The BS Architecture program uses varied approaches in professional architecture education, adapting to the needs of our students and the demands of the changing global work environment in the architecture industry. This allows the program to stay competitive and relevant in the field.
Program curriculum and retention policy
Following the mandate of CHED, the 2018 BS Architecture curriculum remains as a five-year program.
General Education (GE) courses comprise most of the required units during the program’s first two years. These are university-wide courses intended to develop the students’ key academic skills and competencies such as persuasive communication, analytic and creative thinking. The university upholds that developing such basic competencies helps prepare students towards becoming independent learners as they progress in their respective programs and eventually, their careers.
Alongside their GE courses, BS Architecture students must also undertake professional architecture courses which serve as the basis for the content of the annual qualifying examination held at the end of each academic year. To be eligible for the qualifying examination, BS Architecture students must pass all board-related courses in any given semester.
In case a student fails in any board-related course, they can retake the course and pass it to be eligible to take the qualifying exam. In case a student fails the qualifying examination or the remedial qualifying examination, the student can retake it after a year, during which refresher courses may be given by the institute on a case to case basis.
The program also offers three specialization tracks, namely: Urban Design, Housing Design and Building Construction. The Urban Design Track covers concepts and solutions for livability in cities, conservation of the build environment and ecological design in cities. Meanwhile, the Housing Design Track deals with the design of green housing and communities, conservation of heritage and traditional settlements, and current and future trends in urban residential housing. The Building Construction Track equips the students with the tools and skills necessary in the construction planning and management of buildings.
Students are also trained to become well-rounded, socially and morally responsible citizens through the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the Wellness and Recreation Program (WRP) of the University. Under WRP, students can choose to attend a diverse array of short courses intended to develop their physiological and emotional well-being as well as their sense of belonging in the community and their social responsibility.
Teaching and learning methods
Student-centered learning
With the alignment of the university aim to be a student-centered university, the program promotes ‘Interactive Classroom’ as a new learning space for students and faculty.
Design communication method
The use of technology thru digital software (computer and software programs) were used as a major tool in architecture practice and aims improve design presentation. Sketching is one of the main approaches and skill to communicate a design and it allows the students to explore and discover new solutions to given problems. Miniature modeling is also a design communication method that allows the students to present their idea in 3d forms.
Lecture method
The lecture method of instruction is usually employed in theory and history of architecture courses and law related subjects for students with limited background knowledge on the principles, concepts, ideas and all theoretical knowledge about the topic.
Group dynamics
This method allows the students to participate and interact with their fellow students to develop teamwork and prepare them in the professional practice through group projects and group reports.
Assessments
During the entire program, teachers are encouraged to use formative and summative assessments.
Internship
The program includes off-campus skills development and practical learning aimed at providing the students:
- The opportunity to gain experience and familiarization with the various specialty works by training in private architectural firms, government and non-government offices engaged in design, planning, construction and other related fields;
- The venue to appreciate the theories and principles and its applications, validations in actual work situations of professional practice; and
- The benefits in terms of credits not only in the subject but also in thesis preparation including the diversified experience required in the PRC licensure-board examination for architects.
Students must render 240 hours for the internship, undertaken with industry partners of the university.