The full-time programme BaA 240 eight...

1. ... makes it possible to earn 240 credit points in eight semesters:

The academic degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) granted on completion of studies is (1) in principle equivalent to the former diploma (1) and with a minimum of eight semesters full-time it is in accordance with the educations standards of the EU architecture directive. (2) The first stage of the studies, the Bachelor, grants the professional qualification for architects which is established and recognised in Germany. The UIA qualification reached with the second step, Master, (3) can be earned consecutively (4).        

2. ... entitles to registration as a member of the Architectural Association:

According to the Architecture Laws in Germany, the degree earned in BaA 240 leads to the registration as an architect after two years of professional practice and to authorisation to present building documents. It allows the self-employed architect to work independently and with sole responsibility or the architect can work as an associate in private employment or public service or to specialise further (Master).

3. ... is oriented to the university framework of the EU and to regional aspects:

The study programmes of BaA 240 should be assessed, coordinated and further developed in comparison with four other educational institutions in Rhineland Palatinate and with the neighbouring universities in Hesse. The University of Applied Sciences Mainz is currently constructing a new building on its own campus near the Johannes-Gutenberg University. A continuous exchange with selected schools of architecture in other European countries (5) takes place.

4. ... combines teaching with practical professional experience:

The core of BaA 240 eight is a study project in an external practical work situation. The faculty can point to a large number of cooperating partners in the construction industry, in architecture firms or planning offices in the Rhine-Main area. The close relationship to the architectural associations, trade and industry, curators or the German Architecture Museum constantly enhances and updates the study programme.

5. ... conveys expertise and skill in a structured time-frame:

The BaA 240 is organised in modules and adheres to the credit point transfer system ECTS, which is mandatory throughout Europe. The entire work load of BaA eight is based on a fixed time frame of 40 work hours a week (6). This includes both lectures and seminars and the time needed for study and practice. For this reason, the part-time study programme is recommended for students who must work to finance their studies.

6. ... distributes areas of expertise over several semesters:

The BaA 240 eight offers the contents of related modules successively in staged cycles over a longer period of time. Integrative work techniques are simulated methodically. “How” is more important than “What”. Staged projects integrate and synchronise the wide variety of curriculum contents in different modules. Special subjects (M3-M6) can be studied more intensively according to individual interests in the compulsory electives.

7. ... is organised in yearly project cycles:

The BaA 240 eight is organised in three distinct stages: Orientation and fundamental principles, then a first project block followed by a second with increasing integrative complexity. The aim of the coordinated subject areas is manageable developmental segments and short-term results which enable self-monitoring within the entire spectrum of the curriculum. The bachelor’s thesis is comprised of a planning task as in a competition.

8. ... offers individual workplaces in the university:

Creative, self-determined learning in BaA 240 requires social experience and tolerance, group life, enjoyment of the creative process and the need to clarify and share, solidarity and the ability to communicate. Having one’s own fixed workplace at the university, a familiar personal workplace,  is understood as a simulation of cooperative interaction used to put one’s knowledge and interpretations to the test.

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