Education in the field of construction and architecture is prestigious in all countries of the world, largely due to the high cost of labor of such specialists. The average salary for an architect in the United States, according to Careerexplorer, is about $7,000 per month. The construction industry is developing, the demand for professionals in this field is growing, and new directions are emerging, so getting such an education is a reliable investment in the future.
Required documents for admission
The composition of the documents may vary depending on the educational institution and the content of the program (urban planning, design, architecture, construction management, civil engineering). What is usually included in the list of required documents?
· Motivation letter. As for admission to any other specialty, the applicant must justify their desire to study at a particular university in the chosen program and describe their career and educational plans. If you have problems with writing such a paper, ask to write my essay cheap on the writing service. You will receive an essay sample that you can use as a template while writing your motivation letter.
· Bachelor’s degree diploma. If you have not yet graduated from the university at the time of application, you can provide a certificate of the expected graduation date. Some universities may also set minimum requirements for GPA and high marks in major subjects. For example, to enter the Delft University of Technology, you must have a score of at least 4 out of 5.
· Grading transcript. If the applicant has not yet graduated from the university at the time of application, they can provide a transcript with grades for previous semesters of study.
· Results of the international language exam (for foreigners). Most Master’s programs are taught in English, so applicants must provide an IELTS certificate (with a score of at least 6.0-6.5) or TOEFL (with a score of at least 90). If the program is taught in another foreign language, the applicant will need to take a test or take a language course in the first year of study.
· Resume. When applying, not only academic success can be taken into account, but also professional experience in the chosen field.
· Letters of recommendation.
· Portfolio (on some programs).
· GRE test (required in some universities in the USA, Canada, and European countries).
What is the GRE test?
The Graduate Record Examination is a standardized computer-based test that measures a student’s academic ability. The exam includes tasks in algebra, geometry, and data analysis. In addition, the test-taker must write an essay and demonstrate their ability to argue, as well as critical thinking.
What does a portfolio consist of?
The standard portfolio includes several projects prepared individually or as part of a working group. For example, at the ETH Zurich, when applying for an architectural direction, you need to upload three projects, each of which must indicate the name, inclusion in the city scale, facades, addresses, context documentation, architectural solution, layout, visualization, technical aspects, details, photos of models.
Why getting a Master’s degree in construction is great
Many universities offer different programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many students who complete the first stage of education choose to continue their education and get a Master’s degree. Master’s programs in construction often allow you to move to a related field or to get a narrower specialty. Moreover, holders of a Master’s degree, on average, receive higher salaries, also due to the fact that they can hold certain administrative positions.
What directions exist?
Many universities offer not only general programs such as architecture and construction but also many interdisciplinary areas related to design, management, and urban planning. Students can choose different educational tracks and build individual career trajectories. Bachelor’s graduates can use this opportunity and get an additional modern specialty, which is in demand all over the world.
What previous education is required?
Previous education requirements may vary by university. Consider the example of Politecnico di Milano.
1. Architecture & Urban Design: Bachelor of Arts in architecture.
2. Civil Engineering: Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.
3. Landscape Architecture: Bachelor of Arts in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental design, forestry and agriculture, or environmental sciences.
4. Management of Built Environment: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, building management, architecture, or architectural engineering.
Top universities in construction
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This institute, located in the USA, is the leader in the World University Rankings in the field of architecture and construction. The educational institution offers several specialized master’s programs.
University College London
University College London has an excellent reputation among employers. The Faculty of Civil Engineering offers applicants four combined Master’s and Ph.D. programs. Applicants must have a Master’s degree, and for applicants with professional or research experience, a Bachelor’s degree is sufficient.
Delft University of Technology
This university is the oldest educational institution in its field in the Netherlands. Master’s programs are aimed at urban construction and development.
ETH Zurich
This is one of the best universities in Switzerland and around the world. The university is ranked 6th in the world and 4th in architecture and construction programs in the QS rankings. At the master’s level, there are general and specialized programs.
Harvard University
This university needs no introduction, as it is one of the leading universities in the world. At the Harvard School of Design, students study areas such as architecture, urban planning & design, design engineering, and landscape architecture. Among the graduates of the school are many famous architects, as well as Sean Donovan, former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore is the oldest institution in the country. It offers the largest number of programs. Master’s programs in the field of construction are considered the best in Asia.
University of California, Berkeley
This university, located in the United States, is the oldest public university in the state of California. Several interdisciplinary programs are available for applicants, thanks to which students can gain comprehensive knowledge about architecture, management, law, design, and the environment. Choosing the right educational path after getting a Bachelor’s degree in construction or architecture can be difficult, as each institution’s specific requirements must be considered. In addition, you need to prepare a large number of different documents, avoiding errors in execution. However, it is possible to get a Master’s degree with the required knowledge and desire.
