Advanced Studies - General Master
Master of Landscape Architecture
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) was established in 2020. The MLA is a two-year, research project-based program consisting of a total of 44 credit hours. The curriculum focuses on enhancing students' practical skills and knowledge of the art and science of landscape architecture through discipline-specific courses, studios, and elective courses.
The foundation of the MLA curriculum is a series of three intensive design studios. The first studio covers the relationship between urban design and landscape architecture by studying and designing urban projects at the neighborhood level or city centers. The second studio is designed to encourage students to engage in research at different scales, types, and methodologies, both in natural and urban areas. The last studio introduces students to design methods and concepts with a focus on the participation of society and its demands on the urban environment at the city level. The studio format involves various teaching techniques, including lectures, demonstrations, field trips, readings, one-on-one instruction, and group discussions. The studio typically consists of a small group of students, providing an engaging and personalized environment for both students and faculty.
The MLA curriculum also includes two courses in Landscape Architecture trends and Landscape Ecology, along with several elective courses designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge that will be integrated into the design studios to support the design process and solutions. Research is an important component of the MLA curriculum, and students are required to take two courses where they develop their final research project under the supervision of their instructors.
View DetailsAdvanced Studies - General Master
Master of Architecture Department
ARCHITECTURE
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) Program at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, King Abdulaziz University, is designed to graduate professional architects with advanced knowledge, innovation, and research skills that support national development trends and respond to community needs. The program adopts an integrative and research-oriented approach that combines critical inquiry, advanced design thinking, and technological innovation within the fields of architecture and urban design.
The curriculum positions architecture as a multidisciplinary and research-driven profession that addresses contemporary challenges related to sustainability, energy efficiency, conservation of historic buildings, and socio-cultural development. Emphasis is placed on advanced architectural design, building technology, digital applications in architecture, and environmentally responsive solutions, aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The program aims to enrich students with cutting-edge knowledge, professional skills, and ethical values in architecture and urban design, while enhancing their research capabilities and innovative performance. Through studio-based learning, applied research, and community-oriented projects, students are trained to address local and regional architectural and urban issues and to promote sustainability and socio-cultural awareness within the built environment.
View DetailsBachelor
Bachelor of Architecture
ARCHITECTURE
The Bachelor of Architecture program in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at King Abdulaziz University, established in 1976, aims for an integrative approach that merges critical inquiry with creative problem-solving. The curriculum positions architecture as a multidisciplinary discipline that addresses fundamental human needs for shelter and spatial organization, while also inspiring, promoting, and responding to requirements for efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement. The program is committed to preparing graduates to confront environmental and societal challenges in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
To obtain the Bachelor of Architecture degree, students must complete 155 credit hours of coursework and complete two 8-week summer internships. The curriculum comprises University Requirements, Faculty Requirements, and Departmental Compulsory, Elective, and Free Courses.
Graduates are equipped for a wide range of career opportunities both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. These include positions in the private sector, such as architectural, engineering, and contracting firms. Also, alumni can have opportunities in the semi-public sector, including development authorities and national housing programs, as well as in the public sector, such as ministries, royal commissions, and municipalities. Additionally, many alumni pursue academic and research careers or continue their studies in specialized fields of architecture.
View DetailsBachelor
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) program at King
Abdulaziz University (KAU) is the first academic program in Landscape
Architecture in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East established in 1976
(1396 AH). The BLA program is accredited (with condition) by the
National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment. The
BLA is a four-year program consisting of a total of 155 credit hours. The
curriculum focuses on enhancing students' practical skills and
knowledge of the art and science of landscape architecture through
discipline-specific courses and studios, electives, and general
education courses required by the university.
The foundation of the BLA curriculum is a series of eight intensive design
studios. The selection of topics, sites, contexts, and landscape-scale
of each design studio builds on the previous studio in an ever-increasing
level of difficulty and consideration of details and ideas.
In the first two years, the studios focus on the basic design principles,
process, analysis, and details in Landscape Architecture. The third-year
studios cover urban design and landscape planning topics—the finalyear studios are designated for the professional practice and graduation
project.
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