Architecture Schools and Programs in China

Architecture Studies in China

Beijing Commercial Business District, ChinaHave you ever considered studying architecture abroad in a foreign country, perhaps as a way to enhance and enliven your educational experience?  If you have, you should really consider China as a potential destination.  Officially called the People’s Republic of China, this beautiful East Asian country is home to the world’s largest population, with over 1.3 billion inhabitants.  It is a single-party state, governed by the Communist Party of China, with its government seat located in the capital city of Beijing.  It exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chongqing), and two (mostly) self-governing special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau).  China’s rich history, diverse culture and proud traditions make it a very special place to visit and study, and its system of higher education, which includes its architectural programs, is among the best in the world.

Architecture Education in China

A major area of study, architecture is offered as a degree option at the majority of China’s larger universities, including Tsinghua University, whose architecture program consistently ranks near the top in China for both the quality of education it offers and the success of its graduates.  At Tsinghua University, architecture education is deeply rooted into China’s cause for construction with the goals of advancing knowledge in the field and cultivating the professional leaders of tomorrow.  Some of the objectives laid out by the faculty of TU’s School of Architecture include:
 

• To formulate well-thought-out development strategies, paying due attention to the requirements of China’s construction and development and the challenges of academic frontiers, and combining education with research and practice.
• To recruit and maintain a faculty with international perspective to ensure the School’s high quality of education.
• To attract talented architecture applicants and cultivate high-quality graduates who will go on to become professional leaders with high capacities of innovation, competition, communication and collaboration.
• To produce plentiful research achievements, aiming at theoretical and methodological creations in architecture.

 
Since 1946, Tsinghua University has offered a five-year undergraduate program in architectural design, resulting in the Bachelor of Engineering degree.  The course requires a minimum of 175 credits, including 141 credits in architectural theory, 19 credits in practical design and 15 credits reserved for the Bachelor thesis.

Why Study Abroad in China

The quality of China’s universities, along with the excellent education they provide to their students, is undeniable, with many of its institutions ranking among the world’s best according to U.S. News and World Report’s “Top Universities in the World” rankings.  However, in addition to the exceptional education students will receive, there are also a number of other benefits to studying abroad in this beautiful Asian country, including:
 
The Opportunity for Travel and Exploration
 
Studying abroad in China will provide you with a unique opportunity to travel and explore every nook and cranny of the world’s most populous country.  As a student there, you’ll consistently be exposed to the country’s exceptional blend of ancient and modern civilizations, as well as its scenic beauty and bustling nightlife.  It’s a chance to travel through the various regions of this enormous country, each offering a different culture, climate and plenty of interesting sights and attractions.
 
Affordability
 
Compared to some of the more traditional study-abroad destinations, such as countries in North America and Europe, studying in China is relatively affordable.  These affordability of the tuition costs in China, coupled with a lower cost of living, means you’ll have more money in your pocket to enjoy the various sites in the country and all they have to offer.
 
Future Employment Prospects
 
China has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and has been a rising economic power for the last 30 years.  As a result, professionals who have been exposed to the country through a study abroad program, perhaps learning the language, the customs, etc., will typically have greater success in securing lucrative employment, particularly with international firms who conduct business in China.
 
Soaking in the Culture
 
The culture of China is surprisingly diverse and its people are multicultural, consisting of nearly 60 different ethnicities.  In the southern province of Yunnan, for example, over 10 different minorities groups have lived among each other for thousands of years in relative harmony, practicing an array of customs and religions, spanning from Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, and even some of the lesser-known religions such as the Bimo religion of Baiyi.  This incredible diversity will transform each and every day of your study abroad experience into an awakening adventure, as you meet, befriend and create lasting memories with the Chinese people.