Overview
Architectural Science is a bridge between design theory and building technology. The purpose of this degree program is to develop graduates with highly relevant knowledge and skills in a way that emphasizes holistic and critical thinking at the intersection between living systems, culture and technology, so that our students emerge as industry-ready participants in the real world of sustainable thinking and building.
The Bachelor in Architectural Science is a full-time two-year program laddered onto a two-year architectural technology diploma (BCIT ABT or equivalent) delivering a broadly based, technically current curriculum on the theoretical and applied aspects of architectural science. The program methodology is to teach a ladder of critical thought, following a deliberate and evolving framework through progression, analysis and repetition to ingrain sustainable thinking, reinforced in every core course delivered.
Students will work on studio projects of increasing scale and complexity culminating in the Graduating Project: a comprehensive building design merging architectural design and building performance, supported by expert industry consultants. Cultural history, material explorations, project management, building science and communication skills will be taught within the program and incorporated into holistic design solutions, integrating social responsibility with technical expertise. Students will take general education courses in Liberal Studies and Business and choose between several professional electives to complete their Bachelor Degree.
The program integrates experiential learning activities, community outreach initiatives and international opportunities, including the option to study abroad for a term. These options may have a limited number of openings subject to an application process.
The Program
Students must complete a Diploma in architectural technology (ABT or equivalent) before the Bachelor of Architectural Science. The degree will enable students to:
- Develop the technical, design, analysis and management competencies necessary for advanced placement and career development as architectural technologists.
- Apply emerging building design and technology theory and best practices to address complex problems in the workplace.
- Pursue and promote a broad vision of sustainability, not as a technical or peripheral solution, but as a vital and integral consideration at the core of every design decision.
- Actively engage in the processes of high-performance building design and construction offices.
- Pursue further education toward professional designation.
The program is delivered in a standard fall and winter term full-time format, commencing in September and ending in May. The schedule is fixed and students are block registered.
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program has multiple application deadlines and may fill after each deadline date.
Applications are accepted:
- October 1st* to February 1st*
- February 2nd* to May 31st*
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
Entrance requirements
Competitive entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Requirements completed within the last five years
- A BCIT Diploma in Architectural and Building Technology
- Academic grades above 70% average
- Related experience
- Additional post-secondary academic courses
Applicants currently in the final term of the diploma program must be on track to graduate by July prior to the start of the intake and may be conditionally accepted based on successful completion of their diploma.
Step 1: Meet the entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Post-secondary: one of the following:
- A BCIT Diploma in Architectural and Building Technology or
- An equivalent diploma from a recognized institution with a minimum of 60.0 credits in architectural technology or related coursework
BCIT will assess architectural technology, building technology or other engineering technology diplomas from other institutions for equivalency on an individual basis.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
- Complete the following form(s) for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]
This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for this program. - Course by Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF]
Complete this form only if you completed your diploma at an institution other than BCIT.
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]
- Submit your portfolio:
Submit a portfolio that includes examples of varied work. Pieces are to be student projects from former education or industry-related work and should demonstrate a cross section of skills. Examples of design-related work such as photography, fashion, art work, sculpture, graphics, painting, etc. that demonstrate highly-developed design skills can be included in the portfolio.Presentation of work:
- The portfolio is to be a maximum of 20 pages.
- The portfolio may not be larger than 8.5” x 11”. Reduce your work to fit this format.
- Present your portfolio in a clear, neat, professional manner. Label each page and include a note for each piece to explain why you have included it.
- Student projects or industry-related work must include details of the work you completed. When necessary, credit must be given to team members in a project.
Submitting your portfolio:
Please submit your portfolio digitally with your online application.
- Submissions must be a single PDF file.
- Do not use any links in your PDF portfolio.
- Compress your PDF file to appropriate file size (maximum 2MB). If your file is too large, you can use ArtStation.com to host your portfolio.
- Name your PDF using this format: ARSC_INTAKEYEAR_A0NUMBER_PORTFOLIO.pdf.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
All applications will be reviewed by the program area at the application deadline. Department assessment is based on academic standing and portfolio evaluation. Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
Portfolios will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Quality of prior student or industry project work included in the portfolio.
- Quality, clarity, and completeness of the material included.
- Design of the portfolio- size, paper/image quality/typography, composition.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through re-admission. Please note that applications are considered based on:- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
If you have been withdrawn from the program due to failures or have left of your own accord, you must apply for re-admission when ready to re-enter full-time study (minimum 60% course load) after completing all outstanding courses. BCIT recommends that you apply as early as possible. If you have been withdrawn from the program due to failure, you must wait one full year before re-applying to the program, and may be required to sign an academic performance contract if re-admitted.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 5: $950; Level 6: $1,050; Level 7: $750; Level 8:$ 750 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)
All students are required to purchase a laptop computer suitable to run software used in their courses, with these specifications:. Students will receive information regarding required equipment and supplies prior to September.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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- Next up Courses
Courses
Class hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Program matrix
Level 5 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
ARSC 7002 | Architectural Foundation Studio | 7.5 | |
ARSC 7010 | History of Materials and Building Systems | 3.0 | |
ARSC 7140 | Graphic/Digital Communications | 3.0 | |
ARSC 7200 | Sustainable Design | 3.0 | |
ARSC 7250 | Environmental Separators | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7001 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3.0 | |
Level 6 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
ARSC 7100 | Architectural Technology Studio 4 | 7.5 | |
ARSC 7102 | Tectonics Architecture and Design/Build | 3.0 | |
ARSC 7150 | Technical Language of Architecture | 3.0 | |
ARSC 7300 | Building Envelope Performance | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7002 | Applied Ethics | 3.0 | |
Level 7 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
ARSC 7350 | Building Envelope Lab | 3.0 | |
ARSC 8000 | Systems Integration Studio | 7.5 | |
ARSC 8070 | Project Delivery | 2.0 | |
ARSC 8280 | Graduating Project - Project Proposal | 3.0 | |
BUSA 7250 | Management Skills and Applications | 3.0 | |
Liberal Studies Electives: All students will be required to achieve an additional 6.0 credits of Liberal Studies electives in accordance with the BCIT policy on Liberal Studies course requirements. As part of the program, 3.0 of these credits will be offered in Level 7. Program head approval is required. |
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Level 8 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
ARSC 8350 | Building Science Design Project | 4.0 | |
ARSC 8800 | Graduating Project | 9.0 | |
Liberal Studies Electives: All students will be required to achieve an additional 6.0 credits of Liberal Studies electives in accordance with the BCIT policy on Liberal Studies course requirements. As part of the program, 3.0 of these credits will be offered in Level 8. Program head approval is required. |
|||
Professional Electives (6.0 credits): | Credits | ||
All students are required to complete 6.0 credits of Professional Electives. |
|||
ARSC 7040 | Directed Studies in Architectural Science | 3.0 | |
ARSC 7050 | Wood Design | 3.0 | |
Please note: ARSC 7040 is available by approval of the program head. Contact the program head for additional elective options and for approval. |
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Total Credits: | 85.5 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Program length
The Bachelor of Architectural Science is a four-year program. Students complete two years in a diploma program prior to entry and two years in the degree program.
Grading
A student who fails or withdraws from one to three courses in a specific term may be required to move from "set" registration to course-by-course registration. In these cases, the student will be notified by mail at the end of term in which the failures or withdrawals occurred. Students will be required to meet with their program head during the first week of the following term to create an approved registration plan.
Students on "set" registration will be given first priority for course placement; students who are registering on a course-by-course basis and who are registering for at least 60% of a standard term course load will be given second priority; and students registering course-by-course with less than 60% of a standard term course load will be given third priority for course placement.
A student who fails or withdraws from four or more courses in any one term will be required to withdraw from the program. Prior to applying for re-admission the student must complete the failed course(s) successfully through BCIT Part-time Studies or an alternate route approved in writing by the program head. Completion of the missing course(s) does not guarantee re-admission into the program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
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Graduating & Jobs
Job Opportunities
The Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Science will prepare graduates with the skill set needed for advanced placement within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
- Fernanda Hannah-Suarez, BEDS, MArch, MRAIC, Program Head
- Jody Patterson, BAS, MArch, MRAIC,
- Michel Labrie, BArch, MASA, Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP, ENV SP
- James Taggart, Dipl Arch, MA, FRAIC
- Jens Voshage, Dipl.-Ing. Arch., Architect AKBW (GER), LEED AP BD+C
- Matthew Woodruff, BES, BArch, Architect AIBC
- Tatsiana Filipenka, BED, Program Assistant
Advisory committee
- Alex Chang, Morrison Hershfield
- Gordon Richards, Jensen Hughes Consulting Canada Ltd. (Acting Chair)
- Kate Busby, FaulknerBrowns Architects
- Pera Hardy, Principle Architecture
- Sean Francis Rodrigues, Archdiocese of Vancouver
- Stuart Hood, Integral Group
- Kirsti Mathiasen, Thinkspace Architecture Planning Interior Design Ltd
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Contact Us
Program Assistant
Email: archsci@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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