Bachelor of Architecture

Key Points

Write to us for more information

The School of Architecture at the University of Limerick offers a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture. The aim of the school is to educate architects with a strong integrated, balanced skill set that grants a clear understanding of the environment (built, existing and imagined) vital to professional practice. The Royal Institute of Architects Ireland (RIAI) has awarded full accreditation to UL’s architecture programme. Studying architecture in an accredited programme is the first step to becoming a registered professional architect.

This program provides, an education as an architect by offering a course curriculum structured around the design studio. The design studio is a creative laboratory where learning is developed through experimentation and reflection. Woven into the design studio will be studio courses in structures (structural engineering), environmental sciences (environmental engineering), history (of architecture, society, technology) and philosophy, sociology, law and management (professional practice). 

Employability skills

  • Analytical and logical problem solving
  • Decision making
  • Working effectively in multinational teams
  • Use creativity to establish innovative solutions
  • Manage the design process and evaluate the results.
  • Meet changing customer needs
  • Arithmetic, design and drawing
  • IT skills (e.g. CAD)
  • Project Management
  • Teamwork
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Research
  • Flexibility to deal with unexpected situations
  • Self-reflection and continuous professional development

Program structure

The course is designed to equip you with a wide range of fundamental skills to become an architect. These skills include hand drawing, sketching, model making, photography, computer aided drawing, audio-visual and verbal presentation, as well as basic skills including conceptualisation and design, problem solving and working with others.

Semester 1

  • Design Studio 1st
  • Gravity and reaction 1
  • Representation / Drawing 1
  • History and Theory of Architecture 1
  • Assembly and techniques 1
  • Environmental forces and systems 1


Semester 2

  • Design studio 1b
  • Gravity and reaction 2
  • Representation / Drawing 2
  • History and Theory of Architecture 2
  • Assembly and techniques 2
  • Environmental forces and systems 2

Semester 3

  • Design Studio 2nd
  • Gravity and reaction 3
  • Representation / Drawing 3
  • History and Theory of Architecture 3
  • Assembly and techniques 3
  • Environmental forces and systems 3


Semester 4

  • Design studio 2b
  • Gravity and reaction 4
  • Representation / Drawing 4
  • History and Theory of Architecture 4
  • Materials 1
  • Environmental forces and systems 4

Semester 5

  • Design Studio 3rd
  • Gravity and reaction 5
  • Representation / Drawing 5
  • History and Theory of Architecture 5
  • Assembly and techniques 4
  • Environmental forces and systems 5


Semester 6

  • Design Studio 3b
  • Gravity and reaction 6
  • Representation / Drawing 6
  • History and Theory of Architecture 6
  • Assembly and techniques 5
  • Visual culture 1
  • Design Studio 4th
  • Professional Practice – Contracts
  • Advanced construction 1
  • Elective


Semester 8

  • Design studio 4b
  • Profession and Society
  • Advanced construction 2
  • Elective

Semester 9

  • Design Studio 5th
  • Advanced construction 3
  • Elective


Semester 10

  • Design study 5b – Thesis
  • With advanced s truction 4
  • Elective

    *Module availability may change from year to year.

Admission requirements

  • The standard minimum entry requirement is a 2.2 honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in Architecture. Applicants must possess at the time of enrolment the stated Certificate of Completion (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: two H5 (Higher Level) and four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. In addition, we will consider relevant work experience and equivalent qualifications in related fields.
  • In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
  • IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or its internationally recognised equivalent).

Learn more about our educational offer

More than 10,000 students have put their trust in us

Study and work abroad, live this experience that will change your life