Architectural Technology and Construction Management BSc
What will I learn?
Taught in Icelandic. Proficiency in Icelandic is a requirement.
The BSc programme in Constructing Architecture and Construction Management trains students in solving practical design projects where teamwork and communication are important. Students work on practical projects individually and in groups under the guidance of instructors with extensive practical experience in architectural design and building construction.
Subjects in the program include, among others, architecture, construction technology, materials science of major building materials, fundamentals of structural design, systems design, construction management, computer-aided design, law, management and operations, surveying, repairs and renovations, communication, planning and scheduling, acoustics, environmental sustainability, and sustainability.
Reykjavik University is the only university in Iceland that offers this programme. The courses are taught in Icelandic.
Teaching methods
Students gain a good foundation during their first year by completing various construction courses. Completing those courses (consisting of 90 ECTS) is the prerequisite for the second part of the programme that focuses on solving more complex tasks. The programme is PBL (Project-Based Learning), or learning by doing. By taking on realistic projects, students must use the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their studies and seek to strengthen any skills or competencies they lack.
Students work on a 20 ECTS final project in the last semester of study. They write either a pure design project or a combination of a design project and an executive or operational project. Students must also submit a 10 ECTS thesis on a specialised topic of their choice that covers some aspects related to the work of a construction engineer.
Internship
Internships aim to enhance student's knowledge in their field of study and prepare them for employment after graduation. The Department of Technology ensures that students who undertake internships work on challenging, interesting projects that align with their areas of interest. Internships have proven beneficial for students, and numerous final theses have been developed due to internships. The department has Internship agreements with over 40 companies and institutions.
Career
After completing their degree, students can apply for a certified professional title as …. by The Icelandic Association of Civil Engineers. Graduates can carry out a variety of jobs in the construction industry, especially as professionals between building designers, building authorities and developers.
How will I learn?
First part - Distance learning - Foundation in construction subjects
Students begin their studies by gaining a solid foundation through completing a variety of courses in construction subjects. The foundation is taught through distance learning, with two on-site sessions per semester, each lasting one weekend. In some courses, the on-site sessions are used for practical exercises, and there are also visits to companies, with projects being carried out in real-world environments.
Students must complete all courses of the first part of the program (3 semesters, 90 ECTS) before starting the second part. There is an option to spread the first part of the program over more semesters.
Second part - On-site learning - Learning from experts
The second part of the program aims to solve complex and exciting projects. The program utilises PBL (Project-Based Learning), or learning by doing. Realistic projects drive the learning forward, where students must apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired up to that point in their studies, and also demonstrate the ability to acquire new expertise and skills where necessary.
The projects are carried out by students working independently, under the guidance of a broad group of teachers with extensive practical experience in design and construction. The program seeks to use advanced, computer-assisted methods in design. BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a central thread throughout the program.
What next?
Construction Architects' Profession
Construction architects have a broad area of expertise and therefore work in a variety of roles related to the construction industry. They are involved in the design of buildings, as well as the supervision and management of construction projects. Their knowledge of building processes, material selection, and project management is extremely valuable.
Work environment
Upon graduation, construction architects have a wide and exciting range of career opportunities. Many construction architects work for design firms, architecture and engineering offices, and construction companies as project managers or construction supervisors. They also work for insurance companies, real estate companies, banks, property agencies, businesses in the construction industry, and in the public sector.
Construction architects have the opportunity to become licensed designers once they meet the requirements and after completing a three-year period of work experience, a course, and an exam administered by the Housing and Building Agency. They can then work as independent designers with the right to submit primary plans, land development plans, and detailed plans.
Continuing education & professional development
Construction architects can pursue master's degrees, diploma programs, and various continuing education courses. There are many opportunities for further education, both domestically and internationally.
Examples of courses:
- Construction and project management
- Urban planning
- Environmental studies
- Construction economics
- Energy studies
- Fire design
- Property management
- BIM – Computer-assisted design
- Design and architecture
- Pedagogy
- Information technology in building design
Protected Professional Title
The BSc degree in Construction Architecture is known in English as the Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management. After completing the BSc degree in Construction Architecture, students can apply for a licensed professional title as construction architects. The Icelandic Society of Construction Architects sets the requirements for licensing and issues the permit to use the professional title. This is in accordance with the Act No. 8/1996 on the Licensing of Professional Titles in Technology and Design Fields. Licensing applications can be made through the society's website.
Most of what I do at work is related to what I learned during my studies. The methods, processes, and techniques were taught and introduced to us in a very efficient manner, where we worked on large projects as if they were real-life tasks. After studying construction architecture, the challenges in the job market feel like a natural continuation. There are also many opportunities for specialization, and in that way, it is possible to shape knowledge and experience around different subjects and areas of interest within the field.
The program was extremely useful in preparing for this job. The way you learn to seek out knowledge has proven to be very effective. The program is structured largely as if you were in the labor market, and it certainly pays off.
The programme was extremely interesting with good teachers who had practical experience from the labor market. The study was a good mix of theoretical and practical subjects where the teaching was very personal. After the study I have worked in construction, project management and now human resources management and the study has helped me to be organised, set goals and work towards them.
Structure
Fall enrollment
The program starts in the autumn semester.
Divided into two parts
The first part of the program is 90 ECTS credits, taught through distance learning. The second part of the program is 120 ECTS credits, project-based learning, taught in on-site classes with local sessions. In total, the first and second parts of the program are 210 ECTS credits.
Length of study
Students are enrolled in full-time study and complete the first part of the program in three semesters of distance learning. The second part of the program takes place in full-time on-site study and lasts for two years. The total study time is therefore 7 semesters, or 3.5 years of full-time study.
Facilities
Practical Teaching
At RU, the emphasis is on practical skills and training, complemented by a solid theoretical foundation. The facilities for practical teaching are exemplary, and students have access to a fully equipped laboratory.
Classrooms and Study Spaces
Reykjavík University provides excellent instruction, study, and a student collaboration environment. Classrooms are well-equipped, and students have access to group study rooms. General facilities are open to students 24/7. More information about RU’s facilities can be found on the university's website.
Students outside the Reykjavik area can get access to local education centers, but students in the Reykjavik area are offered study facilities for group work on the university premises.
Comprehensive Support Services
The university building provides easy access to academic and career counselling, an international office, and technical support. The library offers diverse study areas, access to books and academic journals, and dedicated information specialists available for consultations to assist students with research and sourcing.
Stores and Cafés
Reykjavík University hosts the University Shop, which sells essential items, a café, a World Class fitness centre, and Málið, a cafeteria.
Why study at RU?
- Certification
- Excellent facilities
- Good access to teachers
- Project-based education