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MAS ETH in History and Theory of Architecture

  • Autumn Semester

    Start
  • 2 years, part-​time
    Duration
  • ETH Zurich
    Location

  • German

    Tuition language

  • 01–30.04.2025

    Application period

  • CHF 19,​­500­

    Programme fee

In brief: The MAS ETH in History and Theory of Architecture

Based on contemporary issues, the part-​time MAS ETH in History and Theory of Architecture teaches the the history and theory of architecture and the city as well as the methods of critical scholarly work.

Structure and content

Programme description

The MAS ETH in History and Theory of Architecture (MAS ETH GTA) investigates the intersections of architecture and urban processes in their historical dimensions. Students learn to conceptualise and historically situate the interfaces between the micro-​ and macro-​levels of architecture and the city. The programme encourages students to independently articulate and pursue research questions, to challenge existing assumptions, and in the process to become familiar with research in the humanities.

Objectives

The programme has three main goals: first, to convey the basics of the history and theory of architecture; second, to address contemporary disciplinary questions in architectural practice and debates in architectural and urban theory and the history of science; third, to introduce students to the methods of critical scholarship as a tool for independent research, writing and practice.

Professional perspectives

Graduates are qualified to pursue careers at universities, in the field of historical preservation, with public and private developers, and in media and communications. In architectural practice, they are able to analyse and historically situate complex design problems. They work in research and teaching at schools of architecture; for public authorities; in architectural criticism, publishing, and curatorial work; and in leading positions in architectural practice.

Structure and format

Part-​time, parallel to professional employment at 60 percent of full time. The two-​year programme is divided into course work and study trips (28 ECTS) and individually tutored research on individually selected subjects (32 ECTS). Lectures/seminars on two days per week (Th/Fr).

Additional information

The MAS in History and Theory of Architecture was established in 1993 as a key component of the Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture (gta). Students are involved in research, publication or exhibition projects. In the process, students increase their proficiency in time and project management, and improve their skills in communicating through verbal presentations and in written form. Graduates have acquired in-​depth knowledge of the relationships between architectural and urban phenomena and are familiar with various methods of scholarly work.

Tuition language(s)

German

Credits

60 ECTS credits
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Target group and admission

Target group

The programme is designed for university graduates with a degree in architecture (or landscape architecture, planning, design, etc.) or degrees in the humanities and related fields (history of art, social sciences, law, politics, divinity, economics, etc.). Most students have several years of professional experience.

Requirements

Master's degree acknowledged by ETH or equivalent qualifications; mastery of spoken and written German and English. Demonstrated motivation to deepen their knowledge of complex architectural and urban relationships and to learn the methods of scholarly research and analysis. 

Required language skills

German C1, English B2 (Seminar papers and Master’s Thesis may be submitted in English.) – external page Show proficiency scales

Language(s) of performance assessment

German
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Dates and venue

Start

Every Autumn Semester

Duration

2 years, part-​time

Application period

01–30.04.2025 (admission after the application deadline)

Location

ETH Zurich
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Fees

Programme fee

CHF 19,​­500­

Application fee

CHF 50 for persons with a Swiss university degree, CHF 150 for persons with another university degree (non-​refundable, credit card payment only)

Withdrawal fee

  • Within 30 days after the admission date: free of charge
  • More than 30 days after the admission date: CHF 9,750
  • After the start of the programme: CHF 19,500
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Application

Questions about the application

ETH Zurich, School for Continuing Education, HG E 17–18.5, Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zurich, Tel. external page +41 44 632 56 59, E-mail

Recommended procedure for a successful application

Application documents

Additional application documents

  • Letter of motivation: Briefly explain your interest in the MAS.
  • Work samples are helpful. Written texts, whether published or not, can be enclosed.
  • References/letters of recommendation are optional.
     
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Organiser

Programme management

Professor Maarten Delbeke
Programme Director
Professor Maarten Delbeke
Dr André Bideau
Programme Manager
Portrait of Dr André Bideau
Professor Philip Ursprung
Deputy Programme Director
Professor Philip Urspung

Contact

Dr André Bideau
MAS ETH GTA

ETH Zurich
Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture
Stefano-​​Franscini-​Platz 5
HIL C 75.1
8093 Zürich

Responsible body

ETH Zurich, D-​ARCH, Institut für Geschichte und Theorie der Architektur

Further information

MAS ETH in History and Theory of Architecture
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