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Any Loca on Bachelor's Architecture Search

BS in Architecture in the Philippines

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSArch) is a 5-year college degree intended for people who wish to
pursue a career in Architecture. Architectural educa on provides students with knowledge and skills in
planning, designing and construc ng buildings taking into account the principles of u lity, strength and
aesthe cs.

The BS in Architecture curriculum comprises of CHED-mandated general educa on courses; technical

subjects in Math, Science and Basic Engineering; and professional Architecture courses presented thru
classroom lectures, laboratory classes and studio design ac vi es.

Keeping abreast with the current trends in Architectural industry, most schools provide technologically
upgraded studio facili es for the study of computer aided designs.

The BS in Architecture program in the Philippines is offered in ladder type curriculum:

The first three years put emphasis on providing opportuni es for the students to draw and design with a
sense of quality and technical exper se; to develop visual percep on, and to understand construc on as a
means of communica on of principles. Upon sa sfactory comple on of the prescribed courses at certain
level, students will be granted Cer fica ons for the technical skills acquired, such as Cer ficate in Dra ing
Technology; Cer ficate in Building Technology and U li es; and Cer ficate in CADD.

The last two years are used to plan actual projects and explore the more detailed spa al and visual
considera ons and to gain knowledge in computer science as applied to Architecture. Special emphasis is
given on the importance of research as evidenced by the thesis requirement for the course. Addi onally, the
knowledge and understanding of the ethical guidelines of the profession is a significant component of the
program. (source)
Is Architecture a profession?

Architecture is a profession. A graduate of BS in Architecture who passed the Architecture Licensure

Examina on is called an Architect. An Architect is technically defined as a person professionally and
academically qualified, registered and licensed under Republic Act No. 9266 with a Cer ficate of Registra on
and Professional Iden fica on Card issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture and the
Professional Regula on Commission.

What are the admission requirements for BSArchi?

Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements:
Must be a high school graduate. Those who did not complete high school educa on may opt to first
a end Alterna ve Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educa onal Placement Test (PEPT) to
qualify for college. However, some universi es only offer selected courses for PEPT passers admission.
Must pass the college entrance examina on
Must pass the interview conducted by the college / university admission officer
Some schools require par cular ra ng in the Na onal Secondary Assessment Test (NSAT)
Some schools require par cular high school grade or gross point average

What skills will help you succeed in this course?

Ar s c talent and Drawing skills

Technical Skills – the ability to accomplish mathema cal, engineering, scien fic or computer–related
du es
Crea vity
Analy cal skills – the ability to visualize, ar culate, and solve problems.
Basic Mathema cal skills – the ability to solve and use different computa onal methods
English skills – the ability to read, write and converse in English as most technical literature is in English.
Interpersonal skills – will help you in studying together with classmates, doing group assignments and
forming connec ons with friends and colleges.
How difficult is this course?

BS in Architecture is both interes ng and challenging. Natural ar s c talent plays a big part into it, as this
profession requires a lot of drawing skills and crea vity. Students are expected to draw extensively and build
chipboard models or building prototypes. The course also requires numerical proficiency used for cost
es ma on, surveying, structural load and other mathema cal computa ons. Produc on of the required
drawing projects and presenta on materials require lots of hard work, pa ence and careful a en on to
details. But since Architecture is not just a science but also an art, a passionate student who overcomes these
challenges might really enjoy studying Architecture.

How long does it take to complete BS in Architecture in the

Philippines?

Normally, the BSArchi takes 5 years to complete (Note: this may change due to the K-12 integra on). The
program may be completed in a shorter me in schools that follow the trimestral curriculum.

On The Job Training / Internship

CHED Memorandum Order no.61 mandates that Schools of Architecture shall have an ac ve and organized
program for on-the-job and diversified training for its students which shall include: assistance in organizing
student employer interviews; maintenance of a job-available card file with an index of poten al local
employers; and if needed, assistance to employers, and fast transfer of students' academic transcripts to
speed up the employment process.

The Board Exam

An Architecture graduate needs to take and pass the Architectural Licensure Examina on (ALE) before he/she
can prac ce as a Licensed Architect. The examina on is conducted by the Board of Architecture under the
supervision of the Professional Regula on Commission (PRC).

The licensure examina on for Architects shall cover the following subjects: History and Theory of
Architecture; Principles of Planning and Architectural Prac ce; Structural Design, Building Materials, Urban
Design and Architectural Interiors; and Architectural Design and Site Planning and Architectural
Specifica ons, and Methods of Construc on and U li es. (source, sec.14)

Most Architecture students who completed the regular 5-year course opt to review for several months before
the January licensure exam. However, those who finished the course on irregular me-frame typically choose
the March examina on date. Review programs are usually provided for by the school. However, some
students decide on enrolling at specialized review centers.

Career opportuni es for BSArchi graduates

Jobs for licensed Architects (board exam passers)

Entry Level jobs
Jobs requiring no prior to minimal level of experience:
Junior Architect – works in a construc on firm and are involved with designing new buildings,
extensions or altera ons to exis ng buildings, or advising on the restora on and conserva on
of old proper es.
Junior Design Architect – works under the senior design architect and helps in rendering and
building proto-types to demonstrate design concepts
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Computer-Aided Design and Dra (CADD) Architect – uses
CAD systems applica on to create electronic versions of the technical drawings and design
plans for buildings and machinery.
Building Surveyors – o en work on preventa ve measures to keep buildings in good
condi on and look to make buildings sustainable.

Advanced Posi ons

Require years of extensive experience and prac ce:
Principal Architect – a licensed architect who owns an architecture firm or one who shares an
ownership interest with the other architects in the firm.
Architectural project manager – work closely with the construc on project manager and
coordinate the work of the design team and manage communica on with the client. The
issues of budget, scheduling, and quality-control are the responsibility of the Project Manager
in an architect's office.
 Architectural Technologists are architectural specialists who turn the concept into reality in
the completed construc on. Concerned with the technical side of design, ensure that an
a rac ve func onal building performs successfully by making sure that the right materials are
used and that building regula ons are met.
Building Conserva on Officer – advises on and promotes the protec on of the historic
environment and, in par cular, its long-term care, preserva on and enhancement of enlisted
buildings within conserva on areas.
Senior Design Architect – have experience in strategic master planning, and is responsible for
managing assigned architecture projects, including development of concept drawings and
designs, and mee ng client expecta ons, while ensuring work is within project scope, meets
the project schedule deadlines and is within budget.
Architecture Researcher – researches, designs and develops solu ons to highly complex and
technical issues, designs system architecture, workflows, data flows and databases;
recommends solu ons to highly complex problems to provide technical direc on on systems
analysis, design, development and tes ng.
Academician – architects who are faculty members, instructors, and professors in an
ins tu on that offers Architectural course

Jobs for Non Board Passers:

Intern Architect or architectural intern is a person who has successfully completed a professional
degree in architecture and works under the supervision of a licensed architect and preparing for
professional registra on exams or licensure as an architect.
AutoCAD Operator or Technician – uses computer so ware to help Architects and Engineers to
prepare blueprints and drawings. These are very significant in crea ng a whole lot of products,
which include manufactured items, structures and buildings.
Industrial Product Designers – create a wide range of items, from everyday products, such as
mobile phones, household appliances and cars, to larger items, such as industrial tools, equipment
and machinery

Jobs not related to architecture that graduates can apply to

Call center agent – answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and provides customer support,
usually to people from other countries
Administra ve Staff – personnel responsible for the organiza on and management of office du es
and tasks; posi ons that include office secretary, personal assistant and office clerk
 Freelancer working online – doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as data entry, ar cle wri ng,
SEO, customer support, administra ve support etc., which mainly depends on your skills

Career Opportuni es Abroad

There are plenty of job opportuni es overseas for Filipino Architects, Dra sman, AutoCAD Operators
and other Architectural related posi ons are available in East Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
(source).

Salary Levels
The salary range of professional architects in the Philippines with 1–4 years experience ranges from
php15,000 to php18,000 per month, while those with more experience and in the more advanced
posi ons can earn between php25,000 and php40,000 per month (source).

Salaries for those who work abroad are generally much higher.

Find schools offering BS in Architecture:

Any Loca on

Reviews of BS in Architecture graduates:

L. G.
◈ Studied BS in Architecture
◈ At University of Santo Tomas
◈ Graduated 1988

Why did I choose Architecture:

I love drawing, it was always fun for me, it s ll is. I 've always imagine myself building and crea ng an
environment that will be enjoyed by people.

About my college educa on:

I enjoyed studying the course, the late nights and rush project submission. I most of all enjoyed learning from
and with my batch mates. 5 years of architecture is an amazing ride for me. I learned a lot about art and life
itself.

My current job:
Architectural Project Designer in one of the premier design company in the world.

Am I using what I learned in college:

Yes, all of it and then some.

How long did it take to find a job a er gradua on:

I was already working when I was in my 4th year, as a designer / dra sman.

Do I recommend studying Architecture:

Yes, I would recommend the study of Architecture only when you have the heart and passion for it.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course:

Love what you do, some mes it's hard but by having the passion for the profession you'll find every step would
be easy and inspiring. I believe that there is always art in living.

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