Pre-Master's programme (Interior) Architecture

About the programme

The pre-master is part of the preparation programme (PP) of the Academy of Architecture Maastricht. This programme consists of various modules that focus on:

• design skills
• research skills
• professional skills and
• technical competencies

These key skills are essential for pursuing a master's in (interior) architecture. 

In general you will spend about 16 hours a week studying and working at the academy, with an additional 16 hours of self-study at home.

Only after successfully completing the course can you begin studying at the Master in Architecture or the Master in Interior Architecture at the Academy of Architecture Maastricht (AAM). If you choose to pursue a different master’s programme, we will provide a certificate with your study results.

Didactic approach

Furthermore, understanding the academy's unique didactic approach is crucial. Education at the academy follows an autobiographical method, which goes beyond simply making personal choices. It encourages you to discover and define yourself as an architect or designer within and beyond the architectural field. This means expressing yourself through words, images, and actions while visibly and audibly growing in the process. Through this approach, you don't just become an architect or designer - you develop into an independent, critically minded cultural entrepreneur.

Your lecturers

You will learn from leading professionals: architects, interior architects and experts from other fields like art history. They bring their professional knowledge and real-world experience to ensure you stay connected to the latest developments in the industry.

Location

The Academy of Architecture Maastricht shares its facilities with the art programmes of the Maastricht Institute of Arts. They are all located in the historic centre of Maastricht, creating a lively and inspiring environment for students.

Costs

Please send an e-mail to [email protected] to receive information about the tuition fee of the pre-master's programme.

The pre-master's programme lasts 1 year and is divided into 3 trimesters, each lasting 10 to 12 weeks. Every trimester includes 4 different study modules.

Week schedule
Instruction and guidance for the modules typically take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This schedule allows you to independently manage your self-study and work on assignments according to your personal situation. For students intending to continue with the master in Architecture, this schedule offers the flexibility to begin searching for a job at an architecture office during the programme.

Study trips
AAM is located in the south of the Netherlands, in the province of Limburg, close to the borders with Belgium and Germany. This Euregional context offers unique opportunities to explore subtle cultural differences between the 3countries. Every trimester includes 1 or 2 one-day study trips, allowing you to experience these cultural differences and visit architectural highlights. These trips are not only enriching for your understanding of the region but are also aligned with the content of the study modules, providing practical insights into the architecture you study.

You are eligible for admission if you have a bachelor's degree in architectural or interior design, or another bachelor’s degree in the field of architecture.

To assess whether you meet the required entry competencies, we invite you to begin the admission procedure. The first step is to send an e-mail to [email protected]. 
 

Admission procedure

As soon as we receive your email, we will invite you to start the admission procedure, which consists of the following steps:

• a preselection based on your motivation letter, Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field, and a digital portfolio
• a motivation interview and evaluation of your portfolio
• a practical assignment

If you pass the preselection (step 1), we will invite you for an interview. During the interview, we will assess your suitability for the Pre-master's programme. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss examples of your work from your portfolio with the admission committee (step 2). The final step is a practical assignment, set by the admission committee (step 3).

Admission deadlines

• Non-EU students must apply before June 1st
• EU students must apply before July 1st