Architecture master's degree recognized across Europe

EU Commission notifies Alanus University master's degree

The EU Commission has notified the master’s degree in architecture at Alanus University in Alfter near Bonn: this means that graduates can now be admitted to the relevant professional chambers in all EU member states without having to undergo an individual case review. “We are delighted to have once again convinced the EU Commission of the quality of our degree programme,” says Willem-Jan Beeren, Professor of Architecture at Alanus University. “Against the backdrop of increasing flexibility and internationalization in the labor market, this is also an encouraging sign for our graduates to consider a professional future outside Germany.” Back in 2014, the Department of Architecture had already successfully obtained notification for the now discontinued four-year, directly qualifying bachelor’s degree programme “Architecture and Urban Space.” The new notification ensures that all master’s graduates can now also exercise their freedom of establishment within Europe without major effort.

In addition to degree programme accreditations, which focus in particular on compliance with the Bologna regulations (modularization, bachelor’s/master’s structure, etc.), this additional notification procedure was introduced in 2005 as part of the EU-wide recognition of qualifications in specific professions (including architecture, medicine, and nursing). In such a process, compliance with minimum standards and the admission requirements for the degree programme are reviewed, among other things.

The master’s degree in architecture at Alanus University places a focus on the common good: architecture is understood as a method of social transformation that prepares students for a complex field of work between object design and process facilitation. In addition to deepening design skills, the programme is concerned with developing an individual architectural stance in the field of tension between “Human Being-Architecture-Society.” Insights into current student projects are provided by the department’s e-magazine at www.alanus.edu/mag-architektur.