Nuremberg is a lively city where medieval and modern times converge in an interesting mixture of tradition and liberalism. Multicultural diversity and an international focus are maintained here with the same care as the city's traditions, rooted in industry and commerce.  

The Nuremberg University of Technology's 8 locations are central and close to Nuremberg's historical city center, including the Faculty of Architecture, which moved to a new faculty building during the winter semester of 2013/14.

In the immediate vicinity of the Faculty of Architecture are the Pegnitzwiesen, a park along the Pegnitz river which, on warm days, offers students the opportunity to study out in the open. 

The origins of the Faculty of Architecture can be traced back to a municipal industrial school founded in 1803. Later in 1823, the school was remodelled into a polytechnic institute led by the architect and master builder Heideloff. Since then, the programme has been restructured several times. The awarded credentials have also been restructured, first from the graduate engineer to the acclaimed “Diplom-Ingenieur” and once more to the internationally uniform and recognized Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees.
 
In March 2013, the Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences received the title of “University of Technology” from the State of Bavaria and now goes by the name of Nuremberg University of Technology Georg-Simon-Ohm, with 12,000 students studying in 12 faculties.
 
At the Faculty of Architecture, there are currently 14 professors that are supported by more than 50 lecturers and scientific and technical staff. With access to the experience of established architectural offices, approximately 400 students are pragmatically trained in our bachelor's and master's degree programmes. Our university differs from purely research-oriented universities through this combination of theory and practice. The open exchange of thought, promotion of individual talents, and project-oriented cooperation with other faculties and disciplines are all aspects that distinguish the teaching in our faculty.
 
To bring balance between craftsmanship and art, construction and design, rationality and emotion, to create a unified result – these are the goals of our work. In addition to this tradition of balance, construction, design, and urban development receive additional emphasis in our programmes.
 
Bahnhofstrasse 90
90402 Nuremberg
(Map)
Postal address:
Postfach
90121 Nuremberg
AR-Fakultaet@th-nuernberg.de
 
 
Organization:
 
Dean:
Prof. Ingrid Burgstaller

Vice Dean:
Prof. Niels Jonkhans
 
Dean of Studies and Student Counseling - BA:
Prof. Nadja Letzel
President of Examining Board - BA:
Prof. Niels Jonkhans
 
Dean of Studies and Student Counseling - MA:
Prof. Marion Kalmer
President of Examining Board - MA:
Prof. Richard Woditsch

From the idea to the construction site, the focus is on people. Architects are engaged in the interaction of people, the natural environment, and the built environment. They plan, design, and build structures and solutions, always working across disciplines, for living, working, and social life. Their work has a long-term effect on the way our world is shaped.

Architects use technical and economic factors to develop creative ideas and provide support in the planning and implementation of construction projects. Their tasks also include ensuring construction quality and planning completion dates and costs.

Besides functional and economic aspects, aesthetics and ecology play an essential role in developing projects. Architects deal with the continually changing challenges of our international society.

Design and urban planning

The themes of architecture and urban planning are diverse, complex, and extensive. Composition and social change, resource management of urban and rural structures, economic upheaval, and technical possibilities all demand new and specific solutions. The aim of this area of study is to support students in their search for solutions and their own form of creative aesthetic expression while working with them to develop strategies that ensure a quality design over a long duration. Through this, a socially responsible architectural and urban development process is achieved.

Building construction

Throughout the programme, various construction methods are analyzed in this module. From wood, steel, and concrete construction, to the full encasement of buildings, different forms of construction are investigated and their methods are taught. The topics of building technology, ecology, energy-efficient construction, and aesthetic criteria are all also incorporated and discussed in this module.

Materials and technologies

This area of study deals with the development and production of building materials, including their properties and application. Solutions concerning design, atmosphere, and construction are also analyzed with respect to material selection.

History and theory

Studying architectural history allows students to recognize and interpret situational connections, and helps teach perception, interpretation, and judgement. Contemporary architectural themes are selected and discussed from different perspectives in order to form and hone personal opinions and points of view.

Organization and law

The study of organization and law deals with the execution of building projects in compliance with the applicable laws, codes, and regulations along with economic and organizational aspects.

Composition and Presentation

In this area of study, proportion, form, and spatial context are explored through digital and analog means in order to recognize formal-aesthetic relationships. The clear and meaningful presentation of concepts, abstract designs, and building designs is ensured through the use of suitable methods and techniques. A principle of mixed media is also applied where digital and analog forms of composition are used in conjunction with one another, along with 2D (drawing), 3D (model) and 4D (film) presentation methods.

Students at our faculty should be competent in spatial thinking as well as sketching and drafting. Experience in the trades and an interest in science subjects is also desired. In order to be accepted, applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the Nuremberg University of Technology in addition to the successful completion of an aptitude test.

Bachelor’s degree (base education, accredited)

This undergraduate programme covers six semesters and includes three phases of study. First, a basic foundation of skills and competencies is taught, which are then expanded in the second phase. In the final phase, integrated concepts are taught and must be demonstrated in a thesis project which, in addition to the completion of 180 ECTS credits, constitute the graduation requirements. The programme provides theoretical knowledge as well as important practical skills. Connections between architecture and art history as well as aesthetic and artistic composition and the functional, technical, and economic planning and construction of buildings are all main themes of the programme.

The individual modules – building construction, structures and technology, design and planning, history and theory, composition and presentation, and advance – are taught in groups with defined semester credit hours. In the “Raumortlabor” events, historical and current construction projects are analyzed and discussed. Practical exercises are offered by the design and composition modules as well as construction, technology, and advance modules in cooperation with partner institutions. One-week excursions offer practical training and help students' recognized qualities and improve their three-dimensional thinking, perception, and imagination. Another focus is the work on models and plans in 2D, 3D, and 4D. Your presentation skills and critical thinking will constantly be trained throughout the programme, as well as in our exhibitions held each semester.

The Bachelor of Arts degree entitles students to continue their studies at European universities in accordance with the respective admission requirements. Graduates are able to work in architectural and planning offices as well as in regulatory agencies, and are able to work on projects in teams. However, graduates are not entitled to receive the professional title of architect or become registered with state-regulated architectural associations.

Master’s degree (consecutive and accredited)

A bachelor’s degree in architecture is a prerequisite for admission to the master’s degree programme. In addition to this, the suitability of applicants is evaluated through the review of a portfolio and a personal interview. A 16-week internship in an architectural or planning office is also a requirement.

The four-semester programme with the profile "Structure and Form" is based directly on the undergraduate degree with a strong focus on individual projects. Upon completing the programme, graduates are provided with all the theoretical and practical knowledge required for professional registration. Graduates are able to take on management responsibility and work as self-employed architects after registering with the relevant state-regulated architectural associations.

The modular curriculum encompasses the entire spectrum of architecture, urban planning, cultural history, and social, creative, functional, constructive, technical, and economic aspects necessary for a comprehensive and integrative education. Among other things, concrete ideas and development proposals in the urban and rural surroundings of the Nuremberg region are produced. For individual projects, viable solutions are developed and presented.

International requirements: A total of 300 ECTS credits are earned in the two follow-on programmes, fulfilling the strict international requirements for professional practice. After completion of studies and a period of work experience, graduates can be registered as architects in Germany and the European Union as well as internationally according to the UNESCO / UIA Directive.

International students are more than welcome to study at Nuremberg Tech. As an enrolled student at a partner university or as a free mover, you are able to study one or two semesters at the Faculty of Architecture. There are probably a lot of questions arising, so you will find some of the most important answers below.

https://www.th-nuernberg.de/internationales/internationale-mobilitaet/austauschstudium-an-der-th-nuernberg/

https://www.th-nuernberg.de/internationales/internationale-mobilitaet/

https://www.th-nuernberg.de/internationales/studieren-und-leben-in-nuernberg/ 

Erasmus+

For nearly 30 years, the EU has funded the Erasmus programme, which has enabled over three million European students to spend part of their studies at another higher education institution or with an organization in Europe.

Erasmus+ brings such opportunities to all – students, staff, trainees, teachers, volunteers, and more. It's not just about Europe or Europeans either – with Erasmus+, people from all over the world can access opportunities.

Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, youth, and sports.

For further information, please visit:

http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/ 

Application period and required documents

In general, the same admission requirements apply for foreign applicants as for German applicants. They must apply online by the application deadline, meet any specific requirements of their intended degree programme, and submit the required documentation. 

More:  http://www.th-nuernberg.eu/home/study-at-nuremberg-tech/what-to-study/how-do-you-apply/page.html

1. Recognition of Qualifications for Admission to a Higher Education Institution

Foreign applicants (including those from EU countries) and German applicants who did not obtain their formal educational qualifications (certificates, diplomas, etc.) in the Federal Republic of Germany or from an official German School abroad must have their educational qualifications recognized by the University. You can find preliminary information about how your educational qualifications are evaluated in the anabin database (Informationssystem zur Anerkennung ausländischer Bildungsabschlüsse).

Please send the required documentation along with the Application for Evaluation of Qualification for University Admission (deutsch / english) to a Bachelor’s Degree Programme to:

Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm

Abteilung 4. ZB

Postfach 210320

90121 Nuremberg

Tel. +49-(0)911/5880-4386

Fax: +49-(0)911/5880-8386

What deadlines are there for submitting the application for Evaluation of Qualification for University Admission?

You must submit this application and your documents to the university by 30 June of the year in question in order to ensure that your application meets the deadlines and proceeds through the evaluation process for the degree programme to which you are applying.

2. Certification of German Language Proficiency

All applicants from non-German-speaking countries must provide certification of adequate German language skills.

You can read here which German language examinations are recognized.

As an officially certified DSH examination center, Nuremberg Tech offers various courses in which you can gain the skills needed to sit the DSH-Deutsch Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (German Language Examination for University Admission) exam. Official recognition of your foreign academic credentials is also required in order to participate in DSH Preparation Courses.

You must provide evidence of having passed the German language examination when you matriculate, at the latest.

Applicants from China, Mongolia, and Vietnam

Separate entrance requirements apply for applicants from China, Mongolia, and Vietnam wishing to study at Nuremberg Tech. You must present a certificate from the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) of the German Embassy in Beijing, Ulan Bator, or Hanoi, respectively. You can find detailed information about obtaining a certificate, the APS process, the application forms, and information sheets at www.aps.org.cn, www.hanoi.diplo.de, or www.ulan-bator.diplo.de.

Following a positive evaluation of your academic credentials, the respective German Embassy will issue a certificate that remains valid for one year. The original certificate must be submitted along with your other application materials to the university.

You need the following for a master’s degree programme:

> a completed post-secondary degree, usually with above-average marks or grades, or an equivalent degree

> certification of adequate German language skills (e.g. DSH 2, TestDaF 4), if required.

Current, valid requirements are available for your reference in each degree programme’s study regulations and exam regulations.

Apply online for the degree programme you have selected and submit translations of your credentials and supporting documents. The examination boards of the respective master’s degree programmes decide all admissions to their programmes.

Contact

The International Office at Nuremberg Tech is available to provide you with help and advice through the application process:

How to Find Us:

International Office

Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm

Wassertorstraße 8 (Building WF, 2nd floor)

D-90489 Nuremberg

Phone: +49-(0)911/5880-4136

Fax: +49-(0)911/5880-8804

Email: international.officeatth-nuernbergPunktde

The Faculty of Architecture offers all students in current semesters a workplace in our studio. There are 250 workplaces for the students in the bachelor's programme and 110 for those in the master's programme. Each workplace has a table, a chair, and a lockable roll container. Our university network and internet can be accessed either wirelessly or with wired connections. There are also ten consultation zones in which groups of up to 12 can meet. Large classes are held in two lecture halls each with 100 seats which are equipped with high-quality data projectors and loudspeaker systems.

For model building, students can use our workshop, which is equipped with tools such as scroll saws, sanders, and hot wire cutters as well as a small piece injection moulding machine. An additional workshop is equipped with a circular saw, a CO2 laser cutter, and a 3-axis milling machine for targeted machine operation. For model building, a variety of materials including wood, plastic, cardboard, paper, and sheet metal can be used. Currently, a large-format hot-wire cutter for polystyrene foams and a 3D printer are in their testing phases. A 3D visualization center is also on campus and is equipped with laser scanners, room scanners, and a professional large-format 3D printer.

In the computer room, there are up-to-date computer systems with various input and output devices. Versatile software for CAD, 3D modelling, image processing, graphic design, and architecture-related office organization are available to individual users as well as for training and seminars. Four large-format printers enable cost-effective printing at our faculty.

The material library houses a growing collection of material with accompanying information, as well as a large selection of subject-specific literature, including our own publications.

In the photo studio, models and samples can be photographed using high-end cameras, an advanced lighting set-up, and various neutral backgrounds.