Degree Information
Build the creative, critical and technical skills to design buildings, communities and landscapes through a studio-based degree that connects architecture to social, environmental and urban issues.
In Carleton’s Architectural Studies programs, you will learn through:
- Creative studio-based learning that explores how architecture shapes buildings, communities and everyday life
- Drawing, modelling and visualization technologies used to develop and communicate design ideas
- Interdisciplinary coursework in architecture, design, technology, media, conservation, sustainability and urbanism
- Paid co-op and work experience opportunities in Canada and around the world
- Community engagement initiatives that connect students to real-world town and city-building challenges
- Directed Study Abroad opportunities that bring global perspectives into architectural education
What majors are available for the Architectural Studies degree?
- Conservation and Sustainability: In the Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Conservation and Sustainability, you’ll explore how to protect historic buildings and reimagine them for today’s world. From adaptive reuse and practical construction methods to learning the theory behind conservation, you’ll gain the skills to design with both cultural heritage and the environment in mind. Interdisciplinary courses will prepare students to blend creativity, sustainability and history in shaping the built environment.
- Design: The Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Design focuses on creating new buildings and spaces that respond to communities and the environment. In studio projects, you’ll explore how architecture shapes people’s lives and impacts culture, technology and society. With courses in history, technology and media, students build a strong foundation in design, preparing you to enter a profession that connects people, place and environment.
- Urbanism: Urbanism explores the forces that shape neighbourhoods, cities
,and landscapes. In the Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Urbanism, you’ll examine climate, politics, transportation and economics while working on real-world design projects in a studio. With courses in geography and planning, the program prepares you for careers in architecture, planning or urban design, focused on building equitable and sustainable futures for growing communities. and economics while working on real-world design projects in a studio. With courses in geography and planning, the program prepares you for careers in architecture, planning or urban design—focused on building equitable and sustainable futures for growing communities.
Get started in Carleton360 to receive tailored information on our programs, student services and community.
Why Architectural Studies at Carleton University?
What makes Carleton's Architectural Studies degree different?
- Students choose from three distinct majors: Conservation and Sustainability, Design, or Urbanism.
- The three programs combine studio learning with courses in history, technology, media and broader interdisciplinary thinking.
- Students can build experience through paid co-op, community engagement opportunities beginning as early as first year, and global learning through Directed Study Abroad.
- As part of the Faculty of Engineering and Design, students study in Canada’s capital city near research environments, public institutions, technology companies and design-related companies.
How to Apply
Admission to Architectural Studies is competitive. Applicants must meet academic requirements and complete the additional admission requirements for the program, including a portfolio.
Canadian students should follow general application steps and international students should follow international application steps.
Do I need to submit a portfolio?
Yes, applicants to Architectural Studies must submit a portfolio as part of the admissions process. Applicants submit one portfolio even if they are interested in more than one major (area of study).
For more information, check out the portfolio requirements for Architectural Studies.
Courses & Curriculum
Carleton’s Architectural Studies curriculum is built around studio learning, interdisciplinary study and the development of creative and analytical skills connected to the built environment. Students move through courses in design, architecture, history, technology and urban systems as they progress through the degree.
How is the Architectural Studies degree structured?
The structure of the Architectural Studies degree depends on what area of study students choose. Check out the undergraduate calendar for the detailed curriculum for the Architectural Studies programs.
Sample Courses
ARCH 1000 -Introduction to Architecture
Architecture in the matrix of human conditions: linkages among architecture, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and philosophy. Architectural ideas will be introduced through a discussion of cities, buildings and landscapes.
ARCC 4500 - Design Economics
Principles of building economics. Determinants and prediction of building costs. Uncertainty and investment economics. Creative cost control for buildings during schematic design, design development, construction document preparation and construction. Economic evaluation during all phases of the design process; emphasis on sustainable strategies.
Tuition & Scholarships
Careers & Outcomes
Carleton’s Architectural Studies programs help students build creative, technical and critical skills that support a range of futures in architecture and related fields. The degree also introduces students to questions about public space, sustainability, heritage, cities and the changing built environment.
What can the Architectural Studies degree lead to?
This Architectural Studies degree can support pathways in many different fields.
FAQs
Why study Architectural Studies at Carleton?
Carleton’s Architectural Studies programs combine studio-based learning with drawing, modelling and visualization technologies to help students explore buildings, communities and landscapes through a chosen area of study.
Studying in Ottawa adds another advantage. As Canada’s capital, it places students near public institutions, research environments, technology companies and design-related opportunities in the Faculty of Engineering and Design.
What are the three majors (areas of study) in Architectural Studies?
- Conservation and Sustainability: focuses on existing buildings, heritage and redevelopment
- Design: focuses on new buildings and spaces
- Urbanism: focuses on neighbourhoods, cities and landscapes shaped by systems such as climate, transportation, politics and economics
Can I gain experience outside the classroom?
Yes, Carleton offers a paid co-op option with work terms of 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 months. Students can also take part in community engagement initiatives as early as first year, as well as a global learning opportunity through Direct Study Abroad.
What kinds of careers can the Architectural Studies degree support?
The Architectural Studies degree can support careers in architectural history, architecture, construction (AEC) sector, design, education, engineering, furniture design, graphic design, heritage conservation, interior design, multimedia design, project management, urban and rural planning and more.
What materials/supplies are needed?
Students in Architectural Studies should expect to use materials for drawing, model-making and digital work as part of their studio courses. There is no confirmed program-wide supply list that students must purchase before classes begin, so specific course requirements will be confirmed by instructors at the start of the term.
What software should I know?
Some familiarity with digital design tools can be helpful for students entering Architectural Studies. The curriculum includes digital drawing, modelling and visual coding. There is no required pre-entry software knowledge needed.
Do I need a portfolio to apply?
Yes, the Architectural Studies programs require a portfolio as part of the admissions process. You only need to submit one portfolio, even if you apply to more than one major. For more information, check out the Architectural Studies portfolio package requirements.
Are there portfolio review sessions?
Carleton offers portfolio-focused information sessions for applicants to Architectural Studies, including open houses and Q&A events that cover portfolio requirements and preparing a strong submission. Applicants should check current Carleton University event listings for the most up-to-date information.
Who evaluates my portfolio?
Portfolios are reviewed by the department as part of the admission process. Applicants are encouraged to submit original work that demonstrates their creative thinking, process and areas of interest. Questions can be directed to architectureundergrad@carleton.ca.
Can international students apply to the Architectural Studies programs?
Yes, international students can apply to Carleton’s undergraduate programs and should review academic requirements, English language requirements and study permit guidance early in the process. You can also find more information on the International Undergraduate Admissions website.
Do I need to meet English language requirements for the Architectural Studies programs?
The language of instruction at Carleton is English. To be admitted, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for academic success. Applicants can demonstrate their English language proficiency in one of the following ways:
- Proof of English Language Education
- English Language Test Results/Qualifications
Detailed accepted tests, score requirements and exemption criteria can be found on the official English language requirements page.
How do I track my Architectural Studies application?
After you apply, you can track your application through Carleton360. For more information on how to set this up, check out the steps to track your application.