Sept 2026 Entry
4 years
120 credits (plus 2 training credits)
- The programme hosted by the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) and co-hosted by School of Design (SD).
What's New
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
All admitted students will embark on a Common Year One curriculum. Towards the end of year one, students can decide whether to continue with their initial choice or switch to another choice within the Faculty. Those who wish to change to another choice need to join a competitive process through a ranking assessment, which considers a combination of entrance qualification score, Year One GPA, and interview performance.
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
The programme will aim to produce architecture graduates who are capable of adopting advanced technologies and innovations in practice to support the growth of the construction industry. The proposed programme objectives will be to provide quality education to familiarise architecture students with the latest advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related to architecture, construction, building materials and building services to respond to the challenges of sustainable development in the built environment. The uniqueness of this programme lies in its integration of knowledge and analytical tools, digital skills and transferable skills with design capabilities for the needs of the architectural profession. Students will be able to cultivate critical thinking and a research spirit in architectural design and problem-solving skills, adopting advanced technologies and innovation.
Programme Characteristics
The programme hosted by the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) and co-hosted by School of Design (SD).
The curriculum will include advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architecture, data analytics, 3D printing, Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE), Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). These technologies will be embedded in relevant technical subjects of the programme and the Architecture and Spatial Design Studios.
Practical training/internship (Work-Integrated Education) will be a compulsory element of the curriculum. Students usually complete their internship during the summer period.
The Department maintains a mentorship scheme in which students are paired with senior figures in the construction and real estate industry to gain insights into professional practice.
The Department also operates a student exchange programme to provide students with opportunities to study abroad for one academic semester at Universities in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan and Mainland China.
Professional Recognition
This programme will seek accreditation from the following institutions/organisations:
*The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)
*Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part I (pre-professional)
Career Prospects
Graduates will easily find employment as professional trainees in architectural firms, construction companies and government departments such as the Architectural Services Department, the Buildings Department and the Housing Department, as well as other quasi-public organisations and private companies involved in urban planning and architectural development. The programme’s emphasis on advanced construction technologies and management skills will prepare graduates for leadership roles and specialised positions within the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Graduates will be welcome to continue their studies in Master’s degree programmes.
The programme will cover the following:
- Core/Major Subjects
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The programme will cover five broad areas of competence providing a solid foundation for professional training. The subject contents are encapsulated in the following five broad areas of competence.
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Human factors in Architecture, including the history and theory of architecture in terms of social and cultural backgrounds with basic psychology classes
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Latest advanced technologies relating to architecture, construction, building materials and building services
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Communication skills including IT use, BIM, written, oral and drawing presentations
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Professional practice/management skills encompassing basic knowledge of law, management and economics
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Design Studio in the form of problem-based learning (PBL) and integrated studies
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The Major subjects comprising 87 credits will be delivered by the School of Design and the departments of the Faculty of Construction and Environment (Department of Building and Real Estate, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics).
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In addition to the compulsory subjects, the curriculum will include elective subjects to allow students to explore specific topics on buildings and architecture.
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General University Requirements (GUR) Subjects
Students will be required to take 27 credits of GUR subjects.
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Free Electives
Students will be required to take 6 credits of Free Electives.
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Capstone Project
Students will be required to complete a 9-credit Capstone Project.
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Work-Integrated Education (WIE)
The WIE component of the programme will last at least four weeks for a full-time placement (equivalent to 22 full days) or 176 hours for a part-time placement. The Department has developed opportunities for students to work in firms or organisations during the summer in Hong Kong or overseas.
Information on the subjects offered can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/.
The programme curriculum can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/study/undergraduate-programmes/.
120 credits (plus 2 training credits)
Award Coordinator
Ar. Prof. Tris Kee
Registered Architect, Authorized Person (Architect), HKIA, HKIDA, HKICON, HKAC, PhD, M. Arch, B. Arch
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for international applicants.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel: 3400 8121 / 3400 8120 / 3400 3819; email: bsyywu@polyu.edu.hk).
Portfolio Annex
Download
Interviews will be conducted to gain a better understanding of applicants’ overall academic and non-academic qualities and achievements.
About 20 minutes
Selected Band A applicants will be required to submit a personal portfolio to showcase their design capabilities and attend aptitude tests and/or interviews. These processes are expected to take place between January and June 2026.
Required
Portfolio Annex
To obtain a better understanding of the overall academic and non-academic qualities and achievements of the applicants.
About 15 - 30 minutes
Selected applicants will be required to submit personal portfolio to showcase the ability of the applicants on design, and to attend aptitude test and/or interview. These processes are expected to be conducted between January 2026 and June 2026.
Selected applicants will be invited to interviews.
Required
Portfolio Annex
To obtain a better understanding of the overall academic and non-academic qualities and achievements of the applicants.
About 15 - 30 minutes
Selected applicants will be invited to interviews
