Master Program of Architecture (English)

Introduction of the Architecture Discipline

Established in 1927, The Department of Architecture at Southeast University is the origin of Chinese modern architectural education. Honoring SEU’s motto of “Strive for Perfection”, its development continuously guides architectural education in China, and enjoys profound international reputation. At present, the Architecture Discipline at Southeast University, as a first-level PhD degree granting discipline and a first-level national key discipline, is composed of second-level disciplines including architectural design and theory, architectural history and heritage conservation, building science and technology, urban design and theory, architectural algorithm and application and interior design and theory etc.. School of Architecture, Southeast University won A + in the discipline of architecture at the 4th round of China Discipline Ranking results in 2017. All previous and the incumbent directors of the National Supervision Board of Architecture Education (China) are from the School of Architecture, Southeast University, which has four Academicians, thirty-seven PhD supervisors, and one hundred and five master supervisors currently working in it. The School of Architecture consists of a national-level teaching group, two national high-quality courses, and a Key Laboratory of Urban and Architectural Heritage Conservation of Ministry of Education, a GIS center cooperatively established by UNESCO, a State Authorized Research Base of Traditional Wooden Architecture, and a Laboratory of Architectural Algorithm & Application. Inheriting history of Southeast University, the School of Architecture focuses on advanced science, interdisciplinary research, and persists in exploring and innovating in the field of architecture. The Academicians play a leading role in the research field of urban environment and architectural design. In addition, a batch of young and senior scholars who have proven remarkable achievements in research areas including urban design, architectural design, holistic design on urban architecture, architectural history and theory, architectural heritage conservation, sustainable urbanism and green architecture, architectural industrialization, and architectural algorithm & application, exert great impact on these professional areas both nationally and internationally. The graduates of Southeast University have been continuously playing a leading role in academic and professional fields both in China and overseas. The only Pritzker Architecture Prize winner from China is also our graduate.

Educational Objectives

(1) Global leaders who pay close attention to the edge-cutting of academic research, possess the abilities and professional skills to carry out the innovative research, have positive personalities and social responsibilities.

(2) Architectural specialists with a global academic perspective, have a good knowledge of international issues, develop and lead the research and design practice on the platform of global architectural employment.

Research Directions

1)  Architectural Design and Theory (including four major directions: Architectural Design Theory and Method, Urban Design Theory and Method, Interior Design Theory and Method, Architectural Algorithm and Application)

(2)  Architectural History, Theory and Heritage Preservation

(3)  Building Science and Technology

Credit requirements and curriculum

Thesis

· Literature Review

Students must review at least 30 pieces of literature relevant to their thesis topic and research direction and compile a written literature overview.

· Topic selection of thesis

Based on their research, students must select a thesis topic possessing academic value and significance for socio-economic development. The dedicated research and thesis work period must be no less than one year.

· Thesis writing

In addition to complying with all relevant university regulations, the thesis must be systematic and complete. It should present clear concepts, compelling arguments, accurate descriptions, a logical structure, a smooth and concise writing style, correct calculations, reliable data, and clearly presented tables and diagrams.

· Degree awarding

Academic Activity Requirement: To qualify for the master's degree, students must participate in at least two academic activities and produce one academic essay within their discipline. The essay must be published in the proceedings of the School’s postgraduate academic symposium or in another academic journal upon supervisor approval. Upon verification, this will count for one credit.

Degree Conferral Process: The master's degree requires the completion of all credits specified in the training program, fulfillment of the program requirements, and a successfully defended degree thesis. The thesis must undergo the formal blind review process administered by the graduate school. Students may only proceed to the oral defense upon passing this review.

Thesis Defense: The defense is organized by the department. The review panel and defense committee must include at least one external expert holding a senior academic or professional title.

Degree Application: Students may apply for the master's degree after successfully passing the thesis defense. The degree is conferred upon approval by the School Degree Evaluation Sub-Committee and the University Degree Evaluation Committee.

Curriculum

Note:  

（1）The master's degree requires a minimum of 28 credits, including at least 16 credits from Major Compulsory Degree Courses and 5 credits from Integrated Quality Training components.

（2）All coursework for master's students must typically be completed within one and a half years of enrollment, with degree courses normally completed within the first year.

（3）Compulsory and public elective courses are as listed in this plan. Specialized elective courses can be selected from the general "Graduate Courses Catalog."

（4）Some elective courses may have temporary supplemental additions each year, which will be updated in a timely manner.