Sept 2025 Entry
4 years
122 credits (plus 2 training credits)
- The programme is subject to approval for implementation in 2025/26
- The programme is co-hosted by the School of Design and the Department of Building and Real Estate
What's New
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
The programme aims to nurture architecture graduates who are able to adopt advanced technology and innovations in practice to support the growth of the construction industry. The proposed programme objectives are to provide high-quality education to familiarise architectural students with the latest advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), building information modelling (BIM) and geographic information systems (GIS) relating to architecture, construction, building materials and building services to respond to the need for sustainable development in the built environment. The uniqueness of this programme lies in its integration of knowledge and analytical tools, digital skills and transferable skills with design capabilities to meet the needs of the architecture profession. Graduates will posses critical thinking and problem-solving skills and a research spirit in architecture design and the adoption of advanced technology and innovation.
Programme Characteristics
The programme will be co-hosted by the Department of Building and Real Estate and the School of Design of the University.
The programme curriculum will include advanced technologies such as AI in architecture, data analytics, 3D printing, cave automatic virtual environments, augmented reality/virtual reality and BIM. These technologies will be embedded in relevant technical subjects of the programme and taught in the Architecture and Spatial Design Studios.
Practical training/internships (work-integrated education) are a compulsory element of the curriculum. Students usually undertake internships during the summer period.
The Department maintains a mentorship scheme in which students are matched with senior figures in the construction and real estate industry to gain insights into professional practice.
The Department also operates a student exchange programme to provide students with opportunities to study abroad for one academic semester at universities in the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Mainland China, etc.
All admitted students will embark on a Common Year One curriculum. After their first year of study, students will have the chance to decide whether to continue with their initial choice or switch to another choice within the Faculty. Those who wish to switch can choose their preferred departmental scheme/programme through a ranking assessment.
Professional Recognition
Accreditation for the programme will be sought with the following institutions/organisations:
*The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)
*Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part I (pre-professional)
Career Prospects
Graduates will readily find employment as professional trainees in architecture firms, construction companies, and government departments such as the Architectural Services Department, the Buildings Department, the Housing Department, as well as other quasi-public organizations and private sector companies involved in urban planning and architectural development. The programme's emphasis on advanced construction technology and management skills will prepare graduates for leadership roles and specialised positions in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Graduates will also be prepared to pursue further study in Master's degree programmes.
The programme will cover the following subject components:
*Core/Discipline-Specific Requirements (DSR) Subjects
The programme will cover five broad areas of competence, providing a strong foundation for a professional education. The following subject content will be covered in these five broad areas of competence.
- Human factors in architecture, including the history and theory of architecture (social and cultural), which will be covered in basic psychology classes
- Latest advanced technology relating to architecture, construction, building materials and building services
- Communication skills, including IT utilisation, BIM, and written, oral and drawing presentations
- Professional practice/management skills, encompassing basic knowledge of law, management and economics
- Design work in PolyU's Design Studio in the form of problem-based learning and integrated studies
The DSR subjects will comprise 92 credits and will be delivered by the School of Design and departments within the Faculty of Construction and Environment (Department of Building and Real Estate, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics).
In addition to compulsory subjects, the curriculum will include elective subjects to allow students to explore specific topics related to buildings and architecture.
*General University Requirement Subjects
Students are required to take 30 credits of General University Requirement (GUR) subjects.
*Capstone Project
Students are required to undertake a 6-credit Capstone Project.
*Work-Integrated Education
The Work-Integrated Education (WIE) element of the Department will last for a minimum duration of four weeks in full time placement (equivalent to 22 full days) or 176 hours in part time placement. The Department has developed opportunities for students to work in firms or organizations during the summer in Hong Kong or overseas.
Information on the subjects offered can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/.
The programme curriculum can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/study/undergraduate-programmes/.
122 credits (plus 2 training credits)
Award Coordinator
Ar. Dr. Tris Kee
Registered Architect, Authorized Person (Architect), HKIA, HKIDA, HKICON, HKAC, PhD, M. Arch, B. Arch
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for international applicants.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel: 3400 8121 / 3400 8120 / 3400 3819; email: bsyywu@polyu.edu.hk).
Interviews will be conducted to gain a better understanding of applicants’ overall academic and non-academic qualities and achievements.
About 20 minutes
Selected Band A applicants will be required to submit a personal portfolio to showcase their design capabilities and attend aptitude tests and/or interviews. These processes are expected to take place between January and June 2025.
Required
To obtain a better understanding of the overall academic and non-academic qualities and achievements of the applicants.
About 15 - 30 minutes
Selected applicants will be required to submit personal portfolio to showcase the ability of the applicants on design, and to attend aptitude test and/or interview. These processes are expected to be conducted between January 2025 and June 2025.
Selected applicants will be invited to interviews.
Required
