Master's in Architecture (March) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Planning practices are measured more than ever by the principles of sustainability. This includes conserving resources by preserving and improving the structure of buildings, as well as developing new buildings that are energy-efficient and consume fewer resources. Moreover, digital technology has changed almost all areas of architecture, from design, planning and assembly to completion and has contributed new aspects to classic job profiles. The consecutive MSc in Architecture ("March") programme responds to these requirements by prioritising in a holistic architectural education the fields of energy efficiency and the saving of resources during the processes of designing, planning and construction, in particular by applying the theoretical and practical knowledge of digital analysis, design, planning and manufacturing methods. This prepares students for handling all types of architectural work as well as for scientific work and inter-professional collaborations. Under the guidance of the professors, students in the March programme choose and develop personal in-depth themes that are explored and deepened in the third semester in preparation for the Master's thesis.

Linking with the Master's programme in Integrated Design (MID) and the Master's programme in Interior Architecture – Spatial Art (MIAR):

The linking with the Master's programme in MID’s Facade Design, Computational Design specialisations and the Interior Design Master's programme (MIAR) as well as the cooperation between the university and external partners offers the students opportunities to qualify for interdisciplinary, international and increasingly digitally supported professional fields.

The March is offered as a full-time degree programme. The standard period of study is four semesters.

First semester

• Digital Tools and Methods 1
• Construction and Dimensioning
• RE-USE
• Green Architecture and Built Environment

Second semester

• Urban Design Methods
• Experimentation
• Scientific Study
• Project

Third semester

• Scientific Research
• Developing the Master’s thesis ​​​​​​​

Forth semester

• Master’s thesis, presentation and colloquium

Focus areas/advanced courses

• Urban development methodology
• Building conversion and repurposing  
• Sustainable construction
• Theory, research and academic work
• Elective subjects

Application requirements for the Master's programme in Architecture (March):

1. University entrance qualification or an equal standard (e.g. secondary school graduation certificate)
2. Bachelor's degree or diploma in architecture with a minimum study duration of six semesters (180 credits)
3. Evidence of the specific, that is, professional and methodological suitability for the Master of Architecture (March) programme – see points 5 and 6
4.
a) Evidence of German proficiency
b) Evidence of English proficiency

5. Portfolio: Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes some of their most important and relevant work related to urban design, architectural design, or building design. The portfolio or documentation should be submitted as a PDF (20 MB maximum) and include a written declaration that applicants have produced the work samples on their own.
6. Motivation letter and resume: Applicants must submit a motivation letter that should address their background and motivation as it relates to the requested specialisation (Architectural Design).

Current information on admission requirements can be found on the programme website.

The semester fee is made up of the following components: Student body, the Association for Student Affairs, and the Deutschlandticket – a Germany-wide train and bus ticket.

In addition to the semester fee, there are secondary expenses for lectures and courses that are not held on our campus in Detmold.

Please click here for information on the TH OWL semester fee.

Accommodation costs in Detmold need to be taken care of by the student. They vary between 300 and 400 EUR per month.

Since 2025, the annual requirement that must be paid into a blocked account when applying for a visa has amounted to 11,904 EUR (992 EUR per month).

Information on costs of living and requirements for your visa and blocked account can be found by clicking here.

As registered students at OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, non-EU students are permitted to work up to 140 full or 280 half days per year without an additional work permit.

You may work when the university is in session as well as during semester breaks. Only those days on which work is carried out are considered. Traditional jobs of an academic character such as student tutoring can be carried out in addition to the above-mentioned 140 full days or 280 half days. Such jobs are not subject to time restrictions.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German as the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. This will open up many more opportunities in later semesters. Free German courses are available for students through our International Office.

The Deutschlandstipendium programme was created in 2011. As part of this programme, the federal government subsidises private donation funds raised by colleges to finance scholarships for talented and academically strong students. The programme was modelled after other programmes, including Studienfonds OWL, which has been granting privately funded scholarships on behalf of five colleges in Ostwestfalen-Lippe, North Rhine-Westphalia. More information and details are available at the following link: www.studienfonds-owl.de/en/scholarships/deutschlandstipendium/

Additional offers: www.th-owl.de/en/international-office-th-owl/international-campus-th-owl/scholarships/

Career Centre OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts: www.th-owl.de/en/career-service/

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market.
Information can be found on the Internet at www.th-owl.de/en/studies/starting-your-degree/housing-during-your-degree/.