Presentation of the Course
The Single-Cycle Master's Degree in Architecture (LM-4CU), maintains historical continuity with the program inaugurated in 1936 at the University of Florence. Its establishment is part of the long training experience of architects in Florence and Italy. The Florentine School has trained entire generations not only of architects, but also of urban planners and designers, many of whom have distinguished themselves in both in professional practice academia.
The CdLM awards a degree recognized across the European Union in accordance with Directive 2013/55/EU.
The CdS presents a single curriculum and is organized taking into account the need for coherence and didactic continuity both within the individual disciplinary chains characterizing the architect's training and between them, in order to ensure complete and coordinated training. The CdS has the standard duration of five years and is divided, seamlessly, into a first two-year basic training period and a subsequent three-year period dedicated mainly to the characterizing subjects and applied training. The academic year is divided into two teaching periods (semesters), with an intermediate break dedicated to individual study and verification activities.
To pursue the training objectives set out in the
Teaching Regulations, the annual teaching schedule indicates each year the courses offered and their division among the various course years among those listed in the
Teaching Regulations. The courses can be held annually or biannually and are divided into theoretical courses and application courses (laboratories) in which the project activity is developed (mainly in the subjects characterizing and related to the last three years).
Students complete an average of 60 credits (CFU/ECTS) per year. Each training credit (CFU) corresponds to a total of 25 hours, including 8 hours in the classroom instruction and 17 hours of individual study as defined by University Teaching Regulations. Theoretical courses and laboratory work make up the core of these credits (CFU), with additional credits (CFU) allocated to elective exams, foreign language proficiency, final exams, and internships.
Upon completing the curriculum and acquiring the 300 required credits, students sit for their final degree defense (thesis). Students who complete all requirements and earn the 300 credits ahead of schedule may graduate before the official five-year timeline.
Over time, the CdLM4cu has continuously evolved: adapting to national educational reforms, cultural advancements, and the changing demands of the professional market. Holding European recognition, the degree enables graduates to practice architecture and move freely as professionals across all EU member states. With reference to the international dimension, the training course is inspired by the principles of quality of training in Architecture promoted by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which, in view of the increasing complexity of the role of the architect resulting from the multiple and varied changes in the world, promotes the continuous improvement of architecture education to address socio-cultural and professional challenges and the demands of our time.
Training objectives
The CdS offers a single curriculum focused on developing advanced design skills in architecture, urban planning, and environmental transformation, considering their historical, logical, formal, structural, technological, and representational dimensions. The specific objective is to develop an architect based on project culture, capable of combining humanistic culture with technical and scientific expertise and capable of engaging with the dynamics of innovation and research and managing the implementation process, taking into account social, economic, regulatory, and environmental implications.
In terms of core competences, the CdS meets all national (Presidential Decree no. 328/2001) and international regulations at European level (European Directives 85/384/EEC, 2005/36/EC, 2013/55/EU) in respect of which it has complied with the request for compliance by obtaining confirmation of the recognition of the qualification in 2014. Furthermore, the CdS adopts the document developed by UIA – UNESCO on the training of architects (UIA and Architectural Education. Reflections and recommendations, Revised edition 2014).
Occupational profiles
Upon graduation, various career paths become available, including:
- Working independently or as part of an associated professional firm.
- Coordinating and developing projects within architecture and engineering firms, construction companies, or building component manufacturers.
- Leading and coordinating projects within public institutions, government agencies, and municipal offices responsible for urban control, building approvals, and environmental planning.
The degree qualifies graduates to take the State Examination required to practice as a licensed architect and register in the "Senior" category of the Professional Order. Graduates can access all specialized sectors provided by the current legal system: architecture, planning, landscape, and conservation.
Entry requirements
Admission requires an upper secondary school diploma (high school diploma) or an equivalent, officially recognized qualification obtained abroad. Applicants should possess foundational knowledge in languages, history, art, mathematics, physics, and technical drawing. Proficiency in Italian and at least one other foreign language is required.
Admission to the first year is subject to a restricted quota set annually by the Department Council, based on a mandatory national entrance exam.
The structure and format of this entry test are defined by national regulations and university provisions. Applicants are ranked based on their test scores, evaluating their knowledge and aptitude for architectural studies.
In cases where the knowledge test required for entry has not reached the minimum required score, those admitted to the useful ranking are required to have additional training requirements in the basic subjects to be implemented through
remedial courses.
Structure of the degree course
The standard duration of the program is five years. However, any student who successfully acquires the 300 required credits (CFU/ECTS) may graduate before the five-year deadline. The typical student workload averages 60 credits per academic year.
Course Organization
Educational activities are split into "theoretical" courses and "applied" design studios (workshops/laboratories):
- Theoretical Courses: Focus on the theoretical-scientific principles of the disciplines, providing a solid academic foundation.
- Design Studios (Laboratories): Focus on acquiring the technical, operational, and practical skills necessary to develop architectural projects across various scales and themes.
The study plan also includes elective activities chosen independently by the student. To support this autonomy, the department organizes thematic seminars, specialized courses, and intensive workshops allowing students to deepen their knowledge, particularly in preparation for their final thesis.
To facilitate entry into the professional world, students must complete a mandatory internship under the supervision of a university tutor. The internship is ideally aligned with the student’s professional goals and final thesis topic.
Profit examinations
Throughout the university career, the knowledge learned by the student will be verified through profit-making exams that differ between those relating to theoretical and applied teaching, namely the Laboratories.
For the former, in which the acquisition of knowledge occurs mainly through frontal teaching (lessons), the assessment methods may include intermediate tests and/or a final test.
For the Laboratories, the assessment methods include, after verifying attendance at the courses, an evaluation of practical project-related exercises in the intermediate and final phases.
Final Graduation Exam (Thesis)
The program concludes with a final degree exam (thesis defense), which consists of an original, independent project or research paper developed under the guidance of one or more faculty advisors (thesis supervisors). The thesis can take the form of an applied research path or an architectural, urban, or landscape design project, in line with the guidelines established by the Course of Study.
To be admitted to the thesis defense, students must have successfully completed all other educational activities and earned all preceding credits required by their study plan.
The final graduation grade is awarded out of 110 (110/110), with the possibility of receiving honors. The Graduation Committee can award up to a maximum of 10 points to the student's academic average, based on the quality of the thesis and the final oral defense.
Outstanding theses officially recognized by the Committee as worthy of publication may be featured and made accessible within the official editorial series on the
DIDA Press website.
