of the approval of the discussion committee by the college.
● The validity period of the committee formed to discuss the thesis is six months, which may be renewed for a similar period based on a report from the supervisor and the approval of the College Council.
● Each member of the committee writes a detailed scientific report on the validity of the thesis for discussion, and the thesis is evaluated out of 420 degrees, and the average of the three degrees is taken.
The student may not be discussed unless he/she gets at least 70% of the supervisor’s evaluation of his performance and the committee members’ evaluation of the message in the individual reports.
● A group report is submitted after the discussion, signed by all members of the committee, in which an evaluation of the thesis discussion is given on a scale of 140 degrees.

The thesis is passed after public discussion with one of the ratings shown in the following table:

Percentage of grades points appreciation symbol Appreciation
Arabic Einglish
95 to 100% 4 A+ A+ Prominent
90 to less than 95% 7 , 3 a A
85 to less than 90% 3 , 3 b+ B Very well
80 to less than 85% 3 B B
75 to less than 80% 7 , 2 c+ C+ Good
70 to less than 75% 3 , 2 c C

After the college approves the student’s results, the master’s degree is awarded at a rate calculated from the average total of the courses and thesis grades.
After obtaining the approval of the University Council to grant a master’s degree to the student, he is entitled to obtain insured certificates, authenticated by the university, stating that he obtained that degree, in order to present them to the various authorities.

Study Duration

The duration of study to obtain a master’s degree in Political and economics is two years as a minimum, and six years as a maximum.
In the first year, the student studies at least eight subjects, and the study is through research seminars for each course. The research seminar is based on multiple references and is in accordance with the scientific research methodology and standards.
In the second year, the student attends a general seminar for the topic of the thesis, which he will prepare and submit for discussion
The general seminar is discussed by the scientific committee at the university, and the title of the thesis is approved
The student works to complete his thesis under the supervision of the supervisor decided by the Presidency of the University based on the proposal of the Dean of the Faculty
The student completes his scientific thesis and submits for discussion before the committee formed by the Presidency of the University in a public session and completes the conditions for a master’s degree
Courses of study in the first year The student has the right to extend the study in it for a period not exceeding a second year
The thesis prepared by the student during a period of time not less than 9 months and not exceeding two years

Conditions for success and graduation

1) The student is considered to have passed any of the program’s courses if he achieves a final score of no less than 65%. He is also considered successful in the master’s project if he obtains a mark (granted by the judging committee) not less than 75%.
After the student presents the results of his project before the committee, and discusses its technical content.
2) The student is not entitled to submit to discuss his thesis until a scientific research is published in an approved refereed journal.
3) The student obtains a master’s degree certificate after he has fulfilled all the scientific requirements for this degree.

Academic Track Structure
8 courses = 32 credit hours,
 practical training = 10 credit hours
 Master's thesis = 18 credit hours
Courses
Practical Training
Master's Thesis

Architectural History Track

Core Courses

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours Course Description
AH501 Research Methodology in Architectural History 4 This course introduces students to the foundations of historical research in architecture. It covers data collection, source evaluation, archival research, and analysis of architectural texts and heritage documentation. Emphasis is placed on academic writing, research ethics, and contributing to the preservation of architectural identity.
AH502 Architectural Movements Through History 4 A comprehensive overview of major architectural movements across different civilizations and historical periods, analyzing stylistic developments within social and cultural contexts.
AH503 Architectural Heritage and Identity 4 Explores how built heritage reflects cultural identity. The course discusses architectural traditions, typologies, and contemporary strategies for conserving historic urban environments.
AH504 Historical Architectural Criticism 4 Focuses on developing critical thinking by analyzing historical architectural projects, reading theoretical critiques, and applying interpretive frameworks to understand aesthetic and symbolic values.
AH505 Research in Heritage Conservation 4 Enables students to conduct field-based or applied research in heritage sites, including documentation, heritage impact assessment, and proposing preservation strategies.

Elective Courses

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
AH511 Historic Cities 4
AH512 Islamic Art and Architecture 4
AH513 Restoration Technology 4
AH514 Architectural Archiving 4
AH515 Regional Architectural Identity 4
AH516 Architectural Photography 4
AH517 Urban Heritage Conservation 4
AH518 Architectural Heritage Case Studies 4
AH519 Cultural Transfer in Architecture 4
AH520 Architectural Critical Writing 4

Interior Architecture & Environmental Design Track

Core Courses

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours Course Description
IE501 Principles of Environmental Interior Design 4 Covers foundational principles of sustainable and environmentally responsive interior design. Focuses on thermal comfort, natural lighting, indoor air quality, and human-centric design strategies.
IE502 Material Technologies for Interior Spaces 4 Examines types of materials used in interior environments, their physical and aesthetic properties, and environmental implications.
IE503 Sustainable Interior Systems Design 4 Introduces green systems and sustainable technologies applicable in interior spaces, including HVAC, lighting, and acoustic systems.
IE504 Research Methodology in Interior Design 4 Provides students with tools and methods for conducting research in interior architecture, including case analysis, surveys, and user behavior studies.
IE505 Human-Centered Interior Design 4 Focuses on the integration of psychological and ergonomic factors into the design of spaces that promote comfort, well-being, and performance.

Elective Courses

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
IE511 Daylighting in Interiors 4
IE512 Interior Acoustics 4
IE513 Thermal Control in Interior Design 4
IE514 Efficient Furniture Design 4
IE515 Responsive Interior Design 4
IE516 Digital Prototyping for Interiors 4
IE517 Human-Space Interaction 4
IE518 Biophilic Materials in Interiors 4
IE519 Green Energy in Interior Design 4
IE520 Sustainable Interior Restoration 4

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology Track

Core Courses

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours Course Description
BIM501 Principles of BIM and Building Data 4 Introduces core concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the role of data in construction projects, and lifecycle management. Emphasis on modeling accuracy and collaborative frameworks.
BIM502 Practical BIM Tools 4 Hands-on training in Revit, ArchiCAD, and related BIM platforms, focusing on creating, editing, and coordinating building models.
BIM503 Interdisciplinary Coordination Using BIM 4 Teaches how to use BIM for cross-disciplinary collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors, including clash detection and workflow optimization.
BIM504 Research Methodology in BIM 4 Covers research strategies in the BIM field, including simulation, modeling-based experimentation, and performance benchmarking.
BIM505 Digital Construction Planning 4 Focuses on project planning using BIM tools, such as construction sequencing, resource allocation, and real-time updates.

Elective Courses

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
BIM511 Performance Analysis via BIM 4
BIM512 Energy & Environmental Simulation in BIM 4
BIM513 Digital Twin & Integrated Fabrication 4
BIM514 Design Clash Management in BIM 4
BIM515 Collaborative Documentation via BIM 4
BIM516 BIM Model Security & Data Protection 4
BIM517 BIM Model Versioning & Revisions 4
BIM518 BIM Integration with IoT & Smart Building 4
BIM519 BIM Lifecycle Management 4
BIM520 Cost Estimation via BIM 4

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