Non-Dutch BSc degree

For students from Australia and New Zealand it is possible to apply for the MSc programme Architecture, Urbanism and Building Science with a bachelor of Science degree First Class, Second Class (Upper Division), High Distinction or Distinction.

For students from Scotland it is possible to apply for the MSc programme Architecture, Urbanism and Building Science with a Bachelor (Ordinary) degree with Upper Second or First Class Bachelor.

A portfolio should reflect the scope and variety of your previous training and experience with specific emphasis on your knowledge of and skills in the degree track for which you are applying. You should submit work that represents your personal interests as well as your design and technological abilities.

In general, we look for candidates who demonstrate strong interest in a variety of design approaches and methods as well as theoretical and technical knowledge. We look for those who can engage themselves in an intellectually rigorous manner. We believe that pursuing an advanced degree in architecture, urbanism and building sciences requires perspectives and interests beyond the technical conventions of the profession. Each track in the master programme has specific evaluation criteria that will be used to assess your application. Please study them carefully and make sure that your portfolio is developed in accordance with the track that you are applying to.

The portfolio cover should include your full name and contact information.

Number and nature of projects:

• Include a total maximum of 5 projects.
• Include no more than 2 professional projects.
• Include at least one individual project.
• Include your final project (if you have not yet completed it, include your most recent project).
• Some of the projects should clearly demonstrate your capabilities regarding technical issues. For some tracks, this would entail structural and technical viability of the projects, for others it would be about the integration of sustainability aspects and/or the relations with larger urban infrastructures. We highly recommend that these structural and technical aspects are exhibited in either the final thesis project, or alternatively, your most recent or most advanced level, project.
• Include a summary of your motivation letter of no more than 400 words.

You should present your best (and/or most thorough) projects and describe them in detail (in English), graphically demonstrating your ability to initiate and follow through the design process. 

Please present clearly the specific issues of your interest and the steps/methods/techniques you followed in each design exercise, not just the end results. Please keep in mind that you are applying for an academic programme and therefore should be able to display your attitude and approach appropriate for it.

You don't necessarily need to include free-hand sketches/paintings/handicraft as the application is not for an undergraduate programme. (If you do, please put them at the end of the portfolio in 2-3 pages.) Please consider carefully the distribution and the range of your portfolio's contents.

Please keep in mind that the admissions committee judges your individual skills. In general individual projects show your capacities better than group work. If you decide to add group projects, please indicate carefully what your contribution is. If this is not clear to the committee they can’t judge your personal skills and this might decrease your chances of being admitted to the MSc track.

Per project include:

• concept sketches, showing preliminary visual (and verbal when relevant) development of ideas, approaches and methods and showing how you organise your ideas.
• finished drawings of original design work, documenting in a clear and precise manner both the intention and the resolution of each project.
• a written explanation in English of the design concept and solution. Here you should include the inspiration behind the project as well as the goals and objectives of the design. Be clear and concise. Longer texts should be worked out in the form of your letter of motivation.

Please note that for all drawings we require you to include the name of the author.

• name and location of the project
• if it is academic or professional
• if it is individual or group work
• your role in the process
• your exact contribution to the project
• the level of the project (year/semester of your study in which the project was carried out)
• date when the project was carried out
• name and email address of the supervisor of the project

Please be aware that quality is more important than quantity. Note that portfolios are evaluated digitally and should be easily readable without zooming or scrolling. Therefore: 

• The size of your portfolio should not exceed 20 MB.
• The portfolio should be submitted as an A series size (A4/A3) and in landscape format.
• The number of pages should not exceed 30 pages.
• It is not allowed to show more than 1 A4/A3 page per screen.
• It is not allowed to use the booklet format because that is two pages per screen.
• The format should be pdf.

For Non-EU/EFTA nationals the application deadline is 15 January 2025 (23:59 CEST); selective admission will take place on the basis of the entire application package. The MSc Architecture, Urbanism and the Built Environment strives for a diverse and balanced student population. This will be taken into account in the admission procedure. A maximum number of Non-EU/EFTA nationals can be accepted to these MSc programmes. 

For EU/EFTA nationals a rolling admissions policy applies. This means that complete applications will be reviewed. The application deadline is 1 April 2025 (23:59 CEST).