The field of architecture is currently changing at a rapid pace. In the face of increasing global challenges, both academics and practitioners have to deal with the climate crisis, demographic change, unequal social development and the failures of the existing built environment. To meet these challenges, students pursuing a degree in architecture today need more diverse skills than ever. Building on the fundamental teachings of the Bachelor’s degree programme, the Master’s degree programme reflects the diverse and complex challenges that architecture faces today as a responsible, globally connected yet locally enacted profession – but also seeks to resolve these through a unified agenda in shaping the built environment.
To cover the diversity of the field of architecture, the LSA is organised into units. The LSA's current five units ensure a broad spectrum of content in teaching and research and enable an in-depth and focussed exploration of the respective topics:
CRAFT & STRUCTURE
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
BUILT HERITAGE & UPCYCLING
URBAN DESIGN & SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT
URBANISM, ARCHITECTURE & SOCIETY
Advanced Studios
The Advanced Studios are organised by the five different units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture: Built Heritage & Upcycling (BH&U), Craft & Structure (C&S), Sustainable Design (SD), Urban Design & Spatial Development (UD&SD), and Urbanism, Architecture & Society (UA&S). The Advanced Studios give students the opportunity to engage with architecture as a socially and sustainably responsible practice on a variety of scales applying a multitude of design- and research methods, preparing them for the demands of the broad field of architecture and planning.
The interdisciplinary Advanced Studio is the primary force of education with intensive one-to-one instruction in small groups. Architectural and urban design is practiced in the context of projects of varying complexity, ranging from constructive building details and structures, to planning entire settlements and habitats. Instruction methods build upon intrinsic motivation and promote self-study.
The project-design is represented in drawings, models, images, and by using all other available media. Teamwork is conducted with particular attention to the internal organisation and workings of the teams. The instructors specify scope, characteristics, and requirements of the projects. They are responsible for team formation, structuring and organisation of the advanced studio as well as for inviting external experts.
Core Electives in History & Theory / Technical Studies
Students choose from a range of focused electives that combine relevant theoretical topics, knowledge and skills to support practical professional work in line with the different units of the LSA: Built Heritage & Upcycling (BH&U), Craft & Structure (C&S), Sustainable Design (SD), Urban Design & Spatial Development (UD&SD) and Urbanism, Architecture & Society (UA&S). Core Electives allow students to specify individual interests and provide a basis in historical, theoretical and technical studies as well as specific tools to successfully design, manage and communicate concepts and projects. The modules offered vary from semester to semester.
Individual Electives
Individual Electives are offered by the different units and allow students to deepen their knowledge in the respective field. They combine relevant topics, knowledge and skills to support theoretical and practical professional work in architecture as well as in other fields. The goal is the creation of orientation and contextual knowledge, holistic thinking, questioning and critical reflection as well as the embedding of the studies in social, political, philosophical and historical contexts. The modules offered may vary from semester to semester.
Independent Studies: Independent Studies are individual papers or assignments completed by students on research topics offered by the units. They are supervised individually. Their scope is jointly specified with the supervisors between 2, 3 and 4 ECTS credits before work begins. Students can take more than one Independent Study. Workshop: Intensive workshops, summer schools, et cetera, usually lasting around one week, offer students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of architecture and space-related topics on site or at other locations. The workshops do not take place every semester.
Pro Bono Project: The Pro Bono Project is intended to foster the sense of responsibility towards society. It allows students to strengthen their independence through praxis-relevant and hands-on work which can be self-initiated or predefined by the Liechtenstein School of Architecture. A Pro Bono Project is designed, planned and set up by the students, always under the guidance of one or more tutors. Collaboration between Bachelor and Master students is possible. The Pro Bono Project brings value to Liechtenstein and the region. International Pro Bono Projects are possible.
Professional Practice: The Professional Practice allows students to work in an architectural office and gain experience in projects in different stages from design studies, competition entries and construction projects up to the on-site building process. A Professional Practice is planned and set up by the students, under the guidance of mentors. The experiences and insights gathered during Professional Practice are presented at the LSA and reviewed by the mentors.
Preliminary Study: In the third semester, the student can optionally apply to prepare a Free Thesis through a Preliminary Study. Its objective is for the student to outline the research design and define the research interests. The scope and the specific topic are determined in a detailed disposition and in close coordination with 1-3 thesis supervisors. A Preliminary Study must be successfully completed with a grade of 5.0 or better to proceed to a Free Thesis. Supervision consists of guidance in the preparation of the thesis paper and research design as well as the development of a clear conceptual position of the student. The Preliminary Study must be completed at the University of Liechtenstein.
Research Semester: Research Semesters are offered by the different units according to current research topics or projects and consist of a small number of participants with specific guidance from design tutors or researchers. They are individually supervised. Supervision consists of leading the development of one or more research questions individually or in a group. The research design can be specified by the unit or developed by the students under supervision. The scope and subject of the research topic are determined at the beginning of the semester in close consultation with the supervisors.
Cross-Faculty-Electives
These Electives consist of a variety of modules that are open to all students at the University of Liechtenstein and are published at the beginning of each academic year. Courses are offered in the winter and summer semesters.
List of cross-faculty-electives «
Master's Thesis
After successfully completing the Advanced Studios, students begin their Master's Thesis as part of an Advanced Studio or, in special cases, with a Free Thesis. A thesis book including the project documentation, a theoretical and a technical report complements the design work. The thesis book enables students to develop their own architectural program, which includes literature research, case studies, material experiments or extensive research and consultation. The aim of the Master's Thesis is for the student to deepen the knowledge acquired, to strengthen an independent way of working by developing the ability to think integratively and to work creatively on complex architectural tasks. The Master's Thesis must be completed at the University of Liechtenstein and is reviewed by a public jury of experts.
Exchange semester
An optional exchange semester is possible during the course of the study programme. We strongly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity in the third semester.
List of partner universities «
Majors
In the Master's degree programme, an optional field of specialisation can be chosen. By choosing one of the five majors, students can deepen their knowledge in their preferred area of architecture. Various courses motivate them to explore the academic possibilities in this field in greater depth.
By completing a specified number of modules and credit points in one of the following units, students have the opportunity to receive proof of this specialisation in:
• Craft & Structure (C&S)
• Sustainable Design (SD)
• Built Heritage & Upcycling (BH&U)
• Urban Design & Spatial Development (UD&SD)
• Urbanism, Architecture & Society (UA&S)
A specialisation is not necessary to complete the degree programme. To obtain the academic title with a designated major, a minimum number of 60 ECTS credits must have been achieved in modules of the corresponding unit during the degree programme. Participation in desired modules cannot be guaranteed in every semester. Students are to ensure that they achieve the minimum number of ECTS credits.
Programme structure
The Master’s degree programme in Architecture shown in the following table is a recommendation and describes the standard curriculum of four semesters. It can be started in both the winter and summer semesters. Due to the modular structure of the curriculum, the study plan can be customised. This allows students to plan more or less intensive semesters and, for example, to work in practice at the same time in order to finance their studies.
The curriculum of the degree programme is structured into four semesters. It is a full-time programme but can also be completed as a part-time programme in three years instead of two. An individually longer part-time programme is also possible. Advanced Studios take place in the first three semesters. An optional exchange semester is possible in the second and third semester. The final semester is dedicated to the Master’s Thesis. Students can choose a Preliminary Study in the third semester to prepare a Free Thesis. A one-week seminar or excursion week as well as the midterm review of the project work are integral components of the didactic structure of the Advanced Studio. During the course of the degree programme, students must complete a wide range of compulsory Core Electives, which are structured into the areas of History & Theory, Technical Studies, Individual Electives and Cross-Faculty Electives.
Guidelines & regulations
Curriculum MSc Architecture (from 01.09.2024)
Study and assessment regulations
Student regulations
Admissions guideline
Scholarships
API Scholarships
The Liechtenstein School of Architecture is awarding several API scholarships to regular students of the Master’s degree programme in Architecture at the University of Liechtenstein. The API scholarships, awarded per semester to applicants who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence are provided by the Stiftung für Produkteinnovation API (= Foundation for Product Innovation) which supports the research and development of projects addressing sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
There is no guarantee that students who have been awarded a scholarship for one semester will continue to receive one for the entire duration of their studies at the University of Liechtenstein.
Successful applicants will receive CHF 2,000 at the beginning of the semester. This is the equivalent of the tuition fee (CHF 1,250), estimated costs for printing and materials (CHF 250) and the average cost of a design seminar (CHF 500).
To be eligible for re-application, students must have completed a minimum of 20 ECTS in their previous semester at the University of Liechtenstein (including an Advanced Studio) and their overall performance (grade) must be above average. There is no guarantee that even if these criteria are fulfilled, the scholarship will be awarded.
To apply for the API scholarship please submit in addition to your application letter expressing your financial need, the API application form and one reference from your current/most recent employer, indicating their support for you. API Application form.pdf (0.8 MB)
Please return the API application form completed and signed not later than 30 June for the winter semester and 31 December for the summer semester, together with the following mandatory enclosures:
One reference: from your current/most recent employer, indicating their support for you.
Please find the application submission address below and for further information contact:
Tamara Kessler
tamara.kessler@uni.li
T +423 265 11 34
General information on financing your studies