Architecture

Shaping the identity and culture of cities
Architecture is the art and science of shaping the face of cities and their everyday environments. You will learn about contemporary technologies, socio-cultural and aesthetic contexts and how to create spaces that are ecological, functional, safe and visually inspiring. In practical projects, you will work with communities, professionals and civil engineering students to explore the design of buildings and urban structures. This experience opens up opportunities to contribute to significant projects and shape architectural solutions in the cities of the future.

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What does an architect do?

Programme values

A lecturer leads a session in the modern “Young-Lab” classroom, combining technology and a creative atmosphere. It’s a space where inspiring discussions and new ideas come to life.

Valued by industry leaders

The KTU Diploma in Architecture allows you to practice as an architect throughout the European Union. This confirms that the knowledge acquired at KTU meets the objectives set by the leaders in the field. Graduates work in small architectural practices and large design firms not only in Lithuania but worldwide.

KTU’s Santaka Valley building – a state-of-the-art research and innovation hub where academia and business collaborate. This is where future solutions are born.

Inspiring learning environment

The KTU architecture school is distinguished by its cosy study atmosphere, classrooms and close relations between students and lecturers. We believe that a teacher should be both your friend and colleague, which is why we use the practice of discovering together, where the lecturer helps you to integrate your knowledge into the practical sessions.

Students from KTU’s GIFTed program tackle real-world challenges using the mind map method – this is a space for high-potential youth to collaborate, think creatively, and lead with purpose.

Real-world cases

You will master a wide range of design, visualisation, modelling and analysis tools for architectural and urban projects. Working in groups with civil engineering students on a joint project, you will learn communication, time management, work distribution and other skills that are highly valued in the job market.

A student team collaborates on a task – part of KTU’s advanced study programs where learning happens through cooperation and solving real-world challenges.

New Freedom to shape your path

You will learn about different disciplines and can choose the creative path you feel most comfortable with, be it designing buildings, landscape architecture or urban planning. To broaden your horizons, we will invite you to take advantage of international exchange opportunities and participate in international projects.

Career opportunities

Design cities and buildings that enhance the quality of life and work.
An architect’s primary role is to create functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing buildings and spaces for people. By integrating modern technology with an understanding of historical, aesthetic, socio-cultural, and ecological contexts, architects design buildings for various purposes, shape landscapes, and envision future spaces.

Here are some of the careers you can pursue after your studies:

Building Architect

Develops building project visions, conceptual sketches, drawings, visualizations, and refines designs down to individual structural, mechanical, and aesthetic elements. Oversees construction or renovation work, ensuring compliance with technical requirements and quality standards. Provides consultations to determine the appropriate type, style, and scale of proposed buildings.

Urbanist

Plans, designs, and manages the development of towns and cities to ensure the harmonious use of space, efficient resource management, and a high quality of life for residents.
An urban planner not only develops visions and strategies but also oversees their implementation, adapting to the changing needs of the city and global challenges such as climate change, migration and technological progress.

Landscape Architect

Creates, plans, and designs outdoor environments to harmonise human needs with natural and urban elements. Designs public and private spaces, as well as the built environment, striving for sustainable, aesthetic, and functional solutions. Aims to minimise environmental impact, promote biodiversity, and restore ecological balance.

Admission requirements and programme structure

Cycle – integrated

Field – architecture

Form, duration – full-time studies (5 yr.)

Study type – day-time, on-campus

Location – Kaunas, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Language – english, lithuanian

Degree awarded – master of arts

Yearly price ⁱ : full-time studies – 5555 €, price per credit – 92,58 €, full-time studies – 6985 €, price per credit – 116,42 €

Financial support »

Semester

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Architectural Materials	3	On-campus learning
Computer-Aided Architectural Design 1	3	On-campus learning
Fundamentals of Architectural Design	12	On-campus learning
Introduction to Architecture	6	On-campus learning

Electives of Philosophy and Sustainable Development 2025 (Select 6 cr.)

Media Philosophy	6	Blended learning
Sustainable Development	6	Blended learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Computer-Aided Architectural Design 2	3	Distance learning
History of Architecture	6	On-campus learning
Residential Architecture	12	On-campus learning
Structures of Dwelling Houses	3	On-campus learning

Foreign Language Electives (Level C1) 2025 (Select 6 cr.)

Academic and Technical Communication in English (Level C1)	6	On-campus learning
Academic and Technical Communication in French (Level C1)	6	On-campus learning
Academic and Technical Communication in German (Level C1)	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Architecture of Public Buildings 1	12	On-campus learning
Building Physics	3	On-campus learning
Space Modelling	3	On-campus learning
Structures of Non-Residential and Engineering Buildings	3	On-campus learning
Typology of Architectural Spaces	3	On-campus learning

Electives 1 (Select 6 cr.)

Architectural Visualization	6	Distance learning
Digital Modelling Methods for Buildings	6	On-campus learning
Drawing	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Architecture of Public Buildings 2	12	On-campus learning
Building Energy Performance Predictions and Design	6	On-campus learning
Building Information Modelling	3	On-campus learning
Spatial Legislation	3	On-campus learning
Theory of Architecture	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Architecture of Building Complexes	12	On-campus learning
Construction Planning and Project Management	6	On-campus learning
Cultural Heritage	3	On-campus learning
Joint Project	6	On-campus learning
Sustainable Architecture	3	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Critical Analysis of Architecture	6	On-campus learning
Economics of Spatial Decisions	3	On-campus learning
Professional Internship	21	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Landscape Ecology	3	On-campus learning
Urban History and Theory	9	On-campus learning
Urban Planning 1	12	On-campus learning

Electives 2 (Select 6 cr.)

Digital Modelling of Spatial Environment	6	On-campus learning
Methods and Means of Heritage Management	6	On-campus learning
Parametric architecture	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Research Project 1	6	On-campus learning
Sociology of Spaces	6	On-campus learning
Urban Planning 2	12	On-campus learning

Electives 3 (Select 6 cr.)

Geographic Information Systems for Territory Planning	6	On-campus learning
Methods of Architectural Renovation	6	On-campus learning
Modular Construction and Regenerative Design	6	On-campus learning
Virtual Reality	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Research Project 2	12	On-campus learning
Space Syntax	6	On-campus learning
Urban Data Analytics	6	Distance learning

Optional Subjects 2025

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

On-campus learning

Good to know

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.
Blended – learning on the university premises and online.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.
Distance – almost all learning online.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.
Distance – almost all learning online.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.
Distance – almost all learning online.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

learning outcomes

What will you learn

To take the first step into the world of architecture, understand the specifics of the discipline
To understand basic design principles

To analyse the patterns of architectural development
To apply structural solutions to the design of a residential building

To analyse the diversity of architectural spaces
To apply engineering solutions to the design of public buildings

To design public buildings using architectural theory, legal requirements, modelling and visualisation

To implement the client's task in a multidisciplinary team
To integrate the principles of sustainability and heritage protection in the design of complexes

To critically analyse the architectural environment, assessing economic aspects
To gain practical skills in design companies

To understand the patterns and theoretical models of urban development
To apply sustainable planning principles to urban modelling

To plan urban spaces by applying social, ecological and economic knowledge
To understand research processes

To analyse a wide range of data, both quantitatively and qualitatively
To apply the results of the study in pre-project studies

To demonstrate architectural competences by independently developing a research-based architectural project and defending it in public

learning outcomes

Admissions requirements

Proficiency in English	IELTS ≥ 5.5, TOEFL ≥ 75, CEFR ≥ B2, or equivalent.
Eligibility criteria:	High school certificate.Maximum 3 years after high school graduation. Minimum average grade (CGPA) >60% in each entry subject.
Transcript requirements:	Obtain a suitable transcript from your school. If unavailable, provide official translations and verified copies of the original documents.
Accepted languages:	English / Russian.
Document legislation:	The documents must be legalised (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the documents were issued. This requirement does not apply to the EU and Belarus, Ukraine documents.

Score structure

0,5	entry exam	entrance examination
0,3	final exam	mathematics or information technologies, or physics
0,2	final exam	English language

admission procedure preparatory courses

Testimonials

Portrait photo of a young woman with curly dark hair, wearing a light-colored blouse with short sleeves. She is looking at the camera with a gentle smile, arms crossed, against a neutral grey background.

Studying architecture equips us with qualities not only typical of designers, but also of lawyers and even psychologists. One of the most memorable parts of my studies was the joint project module, where we spent a semester collaborating with engineers from various fields. We still keep in touch today, and I know I can always turn to them for support.

Ieva Stulpinaitė

4th year student

Portrait photo of a young woman with long blond hair, wearing a black jacket with long sleeves. She is looking at the camera with a broad smile, arms crossed, against a neutral grey background.

Architecture seemed to be a respected and responsible profession, and later I realised that it was also full of challenges. As I don’t take easy roads, I not only studied architecture but also set up my own studio with a classmate. I really liked the format of the studies – the main module was complemented by smaller ones. I am glad I took advantage of the Erasmus+ programme to experience architectural studies and student life abroad.

Ieva Kuodžiūtė

KTU alumna, Co-founder | Architect at "4MA architektai"

Portrait photo of a man with curly dark hair, wearing a grey sweater with a high collar. He is looking at the camera with a gentle smile, against a neutral grey background.

KTU graduates have a good combination of creativity and technical knowledge – each of them is exposed to a wide range of tasks that allow them to understand their strengths and choose a path for improvement. This is very relevant in today’s context, when the position of an architect is becoming more and more profiled – from creative to managerial work, from urban planning to interior details, from technical construction knowledge to graphic visualisation of projects.

Ignas Kalinauskas

Architect, Archispektras

International mobility partners

Join an exchange programme with our international partners:

more about exchange studies

FAQ

How to prepare for the entrance exam?

The architecture entrance exam consists of two main tasks – academic drawing from memory and composition of architectural forms, so it is important to develop drawing, spatial perception and design skills.

We suggest practicing daily sketching, mastering perspective drawing, analysing architectural designs and exploring 3D modelling tools to understand space, form and structure.

What qualities do you need to be a good architect? How do I know if this is the right field for me?

The most important things are curiosity, patience and a desire to learn and understand more. An architect needs a wide range of knowledge and skills, from the ability to analyse the environment of the building to be designed, to the creation of functional, contextual and aesthetically pleasing architectural (exterior and interior) or even urban solutions.

In addition to creative talent and the ability to communicate your vision visually, you also need historical, legal and other knowledge.

Can I be a good architect if I am not very creative but a hard worker?

Yes. Although the study programme in architecture is an arts discipline, the work you put in, your passion and your willingness to learn, try and do are just as important. You’ll successfully develop your creativity by carrying out practical tasks and gaining knowledge.