Dalhousie University

School of Architecture

5410 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2X4
(902) 494-3903; e-mail: arch.office@dal.ca

Master of Architecture

Years Accredited1994 – Present
Term of AccreditationSix years
Last Accreditation Visit2022
Next Accreditation Visit2028

Accreditation Document

2022 Achritecture Program Report (APR)

Program Descriptions

The Master of Architecture is a professional degree that leads to certification with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. The Program offers student courses in design, humanities, and technology, plus electives (including the School’s Free Lab) that support individual interests. The co-op work term enables students to work anywhere in the world and the design thesis gives students the opportunity to focus on a significant topic.

Program Structure

The School of Architecture at Dalhousie University offers a two-year, CACB accredited, Master of Architecture that is committed to educating individuals who intend to become professional architects. The Program offers two pathways:

  • a 4-Year M.Arch (for student completing the 2-year pre-professional Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies, followed by 2-year Master of Architecture); and
  • a 2-Year M.Arch (for student who have completed a pre-professional architecture degree at another university).

For more information regarding the Dalhousie University Master of Architecture (M.Arch), please visit https://www.dal.ca/faculty/architecture-planning/school-of-architecture/programs.html.


Pre-Professional Undergraduate Degree*

*Four-year pre-professional architecture degree (such as BAS, BED, BES, BScArch, BArchSci)
↓

Complete one or more senior undergraduate courses during the winter term
↓
2 Year Course Sequence
↓
Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

Undergraduate Degree*

*Two-years of courses in any subject(s), at any university
↓
2-Year Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies
↓
2-Year Course Sequence
↓
Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

M.Arch Typical 4-Year Course Sequence

Year 1 – Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies

  • ARCH 3001 – Design
  • ARCH 3106 – Ancient Settlements, Buildings, and Landscapes
  • ARCH 3207 – Building Technology
  • ARCH 3301 – Professional Practice
  • ARCH 3501 – Representation
  • ARCH 3002 – Design
  • ARCH 3107 – Modern Settlements, Buildings, and Landscapes
  • ARCH 3208 – Building Technology
  • ARCH 3302 – Professional Practice
  • ARCH 3502 – Representation
  • ARCH 8890 – Co-op Orientation

Year 2

  • ARCH 4003 – Design
  • ARCH 4112 – Architectural History and Theory: 20th Century to the Present
  • ARCH 4211 – Building Systems Integration
  • ARCH 4303 – Professional Practice
  • ARCH 4501 – Representation
  • ARCH 4004 – Free Lab
  • ARCH 8892 – Professional Practice (Co-op Work Term)
  • ARCH 4005 – Design
  • ARCH 4113 – Architectural Theory and Interpretation
  • ARCH 4212 – Building Systems Integration
  • ARCH 4304 – Professional Practice
  • ARCH 4502 – Representation

Year 3 – Master of Architecture

  • Design Course
  • Humanities Course
  • Technology Course
  • Elective Course / Free Lab
  • Design Course
  • Humanities Course
  • Technology Course
  • Elective Course
  • ARCH 5308 – Professional Practice (Co-op Work Term)

Year 4

  • ARCH 5308 – Professional Practice (Co-op Work Term)
  • ARCH 9014 – MArch Thesis 1
  • Elective Course
  • Elective Course
  • ARCH 9015 – MArch Thesis 2
  • ARCH 5311 – Professional Practice

M.Arch Typical 2-Year Course Sequence

Year 1

  • One or more senior undergrad courses based on previous degree
  • Design Course
  • Humanities Course
  • Technology Course
  • Elective / Free Lab
  • Design Course
  • Humanities Course
  • Technology Course
  • Elective
  • ARCH 5308 – Professional Practice (Co-op Work Term)

Year 2

  • ARCH 5308 – Professional Practice (Co-op Work Term)
  • ARCH 9014 – MArch Thesis 1
  • Elective Course
  • Elective Course
  • ARCH 9015 – MArch Thesis 2
  • ARCH 5311 – Professional Practice