Overview:

  • Duration & Credits: 4 semesters (2 years full-time; optionally 5–8 semesters part-time), totaling 120 ECTS.
  • Intakes: Autumn (September) and Spring (February). Application deadlines: 31 May (Autumn start) and 31 October (Spring start).
  • Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Architecture (HES-SO / BFH), fully accredited and recognized across Switzerland and Europe, granting direct access to the Swiss A Register of Architects.

Partner institutions &Location:

  • Delivered collaboratively across three sites:
    • HEIA-FR (Fribourg),
    • HEPIA (Geneva),
    • BFH (Biel/Bienne),
      allowing module selection across all campuses.

Short Description:

The JMA is a two-year, accredited program jointly offered by HEIA-FR (Fribourg), HEPIA (Geneva), and BFH (Bern). Fully recognized in Switzerland and Europe, it grants direct access to the Swiss A Register of Architects.

Teaching is multilingual, cross-disciplinary, and intercultural, designed to strengthen students’ autonomy, critical thinking, and ethical awareness. The program emphasizes the ability to define and solve complex architectural problems through well-reasoned design solutions.

With a flexible, network-based structure, students can choose from a wide range of modules across the three partner sites, tailoring their studies to their personal interests and professional goals. Common modules in the first three semesters bring all students together at rotating partner institutions, ensuring a rich and collaborative learning environment.

Entry Requirements:

  • Educational Background
    • Direct admission: Holders of a Swiss UAS Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
    • With placement: Holders of a Swiss university Bachelor’s degree, or a foreign/equivalent Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (EU/EAAE guidelines). These candidates must also complete a 12-month professional work placement in an architectural office.
  • Work Placement (for non-UAS applicants)
    • Must be done in Switzerland, an EAAE member country, or a country with comparable standards.
    • Can be split across multiple firms, but at least 6 consecutive months must be in the same office.
    • Proof is required: an internship/placement report must be submitted with the application.

Application Dossier Requirements:

  • Submit via the online portal of HES-SO or BFH
  • Include your degree certificate, transcripts, CV, language certificates, and, if applicable, a 12-month internship report
  • Applicants may also request recognition of previous studies, up to 50 ECTS credits, or up to 9 ECTS from verified professional experience

Career Opportunities:

  • The program is internationally recognized. Holders of a UAS Master’s can practice:
  • As independent architects
  • In architects’ practices at a managerial level
  • In institutions and administrations involved in the built environment
  • In companies
  • In service companies

Fees:

  • Application fee: CHF 150 for HES-SO or CHF 100 for BFH application Joint Master
  • Tuition fees per semester (Swiss vs non-Swiss):
  • HES-SO: CHF 950 (Swiss), CHF 1 300 (non-Swiss)
  • BFH: CHF 920 (Swiss), CHF 1 120 (non-Swiss

Scholarships & Funding:

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (FCS/ESKAS)

Application Deadlines:

  • Spring semester entry: apply by 31 October
    Admission decisions are rendered by the program steering committee within 60 days of the application deadline.
  • Autumn semester entry: apply by 31 May

How To Apply:

https://www.hes-so.ch/en/master/hes-so-master/formations/jma/inscription

Contacts & Resources:

ECAL
ecal(at)ecal.ch

HEAD – Genève
info.head(at)hesge.ch

Website Link:

https://www.hes-so.ch/en/master/hes-so-master/programmes/architecture

EducationScholarship