Introduction

Part art, part science, this cutting-edge degree provides you with a comprehensive grounding in architectural design, history and theory, practice and sustainability, etc.  It equips you with the skills to progress to architectural practice and professional accreditation, and to a career in a related field.

Programme Features

Professional recognition 
This programme is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1.

Studio learning
The teaching and learning strategy centres on the design studio and design projects.  Our students are supported with printing and workshop facilities that help them on design development through various media of design presentation.

Local practitioner insights
Guest lectures and seminars by experienced speakers of high-profile practitioners who share their local industry insights on updated design trends, practices and architectural technologies.

Further studies
Our graduates have successfully gained admission to master’s degree programmes in Architecture at the University of Hong Kong and Chu Hai College, as well as renowned schools of architecture in Australia and UK.

Overseas field trips

Students have the opportunity to join overseas field trips that expand their horizons and awaken their desire to learn more about architecture. In 2023, the field trip of BSc (Hons) Architecture Studies was held in Japan.

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Modules

Architectural Design 2a 

This module aims to increase the breadth and depth of your thinking and indeed the quality of work produced at your sub-degree level. The themes of the module include local identity, community and urban design, contrasted with specific speculative and international themes. You'll work as a team member and as an individual to develop and explore your critical thinking, problem solving and other key skills, such as verbal communication and drawing techniques context, conservation, scale and redevelopment issues.

Architectural Design 2b

This module will increase the core content whilst also seeking to instill a philosophy of the added value of design that undertaken in the Architectural Design 2a module. You'll address the various stages of the design development process taking into account wider issues such as health and safety, sustainability, technical and construction constraints that might apply as well as professional and associated professional considerations.

Building Technology 2

This module will advance the concepts and theories introduced at your sub-degree study to equip you with transferable skills to investigate and critically appraise alternative structural, constructional, material systems and environmental strategies relevant to architectural design. You'll explore the inter-relationship between aesthetic aspects of architectural design, technical requirements of construction and the needs of users.

Architectural History & Theory 2

This module will provide more specific emphasis on the principles of architectural theory via an analysis of architectural history; this is not presented in the form of a historical survey. The module reinforces the position of the architect in the present and thus intends to introduce you to the various ways by which history affects architects and theory, whilst not covering a vast range of architectural history. 

Architectural Design 3a

The module will seek to offer opportunities for both architectural exploration prior to the final thesis design to follow and consolidation in relation to the projects undertaken in your first year of study with us. The emphasis will be on similar scheme sizes than previously encountered located in urban centres. The focus will be laid on detail, construction and structure, materiality of architectural design, and engaging with tectonics and aesthetic aspects in an urban environment. You’ll also need to consider inherent contextual issues and planning constraints.

Architectural Design 3b (Design Thesis)

The module provides a vehicle to illustrate the design thesis as a culmination of the knowledge, skills and abilities of this programme. This rigorous and comprehensive design embodies all aspects of architectural design, producing an appropriate and enriching environment, which instils a Genius Loci and also contributes to the discourse of contemporary architecture.

Architectural History & Theory 3

In this module, you'll learn detailed construction design in line with architectural principles and precedents. You'll enhance your learning by building case studies and reviewing construction exercises.

Professional Studies

This module will encourage you to develop your skills in project management as well as procedures for managing a practice. You will develop an understanding of your role as an architect in the context of the dynamic construction industry and to consider concepts of quality, value and excellence in project delivery.

Assessment

Coursework, project work, design thesis and portfolio

Professional Recognition

This programme is an eligible academic qualification for the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council (CIC) Building Information Modelling (BIM) Manager Certification scheme.

QF Level

Fees

• Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
• Registration Fee : HK$3,500
• Tuition Fee : HK$197,430 by 8 instalments 

Financial Aids

 The following HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes are available to eligible students who pursue this programme at SHAPE:

Financial Assistance Schemes		Amount (HK$)
	Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme (NMTSS)	Up to $34,390 per year  [AY2024/25]
	Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)	Up to $91,040 (Tuition fee grant) Up to $8,810 (Academic expenses grant) Up to 57,340 (Living expenses loan) [AY2023/24]
	Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year

For details including eligibility and subsidy amount, please refer to the hyperlink of each scheme.

Scholarships

A variety of attractive scholarships are available to current and graduating SHAPE students.

Career Prospects
 

Kevin Ma articulated to BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies after completing his Higher Diploma studies. He is now a BIM Assistant Manager.

Further Studies

Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes. Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Overseas.

Work by Wilson Cheung		"My first bachelor’s degree was in finance and economics. After working in the banking industry for two years, I realized my passion was architecture instead. At that time, I was desperate to change my career but was short of money and time. Thanks to SHAPE, its part-time programme allowed me to work in the daytime and engage in advanced study at night. After graduation, I was admitted to the Master of Architecture of HKU." Wilson Cheung First Class Honours, BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies
		"The modules taught by the UK lecturers allowed me to experience cultural differences between Hong Kong and the UK, and understand the importance of “community” and “sustainable development” concepts. I graduated with a first class honours and have completed a Master Degree in Architecture at the University of South Australia to pursue my career goal as an architect."   Yumi Lo First Class Honours, BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies
		"Though balancing part-time study with full-time work was challenging, the opportunity to broaden my knowledge in Architectural Studies is invaluable. I am especially thankful to have studied and worked with a group of like-minded classmates.  After graduation, I was admitted to the Master of Architecture at the University of New South Wales, Australia." Ben Liu First Class Honours, BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies
"Both lecturers from SHAPE and the UK shared practical ideas and provided continuing support to students. This programme allows students to explore the relationship between “people”, “environment”, “community” and “local history” in-depth, as well as the importance of humanity and sustainable design in architecture. After graduation, I was admitted to Master in Architecture at Chu Hai College to pursue my dream as an architect." Charlie Leung BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies Architectural Graduate of a local company

Graduation Ceremony
   

   
 

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