Architecture Schools and Programs in Cambodia

Architecture Studies in Cambodia

Royal Palace complex, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Architecture students learn to design buildings and the spaces around them, combining drawing and design studios with structures, materials, building law and the history of architecture. In Cambodia, architecture is closely tied to construction and engineering, and programmes also cover Khmer architectural heritage and conservation.

SpainExchange lists 2 schools in Cambodia with architecture programmes, both in Phnom Penh: Norton University and Build Bright University (BBU).

How architecture degrees are organised in Cambodia

Higher education quality in Cambodia is overseen by the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC), a government institution under the Council of Ministers whose main aim is to promote the quality of higher education. Norton University, for example, was founded by sub-decree, and its degrees are accredited by the Ministry of Education.

At Norton University, undergraduate study begins with a foundation year in the Foundation Studies Department. Students then continue in the College of Sciences, which has four departments: computing, electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, and architecture. According to the head of the architecture department, the university has taught architecture and urbanism since 2000, and the architecture programme takes 5 years.

The department offers four majors:

• Architectural design, which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a specialisation in Architectural Design
• Interior design
• Urban planning
• Landscape design

The curriculum runs from colour and sketching, descriptive geometry and computer graphics in the early years to architectural design studios, history of Khmer architecture, interior design, sustainable design and basic engineering (mechanics, structures and reinforced concrete). Later years add conservation, law and rules of construction, landscape design, urban planning, project planning and professional practice. The fifth year covers sewage and water systems and ends with an internship and a written paper. English courses are part of the programme.

Norton University notes that its architectural design degree is a pre-architecture programme: it does not lead directly to a professional licence as an architect or engineer, and additional graduate training is required for that.

Admission for international students

To enter the foundation year at Norton University, students need a high-school certificate or an equivalent document and must take the university's entrance exam or meet its other requirements. Foreign applicants submit:

• the original high-school diploma and transcript, with an English translation if they are not in English
• an Alien Certificate of Registration issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a passport
• a personal history statement, photos and the application form, with an admission fee of USD 15
• a passing mark in the university's English test (students with weak English must take special English classes)
• a medical certificate with a chest X-ray

Students who have already studied elsewhere can enter in the second or third year after an evaluation by the university's academic board, approved by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Visa rules for foreign students should be checked with a Cambodian embassy or consulate before travelling.

Where to study architecture in Cambodia

• Norton University, Phnom Penh: a private university formally founded by sub-decree on 18 September 1997, with its degrees accredited by the Ministry of Education since 25 July 2000. Architecture is taught in the College of Sciences.
• Build Bright University (BBU), Phnom Penh: listed on SpainExchange; check its current architecture and engineering programmes directly with the university.

Careers in architecture

According to Norton University, many architectural design graduates start work as intern architects, while others go on to graduate study in architecture, structural engineering or construction management. The architecture department lists roles such as construction company manager, designer of buildings, public spaces, resorts and hotels, and manager of provincial and urban development projects. Becoming a licensed architect requires further training after the bachelor's degree.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to study architecture in Cambodia?

At Norton University, the architecture programme takes 5 years, after a foundation year, and the final year includes an internship and a written paper.

Does an architecture degree from Cambodia make me a licensed architect?

Not directly. Norton University states that its architectural design degree does not lead directly to professional licensure and that additional graduate training is required.

What do foreign students need to apply?

At Norton University, foreign applicants need their high-school diploma and transcript (with English translation), a passport or registration certificate, a USD 15 admission fee, a pass in the English test and a medical certificate.

Who checks the quality of universities in Cambodia?

The Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC), a government institution under the Council of Ministers, promotes and assures the quality of higher education.