Architecture (BEDS)
Launch your path to becoming a licensed architect.
Why choose this program?
The primary aim of the professional architecture program at Dalhousie is to educate students who plan to become professional architects.
As a professional architect, you may participate in a wide range of design activities, depending on your areas of interest and expertise including house, public building and community design; material innovation, spatial organization and urban design; or historic restoration and adaptation to new buildings and theoretical projects.
The School’s Master of Architecture program is fully accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). The entire six-year program consists of two years of general studies at a recognized university, followed by two years of undergraduate study at the School of Architecture (BEDS) and two years of graduate study at the School of Architecture (MArch).
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
To be considered for BEDS admission, you must have completed:
- Two years of university in subjects other than architecture (twenty courses), with at least a B– average (2.5 GPA).
- Two years at a college or institute plus one year of university is also acceptable.
The two years of university must include:
- Two courses, at 1000-level or higher, in a mathematics or science subject: biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, or statistics (but not economics, environment, geography, astronomy, management, planning, or psychology). To confirm that a course is acceptable, you may send its calendar description to the Architecture office.
- A course that emphasizes writing skills. Courses at some universities are designated as “writing requirement” or “writing intensive.” A course that includes formal essay writing is also acceptable.
- Two courses in a humanities or social science subject: anthropology, art history, classics, literature (but not language instruction), history, music history (but not music instruction), philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, etc.
* Priority is given to applicants with a good academic record and creative design ability.
If you are 25 years or older and do not meet all of these academic requirements, you may apply as a mature student, based on other qualifications; however, all applicants must have completed at least one full year of university. To prepare for studio work, applicants are advised to take a course in freehand drawing and/or a material-based subject (e.g., wood, metal, or ceramics). Admission to the BEDS program is competitive, so completing these academic prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
Students who have completed a two-year architectural technology program at a college also need to complete one full year of general studies (i.e., non-architecture courses) at a university to be eligible for admission to the B1 term of the BEDS program. Learn more about transfering credits.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
If you have completed at least two years of university in subjects other than architecture, you may apply for admission to BEDS, the second part of the professional architecture program. Sixty-five students are admitted each September. Priority is given to applicants with a good academic record and creative design ability. Each incoming class includes students with diverse academic backgrounds from across Canada and abroad.
Year 3 - Term B1 (Fall)
Year 3 - Term B2 (Winter)
Year 4 - Term B3 (Summer)
Year 4 - Term B4 (Fall) (Co-op Work Term)
Year 4 - Term B5 (Winter)
The following Architecture program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Architecture. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Architecture (for degrees only)
Bachelor of Architecture with Major
Bachelor of Architecture with Honours
MArch Program (enables students to pursue specializations, culminating in a graduate design thesis in Year 6.)
What you will learn
Architecture is the creative study of buildings and cities. It is a challenging, well-rounded discipline with alliances to the fine arts, humanities, and technologies. By studying architecture, students develop their artistic skill, knowledge of history and technology, social and cultural awareness, and critical imagination.
Sample courses may include:
- Courses in any subject(s), at any university.
Courses in any subject(s), at any university.
- ARCH 3001 Design
- ARCH 3302 Professional Practice
- ARCH 3207 Building Technology
- ARCH 4211 Building Systems Integration
- ARCH 4112 Architectural History and Theory: 20th Century to the Present
- ARCH 4501 Representation
Architecture is a challenging, well-rounded discipline. By studying architecture, you will develop your artistic skill, knowledge of history and technology, social and cultural awareness, and critical imagination.
Careers
Architects work in a variety of settings including urban and regional planning, architecture, interior design, real estate, environmental policy and planning, government, non-profits, academia, green building, and certification.
