Doctoral Programme Architecture
Curriculum (2021W)
Doctor of Philosophy
Duration/ECTS-Credits
6 Semester / 180 ECTS-Credits
Mode of Study
Full-Time
Language
German/English
Requirements
Relevant diploma or master's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Faculty
Faculty of Architecture
Qualification Level
Doctorate (Third Cycle)
ISCED-11: Level 8, EQF/NQF: Level 8
ISCED-F
0731 Architecture and Town Planning
Study Code
UC 794 715 xxx
Information on the Curriculum (2021W)
The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.
University of Innsbruck Bulletins:
- English version of the Curriculum (from October 1st 2025)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin July 2nd 2025, Issue 84, No. 745 (amendment of the modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 24th 2025, Issue 81. No. 733 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 11 2021, Issue 77, No. 851
Requirements
Relevant diploma or master's degree or equivalent:
- Diploma Programme Architecture
- Master's Programme Architecture
Proof of general university entrance qualification:
With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.
The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.
Modules und Dissertation
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Modules 10 ECTS-AP | Dissertation 150 ECTS-Credits |
| Dissertation Project 10 ECTS-Credits Dissertation Defence (Defensio) 5 ECTS-Credits | The Dissertation is an academic work that serves as proof of the ability to independently address academic issues. The topic for the Dissertation is to be taken from the field of architecture. The Dissertation must be written in the form of a monograph or as a collection of related academic essays with a framework text consisting of a theoretical framework and conclusions ("cumulative dissertation") and submitted to the Director of Studies in electronic form. At the request of the assessors, the Dissertation must be submitted in a fully bound paper version in addition to the electronic form. A monograph must meet the international quality standards of the respective field of research. A cumulative Dissertation must meet the following quality criteria: The Dissertation consists of at least three contributions, preceded by an independent text ("framework text") that places the contributions in the overall context of the literature in the respective field of research and reflects on the relevant theoretical and methodological implications and prerequisites. This text must be written by the author alone. The minimum of three contributions must be publishable and eligible for submission to quality-assured and internationally visible journals. At least two of the contributions must have been written solely by the author. If the dissertation follows a design- or practice-oriented approach or a creative-hypothetical approach, this must be reflected in a written section. The Dissertation "by design" must contain works of the author's own creation (designs, buildings, film works, drawings, models, installations, etc.) and a comprehensive reflection on the work processes in which these works were created. In the case of completed works, exhibitions and installations, comprehensive, coherent and archivable documentation of the exhibited material may form part of the written dissertation. The student must propose a team of supervisors consisting of at least two supervisors (dissertation committee) and appoint one person with teaching authorisation (venia docendi) as the responsible principal supervisor. It is permissible to propose supervisors from related or relevant fields, with the exception of the main supervisor. In justified individual cases, students may also propose only one supervisor. The student must notify the University Director of Studies in writing of the topic of the Dissertation and the supervisors of the Dissertation before beginning work on it. The topic and supervisors shall be deemed to have been accepted if the University Director of Studies does not formally reject them within one month of receiving notification. The completed dissertation must be submitted to the University Director of Studies in electronic form. It must be accompanied by an affidavit confirming that the rules of good scientific practice have been followed. |
| Elective Modules 20 ECTS-Credits | |
| Elective modules equal to 20 ECTS-Credits have to be completed. |
Qualification Profile and Skills
The “Doctor of Philosophy” Programme Architecture gives graduates of the Diploma and Master’s Programme Architecture the opportunity to generate new knowledge on specific issues in architecture, to bring their research and/or practical work in a scientific context and to communicate the resulting knowledge gain. They have the necessary skills to position themselves successfully in a national and international environment.
The study programme promotes various innovative research fields and methods within the discipline of architecture. In addition to the established scientific formats, this also includes approaches that aim to develop creative and artistic processes or architectural practice, such as research by design, practice-based research or arts-based research. The study programme serves the further development and qualification for independent, scientific, interdisciplinary work as well as the training and promotion of young scientists on the basis of diploma and master’s programmes.
Expected Learning Outcomes
The graduates of the “Doctor of Philosophy” Programme Architecture are well acquainted with the methods and approaches of current practical and theoretical research in architecture. They have the necessary knowledge, skills and competences for developing and implementing methodically flawless solutions for interdisciplinary questions that are directly related to architecture.
Graduates are able to scientifically contextualise and further develop research areas of architecture as well as to apply the acquired skills across disciplines and thus to contribute to the advancement of scientific and artistic knowledge on an international level.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
The graduates are able to plan and analyse in university and non-university (research) institutions in their research area. Possible professional activities are primarily scientific work at universities, in research institutions and other post-secondary educational institutions, in research departments of public and private, national and international institutions and in leading positions in organisations.
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
| Austrian grading scheme | Definition | %-age | ||
| 1 | EXCELLENT | 75.9 | = 100% | |
| 2 | GOOD | 14.8 | ||
| 3 | SATISFACTORY | 5.6 | ||
| 4 | SUFFICIENT | 3.7 | ||
| 5 | INSUFFICIENT |
February 2026
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Contact and Information
Examination Office
Standort Technikerstraße 17
Dean of Studies
Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Karolin Elisabeth Schmidbaur
Disability Office
Information for students with disabilities