You can find the complete info in the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/masters-programmes/master-advanced-architecture/

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/master-advanced-architecture/#academicstructure

The main difference between MAA01 and MAA02 is the duration of both programs and the European credits that each one offers: MAA01 is a 9-month programme and offers 90 ECTS credits while MAA02 is an 18-month programme that offers 120 ECTS credits.

Apart from this, the MAA02 differs from the MAA01 in the second year. The first year is the same for both programmes and has a structure of 3 terms of 3 months each. The first one is an introductory term that offers you the tools you will need in the following two terms, to develop the Research Line Studio project.

If a student chooses to undertake the MAA02 he/she will have the chance to develop an Individual Thesis Project based on a research and development studio agenda, related with the 4 Research Lines of IAAC, and under the guidance of permanent IAAC faculty as well as external guest tutors. The thesis year also includes seminars that will be supporting the project development. Lectures and workshops are also part of the thesis year.

Both programmes share a common year, the MAA01, whereas they differ after these first 9 months.

MAA02 (MAA01+ THESIS) combines the first year Master with a second year of investigation to develop a thesis project. This program allows senior students, which already developed the appropriate sensibility and tools during the first year, to develop a personal investigation around the topics of advanced technology, architecture and urbanism, and study it deeply. During the second year, students are required to deal with a project bearing in mind the possibility of developing it with international faculty and enterprises, highly specialized in different fields.

This 18-month programme offers 120 ECTS credits.

Students receive 1 degree. (Master in Advanced Architecture + Thesis degree)

MAA01+3DPA combines MAA01 with IAAC’s 3D Printing for Architecture postgraduate programme (3DPA), which is an intensive applied research programme that combines Academy and Industry and focuses on developing innovative solutions in a wide range of fields (architecture, design, construction interaction, technology). The programme aims for the students to postulate innovative responses to Market-related needs. The course combines academic professors with experts from the industry creating a platform that enables them to understand the industry and to respond with new architectural and constructive ideas.

Some of IAAC collaborating companies for the 3DPA postgraduate studies are: TECNALIA (Advanced Technological Centre), AXSON (polyurethane and epoxy resins manufacturers), BREINCO (concrete products manufacturers), CERÁMICA CUMELLA (ceramic manufacturers), CRICURSA (glass manufacturers), KUKA (robotics), SANTA&COLE (urban furniture manufacturers), among others.

This 13-month programme offers 100 ECTS CREDITS.

Students receive 2 separate degrees. (Master in Advanced Architecture Degree + 3D Printing for Architecture postgraduate degree)

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/masters-programmes/mrac/

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/master-in-robotics-and-advanced-construction-mrac/academicstructure

Both programmes share a common year, the MRAC01, whereas they differ after these first 9 months.

MRAC02 (MRAC01+ THESIS) offers the occasion to develop a thesis project with the support of IAAC infrastructure, experts and network, with the goal to maximise its impact on our society.

This 18-month programme offers 120 ECTS CREDITS.

Students receive 1 degree. (Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction + Thesis degree)

MRAC01+3DPA combines MRAC01 with IAAC’s 3D Printing for Architecture postgraduate programme (3DPA), which is an intensive applied research programme that combines Academy and Industry and focuses on developing innovative solutions in a wide range of fields (architecture, design, construction interaction, technology). The programme aims for the students to postulate innovative responses to Market-related needs. The course combines academic professors with experts from the industry creating a platform that enables them to understand the industry and to respond with new architectural and constructive ideas.

Some of IAAC collaborating companies for the 3DPA postgraduate studies are: TECNALIA (Advanced Technological Centre), AXSON (polyurethane and epoxy resins manufacturers), BREINCO (concrete products manufacturers), CERÁMICA CUMELLA (ceramic manufacturers), CRICURSA (glass manufacturers), KUKA (robotics), SANTA&COLE (urban furniture manufacturers), among others.

This 13-month programme offers 120 ECTS CREDITS.

Students receive 2 separate degrees. (Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction Degree + 3D Printing for Architecture postgraduate degree)

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programs/master-in-city-technology/

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programs/master-in-city-technology/academic-structure/

The first year of the Master in City & Technology + Thesis Project is the same for both programmes and has a structure of 3 terms of 3 months each.

The main difference between the Master in City & Technology and the Master in City & Technology + Thesis Project is the duration and the ECTS that each one offers:
The Master in City & Technology is a 9-month programme and offers 90 ECTS while the Master in City & Technology + Thesis Project is an 18-month programme which offers 120 ECTS credits.
The Master in City & Technology + Thesis Project differs from the Master in City & Technology in the second year.

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/masters-programmes/mdef/

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/master-in-design-for-emergent-futures-mdef/academicstructure

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/master-in-advanced-ecological-buildings-maeb/

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/masters-programmes/master-in-advanced-ecological-buildings-maeb/academicstructure

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/masters-programmes/macad/

You can find the complete info at the following link:

https://iaac.net/educational-programmes/masters-programmes/macad/#academicstructure

The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design is accredited  with 60 ECTS and it is articulated into 3 modules + a Master Thesis.

As an alternative to the MaCAD full program, students can apply to each module independently to obtain a University Expert diploma, each one accredited with 15 ECTS.

Puedes encontrar la información completa sobre esta maestría en el siguiente enlace:

The program coordinators will share the academic calendars with the students upon registration.

Some general dates to keep in mind for the 2024-2025 academic year include:

IAAC 3DPA Pre-courses Kick-off – Last week August 2024

IAAC On-Campus Programmes Pre-courses Kick-off – 3 weeks in September 2024

IAAC Kick-off – 1st of October 2024

1st Term Begins – October 2024
1st Term Ends – December 2024

Winter Break – End of December / Beginning of January (depending on the Holiday Calendar)

2nd Term Begins – January 2025
2nd Term Ends – March 2025

Spring Break –    March / April (depending on the Holiday Calendar)

3rd Term Begins –  April 2025
3rd Term Ends –  July 2025

IAAC Graduation – to be confirmed

*Dates are subject to change.

** Students must confirm the exact dates with their coordinators for any personal or travel arrangements.

Grades are awarded for courses at the discretion of the professor responsible for the course. Students are required by IAAC to maintain at least a 5-grade point average. Students who fail to meet this standard, or who in other respects do not make normal progress toward the degree, are subject to dismissal.

Class attendance is obligatory for studio and non-studio courses. In both cases, courses are graded as follows:

• 9.0–10 Excellent/Distinction
• 7.0–8.9 Good

• 5.0–6.9 Pass

• 0–4.9 Fail ((this means that the student is not going to get his/her Master Degree. In case of MAA02 students, they will not be allowed to pursue the second year of the Master. This grade will be justified and well explained by the course’s tutor))

In case of a fail, the student will be given the possibility to submit again before a second deadline that will be established by the academic coordination. Should the student not be able to submit before the deadline or should he/she be unable to reach the minimum academic requirements he/she will be subject to expulsion. In case of a positive evaluation of the student’s second submission, the maximum possible grade will be 5.0.

The grading system is based on:

1. Attendance
2. Effort/Commitment
3. Discussion/Participation
4. Final outcome/achievement (depending on seminar’s requirements)
5. Blog Posts (depending on seminar’s requirements)
6. Public presentations (depending on seminar’s requirements)

Please click on this link to know about the programmes tuition fees.

The enrolment fee is a NON-refundable payment.

You can find the complete information on the Selection and Evaluation Process on IAAC’s Guide for Applicants.

Each IAAC Educational programme runs with a minimum enrolment of 11 students.

IAAC reserves the right to cancel any programme if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Between 30 and 10 days prior to the start of a programme IAAC will let the students know if the minimum number of participants is met or not. If IAAC cancels a programme, the student will be given a full refund of any amount paid for the cancelled course, without losing administrative fees. If a programme is cancelled, a student may decide whether to be transferred to another programme or to receive a full refund of any amount paid for the cancelled course without losing administrative fees.

No, all the material must be digitally submitted using the online form.

For more information on the mandatory documents/ information that you must submit with each application in our application portal please consult IAAC’s Guide for Applicants.

Applicants must fulfill ALL the following minimum eligibility before submitting an application:

1. Minimum level of studies: Applicants must posses a bachelor’s degree that allows the candidate to enroll in a master’s program before the program’s start date.
2. English proficiency: All IAAC activities (with the exception of Maestría en Urbanismo Próximo (MaUP) – anteriormente MOeC -) are conducted in English. Therefore, applicants are expected to be proficient in their use of English.
   Applicants do not need to demonstrable an English degree during their application. Their use of the English language will be assessed during the interview. However, since all  Applicants that have proof of English proficiency, can submit it as an optional document.
3. Availability: Applicants must be available to join at the start date indicated by IAAC and for the entire duration of the program they apply for.
4. Financial Readiness: Applicants are expected to fund their studies fully throughout the length of their program. Under no circumstances can IAAC help in cases where applicants have knowingly applied underfunded.
5. Restrictive measures: Applicants understand and accept that their application may be subject to security checks and procedures.
6. The Applicant has submitted a complete application with all required information and documents attached via the IAAC Application Portal

You can find the complete information on IAAC’s Eligibility Criteria in IAAC’s Guide for Applicants.

No particular expertise in a software is necessary to be admitted in any of IAAC’s programmes. However, it is highly beneficial for new students if they have previous experience in software such as Rhinoceros 3D, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Microsoft Office.

Keep in mind that during the first months of a programme students are trained in the computer skills they will need during the course of the programme.

If students do not know how to use some of the required software they can always start online tutorials. A good source for online tutorials is the Plethora Project.

Aside from that IAAC organizes an introductory pre-course, two weeks before the beginning of the master’s and includes an introduction to software such as:

Adobe Premiere – Videomaking and Storytelling
Rhinoceros 3D – 3D modelling
Python – Programming Languages
Grasshopper – Parametric Modelling
QGIS – Cartography and Mapping
Arduino – Electronics and Programming

For more information on the Pre-courses go here.

You are still eligible for the programme but you have to make sure to send the missing documentation required before the application deadline and complete the Official Diploma requirement as soon as you have it. In the meantime, you can provide a provisional certificate of your studies (in English), and submit your official diploma afterwards.

There is no specific template for recommendation letters, the style remains at discretion of the writer but it should contain an introduction with an explanation of who the writer is, how they know the person they’re recommending and a brief sketch of the subject in terms of discipline and topical/thematic focus; a description of some research work, conference activity, remark about character and personality. (Please bear in mind that the recommendation letter should clearly state the name of the student the writer is recommending)

Letters can be sent by those who recommend you directly or you can submit a scanned version via email with the rest of the application documentation.

Yes, IAAC requires a University Bachelor’s degree as a requirement for issuing the Master’s Diploma. This means that any university bachelor degree can be accepted. There is also the possibility that you don’t have a University degree. In this case, you can still apply, but if you get selected and finish your Master’s course, you won’t be getting a Master’s Diploma but a Certificate of Achievement.

Pre-courses are introductory programmes for students who are going to attend  the following IAAC’s Master programmes (MAA, MAEBB, MaCT, MDEF, MRAC, 3DPA and MaCAD).

Aside from developing introductory technical skills, the pre-courses offer students the possibility of getting the first insight into the school’s contents and methodology, as well as getting to know the campus and their classmates two weeks prior to the start of the Academic Year.

Here you can access the description of each different pre-course module:

1. Computational Design with Rhinoceros 3D
2. Critical & Creative Research
3. Coding with Python
4. Basics for Digital Fabrication
5. Parametric Design with Grasshopper
6. Mapping Data with QGIS
7. Inputs & Outputs Basics for Code and Electronics
8. Communication
9. Manual Fabrication & Experimentation

Note: This information is for the Academic Year 2024/25 and might be subject to slight changes for the next academic year.

Depending on the applicant’s profile and technical skills, the Academic Committee has the right to assign 3 mandatory modules to an applicant. Whether the modules are mandatory, highly recommended or optional depends on the technical background of the applicant.

The 3DPA Pre-course modules are:

1. Computational Design – Rhinoceros 3D
2. Basics for Digital Fabrication
3. Parametric Design – Grasshopper

The MaCAD Pre-course modules are:

1. 3D Modelling with Rhinoceros
2. Grasshopper
3. Rendering
4. Programming

Students can select to attend one or more modules according to their level of proficiency in each discipline and the recommendation of the Admissions committee, as given in their Acceptance letter.

The required entry level of proficiency is as it follows:

• 3D Modelling with Rhinoceros = High level required;
• Grasshopper = High level required;
• Programming = Basic level required;
• Rendering = High level required;

Since the MaCAD Programme is an online programme, access to the recorded modules of the pre-course will be given to students as soon as the pre-course payment is received.

For more information on the pre-course fees, visit this page.

When?

• The IAAC pre-courses for the MAA, MAEBB, MaCT, MRAC and MDEF programmes take place 3 weeks before the IAAC Kick-off, starting in early September 2024.
• The IAAC pre-courses for the 3DPA programme take place in August 2024.
• Students participating in the MACAD programme need to complete the pre-courses before the start of the program (early October)

Where?

• IAAC pre-courses for on-campus programmes (MAA, MAEBB, MaCT, MRAC, MDEF and 3DPA) take place in person at the IAAC Pujades campus in the Poblenou neighborhood.
• Access to the recorded modules of the pre-courses for the MACAD programme will be given to students once the pre-course payment is received.

*Students participating in pre-courses are responsible for securing housing in the city for the duration of the program.

Each year IAAC, dedicates more than 500.000€ as part of its commitment to social outreach and open impact, supports students interested in studying within its educational platforms by means of special financial aid, scholarship, and fellowship programs. There are also funding opportunities from external organizations, research councils and governments around the world.

Please click on this link to know more about IAAC’s Scholarships and Fees.

All IAAC activities (with the exception of Maestría en Urbanismo Próximo (MaUP) – anteriormente MOeC -) are conducted in English. Therefore, applicants are expected to be proficient in their use of English.

Applicants do not need to submit an English proficiency certificate in order to apply to IAAC. Their use of the English language will be assessed during the interview. However, applicants who are in possesion of an  English proficiency certificate, can submit it as an optional document.

Please note that in some cases an English Certificate might be required from your Country in order to issue your Visa.

All activities in IAAC are in English, so there is no requirement of the knowledge of Spanish nor Catalan for academic reasons.

All the IAAC Masters programmes issue a Lifelong Learning Master´s Degrees adapted to the European Higher Educational Area (EHEA) and accredited by the Universitat de Lleida (UdL) – Centre of Continuing Education.

• The Master in Advanced Architecture is accredited by UdL with 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Architecture I and 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Architecture II.

• The Master in City and Technology is accredited by UdL with 90 ECTS credits for the Master in City and Technology I and 120 ECTS credits for the Master in City and Technology II.

• The 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) is a postgraduate programme accredited with 45 ECTS credits.
  

• The Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities is accredited by UdL with 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities I and 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities II.

• The Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction is accredited by UdL with 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction I and 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction II.

• The Master in Design for Emergent Futures is accredited by UdL with 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Design for Emergent Futures I and 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Design for Emergent Futures II.

• The Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment is accredited by UdL with 90 ECTS for the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment I and 120 ECTS credits for the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment II

• The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design is accredited by UdL with 60 ECTS credits.

• The Postgraduate in Fab Academy BCN: Applications and Implications of Digital Fabrication is accredited with 45 ECTS credits.

• The Postgraduate in Fabricademy BCN, Textile and Technology Academy is accredited with 45 ECTS credits.

All the IAAC Masters programmes are awards given by the UdL – Universitat de Lleida according to the university’s own standards for postgraduate studies. Spanish regulation specifies that universities can instruct studies that lead to obtaining other degrees apart from the Graduate, University Master or Doctorate.

Every country has its own system of accreditation, therefore, we suggest that each student should pass the above information to the ministry of education in their home country to assure compatibility.

ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System, the standard adopted by all universities in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to ensure the homogeneity and quality of the courses they offer.

An ECTS credit is equal to 25 hours of work, counting class hours and in addition, all the other activities carried out during a student’s learning process (studying, assignments, practical work, etc.).

In Spain postgraduate master degree, as we offer here at IaaC, does not lead you to Architectural License. However, in case you completed an architectural degree in another country, you can recognise this Diploma in Spain. This procedure is called “Homologación” and should be done by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.

Please note, every country has its own system of accreditation. In case you would like to apply for an architectural license back to your country, we suggest that you check the compatibility of the Diplomas to the ministry of education in your country.

You can find more information on this process

To obtain Final Master/Postgraduate Diploma issued by University of Lleida (UdL), mentioned steps are mandatory to be followed:

First Step: Legalisation of Bachelor’s Degree 

The legalisation is the authentication of a document by the competent authorities in the country where the document was issued.

The legalisation procedure is different depending on the Issuing countries:

• Documents issued within the EU countries:  

Certificates issued by the countries within the European Union or Signatories to the European Economic Area agreement, do not require the legalisation. Similarly, legalisation is not required for the documents issued in Switzerland due to a bilateral agreement with EU.

• Documents issued in Non-EU countries:  

       1. For signatory countries from Hague Convention:

Certificates issued in signatory countries (Check the list) to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, the single legalisation or apostille issued by the country’s competent authorities is sufficient.

      2. For remained countries (Non-EU & Non-Hague Convention): 

For the countries which are not part of Hague convention, documents must be legalised through diplomatic channels. The documents must have the stamps of: 

• Ministry of Education of the country where documents were issued.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where documents were issued.
• Spanish diplomatic representation of country where documents were issued.

Second Step: Translation of Legalised Bachelor’s Degree 

If the issued certificate is in foreign language, it must be translated into Spanish or Catalan language.

After the successful legalisation of certificate (bachelor’s degree), the official translation can be done by any of the following ways:

• By a sworn translator, duly registered by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign affairs. Check the link for translator search or PDF to find your suitable translator
• Diplomatic or consular representation of Spain abroad.

Before leaving your country make sure to have all the papers you need to enter Spain. That means your visa if you are not a EU students, your Medical Insurance and the application requirements.

If you are a citizen of a country belonging to the European Union, you do not need to follow any administrative procedure to become a student before travelling but just getting a private health insurance.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country who wish to study in Spain for a period of more than three months you must apply for a student visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country before coming here.

IAAC offers assistance to the students who have difficulties to get their VISA after following the normal procedure, in case of unforeseen delays or unexpected difficulties.

Once you are in Barcelona, you will have to book your appointment at a Police station within 30 days of your arrival to obtain your NIE / TIE in order to be legally registered in the country throughout your student visa duration.

The NIE is a personal, unique and exclusive number that is assigned to foreigners in a card format (TIE) who, for economic, professional, or social reasons, are engaged in activities related to Spain and require identification in this country.

All students must apply for it. Even though the EU students no require visa, if the stay in the country is more than 3 months, it bill be mandatory to go through this process to be registered in the central Registry of Foreigners.

Fore more information on how to proceed with this please see IAAC Student Hand Book

Yes absolutely! It is a very safe city because there is very little violent crime, even at night. The only area where you need to take a little care very late at night is the lower part of the Raval and Gothic quarter in Barcelona’s old city, but even here violent crime is very rare.

However, there are problems with pickpockets during the day. You can lose phones, wallets and bags, but you will not be assaulted or mugged, just robbed. Pickpockets are the biggest crime problem in Barcelona, but if you take some simple precautions then you will not be a victim of pickpocket crime. It’s also good to always leave your passport at home and not bringing it with you when you go around the city (you can bring a photocopy of it with you).

IAAC does not cover the students in case of accidents and injuries. Before coming to Barcelona, you must get in contact with the public health service in your country so that they can inform you of the documentation that you need to use within our health system. If you are not covered by the public health, you must have a private medical insurance to cover the entire duration of their stay at Barcelona.

Catalan public health will charge you for any kind of treatment you may need. Information about the Catalan health system

No, but we have IAAC’s Student Guidebook to give students some recommendations about how and where find proper accommodation. A Facebook Group is also created before the beginning of the Master in order to make it easier to find flatmates.

The average expense per month varies depending on the student’s lifestyle.

Illustrative monthly expenses budget:

• Accommodation (a room for rent) from 500€
• Transportation (metro) 40€
• Groceries 250€
• Other (entertainment, sports, going out…) 300€
• Phone 20€ to 40€
• Studio material (when needed) 200€

* Depending on the master, IAAC organises an optional research trip as part of the Master program where an additional cost of 1,000€ should be calculated.

You can find more information and recommendation about life in Barcelona downloading IAAC’s Student Guidebook.

Follow this link to discover why Barcelona is the best city where to study.

With the aim of providing prospective students with a proper welcome in the city of Barcelona, IAAC provides students with a handbook plenty of information and tips when it comes to settling down in the city: from information on how to get around the city, cost of living, better neighbourhoods to live in as well as guidelines for carrying out administrative paperwork. Click on IAAC’s Student Guidebook to download the document.

Yes, each student is required to have his/her own laptop. Instructions will be given regarding which programs are required to be installed before the beginning of the course.

The IAAC Alumni Community is an active and dynamic network of visionary professionals distributed around the world, promoting principles and applications of Advanced Architecture and collaborating with IAAC in multiple academic and research operations.

Over the last ten years, IaaC has received and been home to over 500 students from more than 70 countries, including China, the UK, the USA, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina, Brasil, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Peru, Germany, Iran, Thailand, Russia, Turkey, India, Poland, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain, Guatemala, Bangladesh, Colombia, Korea and more making it an exceptionally international and multicultural place.

IAAC, through the Alumni network, offers its Alumni globally renowned job placement opportunities (both in the professional sphere and the academic sphere), where IAAC Alumni have privileged access.

IAAC Alumni also offers support for the development of Alumni activities throughout the world, promoting these events throughout the IAAC network.

The Alumni network also gathers once every 2 years for an Alumni meeting and Symposium where all Alumni are invited to discuss the work developed after IAAC, keeping the network compact and the discourse alive.

After the completion of the first year of studies students with an excellent grade can apply for research or teaching assistantships.

Aside from the IAAC Alumni network, that offers IAAC Alumni with select and renowned job placement opportunities as described in [AFTER IAAC – How does the IAAC Alumni community work?], the connections that you make during your time studying at IAAC will also open the door to great professional and academic possibilities.

IAAC faculty and visiting faculty, as well as the Lecturers invited as part of the lecture series, are all internationally renowned experts, from different disciplines and origins, giving the IAAC students the direct possibility to cultivate professional and academic relations oriented to future employment or research opportunities.

In this sense, 70% of IAAC Alumni find a job (either in the professional realm or the academic field) after just 6 months of completing the Master programme thanks to the connections they have made directly through IAAC; and 90% within one year of completing the Master.