Ema Humajova about BA Architecture
Our BA Architecture student Ema is talking about studying at Berlin International and answering the most frequently asked questions to prospective students of BI!
About the BA Architecture
The BA Architecture program provides students with the skills and specialized knowledge to develop and apply creative and responsible solutions in the field of architecture. The program is firmly grounded in the vibrant city of Berlin but taught exclusively in English. It is designed to help students understand their role and responsibility as architects in any given physical and cultural context – on either a local or a global level.
- Taught exclusively in English.
- Accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat) and The Standing Conference (Kultusministerkonferenz or KMZ).
- Registered with the Federal Chamber of German Architects (Bundesarchitektenkammer e.V.) in order to be entitled to use the title “Architect” (protected profession).
Applications at Berlin International are now open! Apply now until August 31st, 2024.
Interview with Ema Humajova, Student of BA Architecture
“Hi, I’m Emma! I’m 19 and I’m from Slovakia. I’m currently studying a bachelor’s in architecture and I’m in my second year. The reason why I chose architecture is that I wanted to combine my favorite subjects into one major - art and math or physics. This major really provided that combination in a very balanced way.
Some of the best experiences I’ve had over the past 3 semesters at this university would definitely, first and foremost, be getting to know the community. Because the university is so multicultural, not just in the representation of students but also the professors, there are so many different kinds of cultures and stories that make it such a fascinating community. Especially because our professors and lecturers are from all over the world we get all these different inputs on architecture that will definitely help us in our future careers.
I chose Berlin International for several reasons but the main was because it is a small university. Personally, I always found it hard to learn in really large classes as the learning approach is so generalized and here it’s very personalized. We get many one-on-one feedback sessions with the professors and in many classes, we’re separated into even smaller groups so that we can discuss what we’re missing or what we don’t understand.
Another reason was definitely its location. Berlin is just such a fascinating city full of so many different kinds of architecture, which is a great addition to our studies because we can see so many examples of things we’re studying just around the corner. Studying in such an international environment, besides getting to know people from all over the world, has really helped me grow as an individual because there are just so many different people there’s really no judgement or anyone not fitting in. Everyone is so inviting and eager to get to know you and your story that everyone really has a place.
The special thing about Berlin is, that it’s Berlin. There really isn’t much more to it. Studying and living in Berlin is such a unique experience. It’s a very historically dense city so we get to go on many excursions to visit museums or galleries but it’s also a very cultural and artistic city. So in my opinion it’s definitely one of the best places to study anything design-related.
Regarding my future career plans, I still don’t have much of an idea of what I want to do with my degree. But because many of our professors and lecturers are also working in the field in various ways, we’re given an insight into the real-life workings of our major and that really lets us understand it and then further choose which direction we’re going to take. And because our professors are working in the field, it might open up potential opportunities to work with them right after graduating.
The advice I would give to prospective BI students, especially in the field of architecture, would be to really keep an open mind. In terms of the material, we’re taught in lectures of the opinions of others. If you have an open mind, it opens up so many doors. You may not understand why the material you’re learning is relevant or whether someone’s opinion is right or not but honestly, just trust the process. The professors know what they’re doing and often the material I thought was completely irrelevant turned out to be the most helpful. And the varying opinions of my classmates opened up my eyes to different possibilities and perspectives.
If I were to describe BI in three words it would definitely be exciting, inviting and multicultural. My program in three words is definitely stressful but it’s also fulfilling and eye-opening. Berlin in three words would be fascinating, diverse and lively.”
Thank you for taking the time to read our article about studying at Berlin International, from our student Ema Humajova. If you are interested in pursuing your studies in Berlin, take a look at our BA Architecture program. Feel free to reach out to our Admissions Team at any time via application@berlin-international.de.
Study BA Architecture at BI
The learning environment fostered at Berlin International is student-centered and hands-on. Our teaching concept focuses on project-based learning; students work individually and in groups in order to promote professional and personal growth and the development of team skills. All BA programs at Berlin International are taught in English. In combination with our diverse student and teaching body and our global network this enables us to offer a truly international academic experience.
In a practice-driven and supportive learning atmosphere, an internationally experienced team of lecturers and professors encourages students to explore their individual talents and forge their own professional paths.
The first year of the BA Architecture program provides students with a broad foundation in basic design skills, structural and construction fundamentals, visualization skills, and a historical framework. In the second year, students deepen their structural and material knowledge, tackle architectural design projects, and reflect on the discipline of architecture from a theoretical vantage point. They also get the chance to integrate their acquired knowledge into the larger context of urban design and planning. During the third year, students collaborate with peers from other programs on an interdisciplinary design project to develop a tailored design solution for a real-life client. In addition, they hone their research skills, learn about building law and physics, and sharpen their profile by choosing a variety of electives. The last year is dedicated to subjects that prepare students for their imminent entry into professional life. During the last semester, students apply and deepen their acquired skills by completing a bachelor thesis and a bachelor design project with a topic of their own choice.
Architects have a wide variety of job opportunities. Our graduates can work on the creation and alteration of design and building projects in various scales and typologies as well as in the artistic and creative industries.
Potential professional environments include:
- Architecture and urban design practices
- Construction companies
- Building materials industry
- Cultural and state institutions
- Production design for film, TV, and theater
- Design agencies and trade fairs
- Freelance work
Learn more about the BA Architecture program and Berlin International. Below, you can download the study plan, the Berlin International brochure, and our current academic calendar in PDF format.
Apply for BA Architecture
To meet our admission requirements for the Bachelor degree programs in Architecture and Design, one needs to hold the German Abitur / Fachabitur or equivalent. Any foreign qualification will need to meet the equivalence criteria to these German certificates, which is set by the German Central Office for Foreign Education.
The requirements for equivalence vary from country to country. We have summarized a few of the most frequently asked about education systems:
To confirm whether you meet the requirements to study in Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service provides an English language resource here.
For the original German source, please check the homepage of the Kulturministerkonferenz here.
There are four admission possibilities:
Direct general admission – you are qualified to start undergraduate studies into any subject area.
Direct subject-restricted admission – you are qualified to begin undergraduate studies in the subject area you have previously studied.
Subject restricted admission to a preparatory course/the Feststellungsprüfung (university qualification exam) – you require additional periods of study before you can begin undergraduate studies in Germany, see more information below.
Admission is not possible without additional proof of education – the qualification you hold is not equivalent to a university entrance qualification in Germany. You will need to complete further qualifications to meet the admission requirements.
Preparatory Course / Additional Studies
If you current educational qualficiations do not fully meet the Abitur/ Fachabitur-level in Germany, and you will need a Preparatory Course or additional studies, here are your 2 options:
Option 1: Study time
You can enroll at a university outside of Germany, and complete the first academic year of a bachelor´s degree successfully. In order to meet the admission requirements, the university and program must be fully accredited, you must choose the same or closely related subject you intend to apply for at BI, and you must complete the first academic year with all courses and credits successfully. For some countries, you may need to complete more than 1 academic year.
If you choose this route, you would be welcome to apply as a transfer student into a higher semester. Read more about this in the ‘Transfer students and course acknowledgments’ section.
Option 2: Studienkolleg
A 'Studienkolleg' is a university preparatory course to prepare your for German universities. There are different types of Studienkolleg programs, for architecture and design programs, you would need to choose the 'T' or 'G' course.
German language is required for anyone wanting to study at a Berlin-accredited university after completing the Studienkolleg.Therefore, it is not a typical route for our students.
For more information on Studienkolleg programs, click here.
Please note that Berlin International can only consider applicants who meet the admission requirements for the desired program.
All applicants who meet them will be subject to faculty selection and seat availability per program.
The application process for studying Architecture at Berlin International is very easy. You can simply and safely share your personal information through our online application platform. After receiving a confirmation email with a link a copy of the following documents can be uploaded:
- Passport
- High school diploma certificate with transcript (German Abitur, Fachabitur or equivalent). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- University certificate with transcript (if applicable). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- English language test certificate (CEFR level B2 or above)
- Portfolio PDF with a minimum of 10 works. See the guildines here.
We are also offering webinars on the topic of ‘Portfolio Advice’ throughout the year. For information on upcoming dates and how to register, please visit our current dates page.
If you have missed a recent webinar, then simply email us and we will be happy to send you the link to the recording.
For more information, including course acknowledgement and transfer applications, please use the menu item Admission.
Our BA Architecture program is taught in English. We will require proof of your language skills. German knowledge is not required.
If your language skills are at CEFR Level B2 or above, one of the following currently valid language test certificates and scores can be accepted for your application:
- TOEFL ITP: 543
- TOEFL IBT: 74
- IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall
- Cambridge FCE: B2
- PTE Academic: 59
- BI internal exam/ BAU 'English Language Proficiency Exam': 60/100
- IB Diploma: English A or B at HL or SL
- German Abitur
The score must be earned within the last two years.
If you have not completed high school in a majority-English speaking country (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand) or a bachelor's degree fully in English, an approved language exam is required in order to qualify for admission.
You are welcome to attend the internal Berlin International language proficiency exam. It will be hosted online, participation is free of charge and can be offered once an application to one of our programs has been made and admission requirements have been met.
For the dates of our next language proficiency exam, see the Language Requirements tab on our Admissions Page.
Preparatory School:
If you do not yet have CEFR level B2 English, and are eligible to study on a BA program at BI, you can sign up for our English Preparatory School.
