Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Carleton’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies focuses on knowledge, experience, creativity, and imagination. Our program encourages you to explore ideas through making, evaluate ideas within the context of the human experience, and exercise creativity through writing, model making, drawing, digital media, and presentations.

Carleton’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism awards the pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree upon successful completion of our four-year program of study. If you intend to practice architecture, you can then apply to continue into a professional Master of Architecture program at Carleton, or equivalent professional training at another university. The BAS program is also an excellent degree for a range of careers or further studies in design, urbanism, or conservation and sustainability.

The program lays a broad foundation on which architectural studies are built. You will take courses in architecture, design, drawing and multimedia applications, as well as specified general studies in engineering, art history, and social sciences. You will focus your architectural studies by choosing an area of study in:

• Design
• Urbanism
• Conservation and Sustainability

Stimulating setting

At Carleton, we emphasize discovery through making, discipline through craft, imagination through drawing and other media arts, conviction through writing and advocacy through public presentations.

As a Carleton Architectural Studies student, you will be taught by internationally renowned faculty and have the opportunity to participate in or have access to:

• A co-op program so you can gain real-world experience;
• International exchanges;
• Design studios with personal workspace;
• An electronic resource center;
• Visiting critics studios and lectures, taught by international architects;
• A technical library and reading room;
• Unique workshop courses such as furniture design, stage design, advanced painting and design, urbanism, material studies, and real estate development; and
• Joint programs with other departments.

International experience

Students in Carleton’s BAS program have several options for studying abroad. Carleton maintains exchange agreements with numerous schools of architecture around the world. Many students spend a full term abroad at one of these institutions. In their third year of studies, all BAS students also have the option of participating in a one- to two-week Directed Studies Abroad (DSA) program, led by their studio professor. Recent DSA trips have included China, Japan, Europe, and India.

Co-op opportunities

While not mandatory at Carleton, co-op is available to all Architecture students. Our co-operative education option offers you up to 20 months of paid work experience and prepares you for a career in architecture. Co-op students normally complete four work terms: the first in the summer between their second and third year of studies and the balance between their third and final year. You could find yourself working in a government organization, large international firm or small local practice.

The capital advantage

Ottawa is an exceptional place to learn and live. Especially for students from the GTA, Canada’s capital and Ontario’s second-largest city represents an opportunity to step away from the familiar and experience a new environment. Home to a vibrant architectural community, a dedicated cadre of urban designers, world-class museums, galleries and performing arts venues, Ottawa is an excellent laboratory for learning about design and city building.

Carleton students also benefit from the proximity of organizations situated in the National Capital Region, such as:

• National Research Council Canada
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• National Capital Commission
• The National Arts Centre
• The National Gallery of Canada
• The Canadian Museums of History, Nature, Contemporary Photography, Aviation, and Science and Technology

Additional requirements

A portfolio is also required as part of your application.

Graduate school

The Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism offers four graduate programs in Architecture: an accredited two-year Master of Architecture Professional (March) program, a 3.5-year Master of Architecture Professional program (March 1), a Master of Architectural Studies (MAS) and a Ph.D. program in Architecture. Graduates within the school can also pursue a Graduate Diploma in Architectural Conservation.

The Master of Architectural Studies is a research-based (and non-accredited) Master’s degree for students interested in pursuing in-depth architectural research. The Master of Architecture Professional is a studio-based degree program. Students entering the program with a BAS in Design will follow an 8.0 credit curriculum. Students entering with a BAS in Urbanism, a BAS in Conservation and Sustainability, or a non-architectural honors degree will follow a 15.5 credit curriculum (March 1). Carleton University’s Ph.D. in Architecture is an advanced and internationally competitive program that addresses the history, theory, and practice of architecture through insightful and exacting scholarship.

Welcome to Carleton University, Canada’s Capital University!

Carleton University, Canada’s Capital University, is a dynamic and innovative university with a strong commitment to teaching, research and learning. Our academic programs, campus community, capital location and global possibilities provide countless opportunities for learning to happen both inside and outside of the classroom.

Carleton University is located in Ottawa, a G7 capital city, which offers opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Known primarily as the seat of Canada’s federal government, Ottawa is that and so much more. It is home to over 130 embassies and high commissions from around the world, as well as numerous national organizations and museums. A large percentage of Canada’s major medical, clinical and life sciences research centres are located in the Ottawa area, as well as a technology industry comprised of over 1,900 companies.

Ottawa is also one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, with a great number of neighbourhood parks and tranquil green spaces, waterways that wind through the city, and historical and architectural landmarks. The magnificent Gatineau Park, which features 165 km of hiking trails, is located in the National Capital Region.

Situated on a beautiful campus just minutes from downtown, Carleton has earned a reputation as one of the foremost universities in the fields of international affairs, commerce, journalism, and high technology. The wide range of nationally and internationally renowned programs offer the flexibility to choose the degree that suits your interests.

The best learning environments unite theory and practice. Research shows that experiential learning contributes to student engagement, deeper learning, improved academic outcomes, and enhanced work and life skills. At Carleton, we strive to provide students with real-life experiences that bring the classroom to the world and the world to the classroom. We emphasize hands-on research, community engagement, work experience and immersive learning.

Many of our programs feature co-op or practicum options, allowing students to develop their skills in a workplace environment. We also encourage undergraduate research, entrepreneurship initiatives and Community Service Learning. Having the paid "real-world" experience serves to complement all that is taught in the classroom and opens doors of opportunity upon completion of the undergraduate degree.

Carleton has a long history of attracting international students to our welcoming and inclusive campus. Today the university has approximately 4,500 international students from 150 countries, creating a diverse and supportive academic community. We are committed to giving back through education while pursuing contributions to the common good. These founding values are at the heart of the university’s focus on research, community partnerships and teaching excellence.