Tsinghua University·Graduate Admission

1 Introduction

The School of Architecture at Tsinghua University in Beijing was the first in China to offer an accredited Master degree to foreign students in 2008. The purpose of the program is to develop a major new platform of architectural education in response to the rapid urbanization of China.

Since its founding, our EPMA program has steadily developed, and our students have won several international awards with their work done in our program. Most recently for the Student Design Competition for the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in Chicago CTBUH), see here. Our program was ranked as the world’s 5th best Graduate Program in Architecture in 2018, 1st in Asia.

The program is lead by, prof. Li Xiaodong; you can find an interview by Vladimir Belogolovsky on his thinking on ArchDaily via this link. https://www.archdaily.com/909513/iidentify-forms-with-energy-li-xiaodong-of-li-xiaodong-atelier.

The program offers a nationally accredited professional Master degree, Master in Architecture (M. Arch II). With a particular focus on the architecture and design in China. The School of Architecture gives graduate students, preferably professional Bachelor degree holders, the opportunity to pursue advanced learning in professional knowledge and independent design research.

2017 - STUDIO 1 FINAL REVIEW

2 How is this MArch program at Tsinghua in Beijing different from other universities?

Firstly, we have one of the most culturally diverse programs in the world in terms of students. We limit the number of students from a particular country, to end up with a wide mix of students. So far, we have received students from more than 50 countries all over the world. Each year we have students from all five continents. This little “united nations”creates a wonderful learning environment for everyone.

Secondly, it's located in Beijing, China; the cultural, creative and economic capital of themost exciting architectural environment at the moment.

Thirdly, our students learn to view architecture with a holistic perspective which respects material, space, program, technology, environment, culture and lifestyle of the users. Fixed architectural styles are avoided, as they limit potentials to be unique and creative. However, precedents of past experiences and knowledge are important for us to study to provide a solid background to solve new problems in hand.

2018 - HISTORIC COURTYARD RENOVATION PROJECT (BUILD)

3 About the School

Our School's academic mission is an integral part of China's urban development, and we combine the critical academic atmosphere with real-world issues that arise from the current process of rapid urbanization. The main architectural problems we are facing in 21st century are not about style or “exotic” theoretical debate, they are about sustainability and responsibility, it is about the entire process and life span of our built environment. We should not just consider the building process but also the de-building process, not just physical structure of our environment, but also the positive energy flow of our living space as a whole. Our curriculum emphasizes this very process of the entire life span of our builtenvironment in a sustainable way.

2019 - STUDIO 1 FINAL REVIEW

“As China is undergoing unprecedented large-scale urbanization, architecture is becoming an increasingly important realm, influencing China's social, economic and cultural development, Tsinghua's School of Architecture providing a platform for the development of all students to be a part of this development.”

- Dean Zhuang Weimin

Another special aspect in our program is that our students are engaged with at least one real hands-on project, they are involved with the whole process of designing and building of a real project with real clients, through which they learn how to develop concepts through dialogue and reflexive thinking. Also, collaboration is crucial in our training, three out of four studio projects are conducted as team work, students are requested to team up with their peers from different countries of preferably different continents. Our staff is also composed of different backgrounds, our intention is to provide a truly global environment for students to open up their vision.

4 Our Curriculum

Courses can be divided into 5 main categories: 1) design studios, 2) theory courses, 3)seminars, 4) site visits, and 5) optional public courses. The course menu covers different academic fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, and profession-related knowledge in China. The standard language for all courses is English.

2019 - STUDIO 3 FINAL REVIEW AT SITE - WITH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

The program adopts the credit system. A total of 27 credits, earned through courses and studios, are required for the students. Students are required to take the following studios and complete 18 credits: Architectural Design, Landscape Planning and Design, Urban Design, and Final Thesis.

The first year of the program includes four design studios of 8 weeks. Each studio is coinstructed by an internationally established professor and a local professors. We work in small groups where the student to professor rating is about 6 to 1. In addition, design critics are selected from a pool established foreign and domestic architects currently active in China. Studio topics are often real projects in some of China’s most architecture 'hot spots', including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Suzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Lijiang and Qingdao, etc. In these studios, students are challenged to tackle difficult and sometimes controversial social, political, economic, ethnic and religious issues that are unique to contemporary China.

Students are required to complete 4 credits in seminars focusing on important issues in contemporary Chinese architecture, Chinese architecture history, contemporary Chinese urban development, and green building design. Each seminar is co-instructed by 2-3 professors and features guest panelists, including senior government officials, distinguished scholars, and developers.

2014 - STUDIO 3 FINAL REVIEW

Students are also required to complete courses on theory. These courses cover a wide range of fields: history, design theory, urban theory, contemporary practice, building technology, landscape and Chinese gardening, etc. These courses feature lectures by leading figures in different fields from inside and outside of China.

 In addition, there is one required credit for a “site visit” which provides students with exposure to fresh Chinese cultural and professional perspectives. The destination places are chosen from influential sites and cities of great interests of history and contemporary practice.

Optional public courses are provided by Tsinghua University, offering training in Chinese language and learning in Chinese history and culture, 4 credits in total. Students are also eligible to add (English taught) courses from other departments, such as the School of Management, the School of Environment, the Academy of Arts, etc.

First Year

1st Semester (Fall)

6 Credits in design studios

(Studio 1: Making Places | Studio 2: Building; Space and Learning)

2 Credits in seminars

(Theory and Practice of Regional Architecture & History of Chinese Architecture )

2 Credits in optional public courses

2nd Semester (Spring)

6 Credits in design studios

(Studio 3: Holistic Urban Design | Studio 4: Sustainable Society & Green Building)

2 Credits in seminars

(Contemporary Urban Planning and Design & Theory and Practice of Green Architecture)

2 Credits in optional public courses

Second Year

1 Credit in Architecture and City Visiting Study

6 Credits in Design Studios (Final Design & Written Thesis)

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE - GRADUATE LAB

5 Admission Requirements

Enrollment will be strictly limited to 20 students.

Pre-requisite: an accredited professional Bachelor degree in architecture.

2018 - VISIT TO SINGAPORE AS PART OF DESIGN STUDIO 3

6 Application Documents

(1) The completed Foreigner's Application Form for Admission to Graduate Programs of Tsinghua University with 2-inch recent photo, signed by the applicant.

(2) The original or the notarial B.Arch degree certificate or proof of education in academic institution (need to submit orignial or notarial B.Arch degree certificate after being awarded), and academic transcript. The degree certificate and academic transcript must be officially sealed.

(3) Portfolio: Those materials should demonstrate the applicant's competence in design and research. All materials must be printed on A4 paper. Please note that portfolios will not be returned to applicants.

(4) CV (Curriculum Vitae)

(5) Personal statement: A brief introduction of the applicant's personal history and an explanation of why the applicant is interested in the program.

(6) Recommendation letters: Three recommendation letters written by people with direct knowledge of the applicant's professional and academic potentials, and must show recommender's phone number and email address. All letters must be sealed in separate envelopes with the recommender's signature across the sealed back flaps.

(7) Copy of the page with personal information in the passport (personal and ordinary passport).

The application fee is RMB 600 (non-refundable).This fee cannot be credited to tuition or other accounts upon admission.

The certificates provided should be the original documents in Chinese or in English, otherwise notarial translations in Chinese or English are required. None of the above application documents will be returned.

6 Application Procedure

Application time is from Nov. 1st till Feb. 28th.

Step 1: Online Application

Complete Online Application on the website of International Student Office, Tsinghua University (http://is.tsinghua.edu.cn/EN/online-application/application.html). Print and sign the Application Form produced by the system after the application status changes to "verified". For scholarship application documents, please refer section "Tuition and Scholarship" below.

Step 2: Documents Submission

Submit the application documents listed above to the address indicated below by post mail or in person.

Step 3: Application Fee Payment

Two ways to pay application fee:

1. Pay online using credit card;

After your online application form is verified or the materials are received by Tsinghua University, the staff will make you the online payment draft, and at the same time, an email will be automatically sent out to remind you to pay the application fee via the online application system.

2. Pay in cash at the International Student Office (Room 120,Zijing Building 22)of Tsinghua University.

7 Application Schedule

Both the Online Application and a complete set of Application documents should be completed and the package should be received by February 28th. Please note that for the Government or University scholarship applicants, online application and all the application documents should be submitted before January 15th.

DEAN ZHUANG WEIMIN ADDRESSING STUDENTS

8 Tuition and Scholarship

Tuition is 60,000 RMB per year, with a total of RMB 120,000 for the 2 year program. Accidental Injury and Hospitalization Insurance: RMB 600/year.

A limited number of Resarch Assistant Scholarship Position are available. For those who wish to apply for this scholarship, the hardcopies of application documents should be received by Feb.28th. Please visit http://is.tsinghua.edu.cn/EN/ scholarship/intro.html for more information.

Due to the limited number of this scholarship, we encourage applicants to apply for other kinds of scholarships at the same time. Many countries for instant can help in applying for the Chinese Scholarship Council funding, which is very generous and includes living allowance and housing. Please see here for more information https://www.chinesescholarshipcouncil.com/.

9 Contact Information

Admission Office

International Program, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084, P. R. China

Tel: (8610) 62785693

Fax: (8610) 62770314

Email: m-arch-admission@tsinghua.edu.cn

Website: http://arch.tsinghua.edu.cn/column/Introduction

Online application pls click: http://is.tsinghua.edu.cn/EN/online-application/application.html

Admission to Graduate Programs of Tsinghua University 2020

Master's Program in Architecture - Future Human Habitat Design

1. Introduction

The Master of Architecture (MArch) in Future Human Habitat Design Program is an innovative program to be launched in autumn 2020 at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS). The program draws upon the boundary-crossing among a cluster of disciplines and focuses on advanced technologies and cutting-edge ideas related to design issues of future human habitat. The program centers on design research as its ethos and endeavors to envision and create more intelligent and sustainable built environment. The program builds on the strengths and opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the city of Shenzhen by bringing together leading technologies and emerging practice to generate and experiment with design knowledge for future human habitat.

The MArch in Future Human Habitat Design program has three key characteristics:

(1) Integration of multiple disciplines through design thinking.

(2) Focus on innovative solutions to key issues and challenges of future human habitat.

(3) Strongly bound to the applicable opportunities and technological supports in Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area.

(4) Incubate young talented scholars to develop their future career out of their academic design research.

2. Study at Tsinghua

Tsinghua School of Architecture is one of the best architectural schools in the world and occupies a leadership position in China. This is amply demonstrated by the number one position taken during the first national ranking of architectural education by China’s Ministry of Education in 2003, and the School’s subsequent leading position in 2008. Tsinghua University ranks 16th globally in QS World University Rankings 2020, while Tsinghua School of Architecture ranks 10th in Architecture / Built Environment in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019.

3. Study and Career in Shenzhen

Launched on 29 March 2019, the Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) is the first branch campus of Tsinghua University, serving as Tsinghua's scientific research and graduate education platform in southern China. SIGS is committed to continuing Tsinghua’s academic legacy and promoting scientific innovation. Tsinghua SIGS aims to bring together world-class faculty and students to tackle global challenges through pioneering research and international collaboration, and to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders in designing a more connected and sustainable global society.

International:

By diversifying the faculty members from all over the world, students at Tsinghua SIGS will develop strong global competencies through the international learning resources and the deep collaboration with overseas partners.

Borderless:

By removing the barriers between multiple disciplines related to architectural design, between academe and industry, and between the campus and the surrounding communities, students at Tsinghua SIGS will enjoy and share the research resources and expertise to facilitate interdisciplinary solutions to a number of urgent regional challenges.

Entrepreneurial:

By refocusing its education philosophy, reexamining its pedagogical methods, and restructuring its administrative and logistic mechanism, students at Tsinghua SIGS will benefit from the increasing institutional efficiency and flexibility while initiating potential innovative programs in response to industry needs in the future.

4. Curriculum

The program covers 2 academic years. Each year has 2 semesters. The student need to complete independent thesis project and dissertation to apply for degree. The program centers on a series of 4 design studios and 1 thesis studio, which are supported by taught courses in theory and technology. The program targets at highly international, interdisciplinary, capacity-building education towards leadership and excellency in innovative design solutions to future challenges in human habitat.

1st Year:

Design Studio 1: Digital Architecture

Design Studio 2: Urbanism

History & Theory of Chinese Architecture

Theory of Digital Architecture

Basics in Design Computation

Digital Construction

Mandatory Public Courses (Include Chinese Language + Chinese Culture program)

Summer: 

Architecture and City Visiting Study

2nd Year:

Design Studio 3: Integrated Design

Design Studio 4: Intelligent Design

Theory of Sustainable Architecture 

Urban Theory and Methodology

Green Building Technologies

Advanced Urban Technologies

Final Thesis Project: 

Thesis Project and Dissertation

5. Accreditation

The Program of Master in Architecture (specialized in Future Human Habitat Design) is a track of its architectural education at Master level. The student is required to submit both thesis project and dissertation to the examination committee for assessment. Those who have successfully passed the assessment will receive Master in Architecture degree from Tsinghua University. Tsinghua University's architectural education at Master level had been qualified for accreditation in 2018 by China's National Board of Architectural Accreditation (NBAA) for a validation of six years. According to the Certificate of National Architectural Education Accreditation issued by NBAA, Tsinghua University may confer Master Degree of Architecture to its graduates.

6. How to Apply

6.1 Required Qualification of Applicants

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport.

Master's degree program applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree.

Applicants should be in good health and of good character, be well-behaved and be willing to abide by China's laws and regulations, as well as Tsinghua’s rules.

Language competence requirements:

Transcripts of TOEFL (85) or IELTS (6.5) (for non-native English-speaking applicants who don't have a degree in English-speaking countries).

6.2 Application Process

Applicants should complete an Online Application on the website of the THU Graduate Programs Application System for International Students (http://gradadmission.tsinghua.edu.cn) during the designated THU application period. Applicants should fill in the application information online, upload the application documents listed below to the Online Application System, and pay the application fee online at the time of submission.

6.3 Application Schedule

1st Round: 8:00 AM Oct 15, 2019——17:00 PM Dec 15, 2019

2nd Round: 8:00 AM Jan 1, 2020——17:00 PM Mar 1, 2020

Note: The winter break of THU will be from Jan 16, 2020 to Feb 12, 2020. The application system will still be available during the winter break, but online verification might be delayed due to the vacation. Applicants are therefore recommended to complete their application at least two or three weeks in advance.

6.4 Application Documents

Please upload all the listed documents below to the application system:

(1) Personal statement.

(2) Degree certificate. Applicants who will not graduate before the application deadline must provide a pre-graduation certificate from their current academic institution. In this case, the degree certificate must be submitted before registration.

(3) Academic transcript. Applicants who will not graduate before the application deadline must provide their current academic transcript. In this case, the completed academic transcript must be submitted before registration.

(4) Two academic recommendation letters from scholars who have the title of associate professor or higher, or senior professionals in a related academic field. Please follow the instructions on the online system for submission of online recommendation letters or upload the recommendation letters signed by references.

(5) Passport personal information page (personal and ordinary passport).

(6) Portfolio (Need to be uploaded in one PDF file. It could be the school assignment, competition work or internship projects. This will help the Committee to evaluate your qualification.)

(7) Resume

6.5 Application Remarks

Applicants are required to submit scanned images of all required documents at the time of application. All uploaded documents should be in Chinese or in English; otherwise notarial translations in Chinese or English are required. Once translated, the original documents and certified translations should be submitted together to the application system.

Please scan the original or notarized application documents in color using a scanner. Images captured by mobile phone or camera are not acceptable. Scans of copies are also not acceptable.

The application fee must be paid at the time the application is submitted. (It cannot be covered by the Chinese Government Scholarship). THU is not responsible for errors made by applicants during the application process. There are no application fee refunds.

Applications with incomplete documents or without application fee payment will not be processed.

THU has the right to request that applicants provide the original or notarial hardcopies of application documents for further qualification checks if the uploaded documents are not sufficient.

None of the above application documents will be returned.

Applicants shall guarantee that all the information and application documents submitted in this application are authentic and accurate. If the admission departments or certification authorities verify that the application information or documents are false, positive admission decisions will be cancelled. Students will also be disqualified from enrollment and study even if they have been admitted.

Applicants who are found to be in breach of academic ethics, professional ethics, honesty and trustworthiness, etc., will not be admitted or admission/study qualification will be cancelled after this breach has been verified.

6.6 Evaluation and Admission

THU admits students based on evaluation of their application documents together with a further matriculation examination. The admission committee of Shenzhen International Graduate School will review the application documents and select applicants for further examination. The examination will choose either of the following methods: (1) Interview Exemption; (2) Personal Interview. If an interview is required for admission, our department will contact the applicant directly to arrange an interview appointment and provide information about the interview process.

Admission to graduate programs is determined at our department with oversight by Tsinghua University according to the result of the document review, the interview, and other factors. A Certificate of Admission will be issued by Shenzhen International Graduate School Graduate Admissions Office after the final admission result is released. Prior to this, applicants may check their admission status via the THU Graduate Programs Application System for International Students.

6.7 Scholarships

Tsinghua University mainly offers three kinds of scholarships to prospective full-time international graduate students: Full Scholarship, Tuition Scholarship and Shenzhen International Graduate School Assistantship.

(1) Full Scholarships, such as the Chinese Government Scholarship usually cover tuition, stipend, on-campus accommodation and medical insurance. Annual Review is strictly required. Please visit http://www.campuschina.org/ for more information.

(2) The Tuition Scholarships cover full or partial tuition fee support with a duration of one academic year. Applicants may apply for Tuition Scholarships annually (competitive). The Tuition Scholarship for international master student mainly refers to Beijing Government Scholarship.

(3) Shenzhen International Graduate School Assistantship.

For further information about scholarships and the application process, please refer to the website ‘Scholarships for Prospective Full-time International Graduate Students at Tsinghua University’ at http://gradadmission.tsinghua.edu.cn.

6.8 Accommodation

Dormitory rooms will be automatically reserved for international students. Students do not need to apply on their own. Housing for admitted international students is coordinated by the University Town of Shenzhen (UTSZ).

6.9 Costs (Unit: RMB Yuan)

(1) Application Fee: RMB 800

(2) Tuition Fees: RMB 66,000 (Full program)

(3) Accidental Injury and Hospitalization Insurance: RMB 800/year

(4) Accommodation in student dormitories: Approximately RMB 12000/year

Contact Information

Graduate Admission Office A102, Tsinghua University International Graduate School,  Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518000, P.R China.

Tel: 0755-26036460; Cel: 13537676510

General Email: admission@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn,

hou.yuanyuan@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn

Office Hour: 8:30-12:00, 13:30-17:30, M-F