Architecture

Program overview

The Architecture (B.Arch.) program at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) is a 4-year full-time undergraduate program delivered by the Faculty of Architecture. The four-year integrative curriculum is designed to give students the ability to evaluate the built environment, design and build in modern design studios.

The department offers a flexible and regularly updated schedule, allowing students to choose elective courses both within their department and in other departments. The core focus of the educational approach is the architectural design studio, complemented by professional theoretical courses.

The interactive studio acts as an arena for critical thinking: social, technical and environmental issues are discussed around the architectural project, and the spatial dimension of the built environment is reimagined through creative work and discussion.

Educational approach

The EMU Department of Architecture offers a learning environment with a modern approach to education for young people from different cultural backgrounds. The goal is to give future architects the knowledge and skills needed to respond to rapid global changes and to react rationally and creatively to modern architectural challenges.

Teaching is built on an interdisciplinary approach supported by a strong academic infrastructure. Graduates should contribute to improving the quality of life as dynamic individuals with a high sense of responsibility and leadership qualities, able to play a central role in teamwork — a global reality of our time.

Program structure

The program lasts 4 years and consists of 8 semesters. The language of instruction is English. Teaching is built around a sequence of architectural design studios of increasing complexity:

• Design studios — the central element of the program, from the fundamentals of composition to complex architectural projects
• Theoretical courses — history and theory of architecture, professional practice and ethics
• Flexible schedule — electives from other university departments
• Final project — a comprehensive graduation work integrating the knowledge gained
• Preparatory course — English Preparatory School for students without an English certificate

The program does not require a dissertation but includes a comprehensive final project. Students actively participate in practical projects, studio work and collaborative learning, developing drawing, modeling and digital tool skills.

What you will study

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics in art, design and technology with a special focus on creative problem solving and technical mastery:

• Architectural design studios — of increasing complexity, from fundamentals to complex projects
• Construction technologies and construction methods
• History and theory of architecture
• Structural systems and environmental design
• Urban design and planning
• Digital representation and modeling — CAD, 3D tools
• Professional practice and ethics

Students develop drawing, modeling and digital tool skills, while the design studio allows discussing social, technical and environmental aspects of architectural projects.

Accreditation

The department continuously works on the national and international accreditation of the program. The EMU Architecture program holds two significant accreditations:

• MİAK — Mimarlık Akreditasyon Kurulu, the Architectural Accreditation Board. The program is accredited for 6 years — it is the 4th program to successfully obtain international accreditation among more than 60 architectural programs in Northern Cyprus and Turkey, and the only one to receive international accreditation for 6 years.
• NAAB — National Architectural Accrediting Board (USA).

International accreditations confirm that the program meets high standards of architectural education and open up licensing and career opportunities for graduates in different countries.

Studios and research centers

Architecture students have access to modern infrastructure supporting both education and research:

• Main EMU library — a large collection of art and architecture books and periodicals
• Special department library with a wide range of architectural journals and books
• Three equipped CAD laboratories
• Materials, environment, model-making and photo laboratories
• Research centers — Design and Research Center (TASAR), Urban Research and Development Center (Kent-AG), Housing Education, Research and Consultancy Center (HERA-C)

Design studios and the laboratory base allow students to work on real projects and participate in the university's research activities.

Career prospects

Graduates of the EMU Department of Architecture, benefiting from the department's EAAE (European Association for Architectural Education) membership, find opportunities in public and private institutions or work as freelance architects.

• Licensed architect — design of buildings and spaces
• Urban designer and planner
• Interior architect-designer
• Project manager in architectural firms and construction companies
• Storefront and exhibition stand design, implementation in construction firms
• Public institutions and design organizations

Some graduates continue postgraduate education at EMU, universities in Turkey, Europe or the USA and successfully pursue academic work. The B.Arch. degree also serves as a solid foundation for further study in architecture and related disciplines.

Admission

Admission to the Architecture (B.Arch.) program requires a high school diploma or equivalent. International students must prove English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS and similar) if their previous education was not in English.

Main documents for application:

• International passport valid for at least 6 months from the application date
• High school diploma and transcript
• Passport-size photos
• English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL and similar)

If documents are not issued in English, an official translation is required along with the originals. Our EMU Partner team will support you through the entire admission process — from consultation to receiving your acceptance letter.