Sept 2025 Entry
4 years
122 (plus 2 training credits)
*The programme is subject to approval for implementation in the 2025/26 intake cohort
*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 train up 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 quality education to familiarize 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 issues of sustainable development in the built environment. The uniqueness of this programme is the integration of knowledge and analytical tools, digital skills, and transferable skills with design capabilities for the needs of the architecture profession. Students will be able to cultivate critical thinking and a research spirit in architecture design and problem-solving skills, adopting advanced technology and innovation.
Programme Characteristics
The programme is to be co-hosted by the Department of Building and Real Estate and the School of Design of the University.
The programme curriculum includes advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architecture, data analytics, 3D printing, Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE), Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Building Information Modelling (BIM) etc. These technologies will be embedded in relevant technical subjects of the programme and the Architecture and Spatial Design Studios.
Practical training / Internship (Work-Integrated Education) is a compulsory element of the curriculum. Students usually undertake internship 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 UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan and the Mainland, etc.
All admitted students will embark on a Common Year One curriculum. Towards the end of year one, students can decide whether to continue with their initial choice or switch to another choice within the Faculty. Those who wish to change to another choice need to join a competitive process through a ranking assessment.
Professional Recognition
This programme will seek accreditation with the following institutions/organizations:
*The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)
*Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part I (pre-professional)
Career Prospects
Graduates 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 prepares graduates for leadership roles and specialized positions within the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Graduates are welcome to further study master's degree programmes.
The programme covers the following subject components:
*Core / Discipline Specific Requirements (DSR) Subjects
The programme covers 5 broad areas of competence providing strong fundamentals for a professional education.
The subject contents are encapsulated in the 5 broad areas of competence as follows:
*Human factors in Architecture, including history and theory of architecture in terms of social and cultural backgrounds with basic psychology classes
*Latest advanced technology relating to architecture, construction, building materials and building services
*Communication skills including IT utilizations, BIM, written, oral and drawing presentations
*Professional practice / management skills embracing basic knowledge of law, management and economics
*Design Studio in the form of problem-based learning (PBL) and integrated studies
Discipline Specific Requirements (DSR) subjects comprise 92 credits are to 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, there are elective subjects in the curriculum to allow students to explore specific topics on 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 www.bre.polyu.edu.hk.
The programme curriculum can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/study/undergraduate-programmes/.
122 (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 non-JUPAS 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
