Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture — 1.5–2 years — minimum 30 credit hours. Campus: Lahore Cantt Campus ONLY. Intakes: Spring (February) and Fall (September).
Overview
Master of Architecture — 1.5–2 years — minimum 30 credit hours. Campus: Lahore Cantt Campus ONLY. Intakes: Spring (February) and Fall (September).
Courses by Semester
Tap a semester to see its courses.
Semester 1
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Foundation Studio-I | 6 cr |
| History of Art and Architecture-I | 2 cr |
| Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan | 2 cr |
| Islamic Studies or Religious Studies or Ethics | 2 cr |
| Visual Communication-I | 2 cr |
| Functional English | 3 cr |
Semester 2
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Foundation Studio-II | 6 cr |
| History of Art and Architecture-II | 2 cr |
| Visual Communication-II | 2 cr |
| English II or Expository Writing | 3 cr |
| Materials and Construction-I | 2 cr |
| Pakistan Studies | 2 cr |
| Understanding of Holy Quran-I | 1 cr |
Semester 3
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Architectural Studio-I | 6 cr |
| Materials and Construction-II | 2 cr |
| Structures for Architects-I | 2 cr |
| History of Art and Architecture-III | 2 cr |
| Visual Communication-III | 2 cr |
| Application of ICT or Harnessing Technology for the Digital Age | 3 cr |
| Energy and Environment-I | 2 cr |
Semester 4
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Architectural Studio-II | 6 cr |
| Materials and Construction-III | 2 cr |
| Structures for Architects-II | 2 cr |
| Building Services and System-I | 2 cr |
| History of Art and Architecture-IV | 2 cr |
| Quantitative Reasoning-I | 3 cr |
| Energy and Environment-II | 2 cr |
Semester 5
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Architectural Studio-III | 6 cr |
| Materials and Construction-IV | 2 cr |
| Building Services and System-II | 2 cr |
| Theory of Architecture-I | 2 cr |
| Digital Tools for Architects-I | 2 cr |
| Psychology and Human Behaviour | 3 cr |
| Understanding of Quran-II | 1 cr |
Semester 6
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Architectural Studio-IV | 8 cr |
| Building Services and System-III | 2 cr |
| Theory of Architecture-II | 2 cr |
| Architecture in Pakistan | 2 cr |
| Digital Tools for Architects-II | 2 cr |
| Civics and Community Engagement | 2 cr |
Semester 7
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Architectural Studio-V | 8 cr |
| Quantitative Reasoning-II | 3 cr |
| Urban Sociology | 2 cr |
| Interior Design | 2 cr |
| Graphic Designing | 2 cr |
| Approved Architecture Elective-I | 2 cr |
Semester 8
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Architectural Studio-VI | 8 cr |
| Architectural Research Methods | 2 cr |
| Freelancing and Creative Business Management | 2 cr |
| Architectural Conservation | 2 cr |
| Urban Design and Planning | 3 cr |
| Approved Architecture Elective-II | 2 cr |
Semester 9
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Thesis Design-I | 4 cr |
| Professional Practice | 3 cr |
| Focus Studio | 5 cr |
| Approved Architecture Elective-III | 2 cr |
| Landscape Architecture | 2 cr |
Semester 10
| Subject | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Thesis Design-II | 8 cr |
| Internship | 3 cr |
| Real Estate Laws | 2 cr |
| Approved Architecture Elective-IV | 2 cr |
Fees & Scholarship
| Cantt Campus tuition / semester | Rs 200,000 |
| Application fee | Rs 5,000 (one-time) |
| Registration fee | Rs 25,000 (one-time) |
Scholarship & Study Loan
- Work-Based Scholarship available
- Study Loan available
Work-Based Scholarship (WBS): work 10 hours/week online for 40% off (payable Rs 120,000/sem) or 5 hours/week for 20% off. Earned by working — not by marks.
Study Loan: an additional 40% study loan brings the payable amount to ~Rs 72,000/semester. Repaid after the student starts earning, in 6 instalments under a signed undertaking.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility: Minimum 2.0 CGPA (16 years education) + Graduate Admission Test & interview
Campus: Lahore Cantt Campus ONLY
One-time admission & application fee: Rs 30,000 (registration Rs 25,000 + application Rs 5,000).
Specialized Streams and Distinguished Faculty
<p>One of the distinguishing features of department of Architecture at University of South Asia is the presence of highly qualified faculty, including professors holding PhD degrees with extensive experience in diverse areas of architectural specialization. This level of academic expertise is rare among architecture programs in the Pakistan and enables us to offer advanced and research-oriented education.</p> <p>Building on this academic strength, the department offers four specialized streams for M.Arch admission. Students are required to choose one area of specialization from the following:</p> <ol><li><strong>1. </strong> Architectural Heritage and Conservation (AHC)</li> <li><strong>2. </strong> Responsive Architecture (RA)</li> <li><strong>3. </strong> Energy Efficient Architecture (EEA)</li> <li><strong>4. </strong> Building Technology (BT)</li></ol> <p>These streams reflect both national priorities and emerging global trends, allowing students to engage deeply with critical issues in architecture under the guidance of accomplished PhD faculty.</p>
Student Success Stories
M.Arch at USA not only advanced my design thinking but gave me hands-on experience with AI tools like ChatGPT and Ladybug. I landed a consultancy job right after semester 3!
Asma Fayyaz – Lahore
The elective on 'Urban Renewal' helped me secure a project role in the Punjab Housing & Planning Department. The program is deeply connected to real-world needs
Usman Rehman – Islamabad
As a former B.Sc. Civil Engineer, transitioning to architecture was smooth. The mix of design, heritage, and technology opened new paths for me in academic research and teaching.
Sarah Nazir – Karachi