Bircham International University

What you'll study

The degree comprises 130 BIU credits made up of 40 credits in General Education (which may be transferred), plus 60 credits in Sustainable Architecture coursework and additional subjects as required. Each listed subject normally accounts for 3 academic credits. BIU defines 1 earned credit as equivalent to 1 USA semester credit (15 hours of learning) and 2 ECTS credits (30 hours of study).

• Core and option subjects include: Land Use Planning; Landscape Planning; Planting & Recreational Design; Architectural Environmental Integration; Construction Materials & Assemblies; Alternative Energies; Architectural Structures; Building Active Control Systems; Building Acoustics & Illumination; HVAC System Design; Building Design; Urban Geospatial Analysis; Landscape Construction; Sustainability; Architecture Design; Building Technology; Landscape Design; Landscape Art & Perception; Landscape Architecture; Sustainable Architecture.
• Additional selectable subjects (from the Faculty of Engineering & Technology) may include: Concrete Design & Construction; Construction Cost Analysis; Construction Industry; Construction Law & Safety; Ground Mechanics; Ground Retaining Structures; Housing & Community Facilities; Human Habitat; Real Estate; Real Estate Law; Steel Design & Construction; Surveying; Urban History & The City; Urban Planning; Urban Policy; Valuation of Real Estate; Wood Design & Construction.
• Coursework is assessed through reports, projects and thesis work; BIU reports specify required written reports of 20–35 pages for course completion and apply EQF-level learning outcomes (specialized knowledge and applicable problem resolution at EQF levels 4–5).

Entry requirements

Admission is open to adults over 23 years of age. A minimum of 30% of the total credits required by the programme must be transferred from previous education and/or validated professional experience to gain admission. Up to 20% of total credits can be transferred from professional and life experience. General education minimum requirements are 40 credits; a minimum transfer of 40 credits from prior education may be used to satisfy general education.

Career prospects

The curriculum focuses on technically, energetically and ecologically efficient building methods, case-study analysis of sustainable buildings worldwide, and practical design and systems topics (for example HVAC design, alternative energies, building technology). Graduates should expect knowledge applicable to roles in sustainable building design, landscape and urban analysis, building systems specification, and related technical positions in engineering and construction sectors. Specific job titles and outcomes are not listed on the programme page.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

BIU publishes per-credit fee levels and allows payment plans up to 36 monthly installments upon request. Fees quoted include programme materials, textbooks, study guide, evaluation, diploma and transcript. Cost per BIU earned undergraduate credit is 70 Euros (90 US$); cost per transferred credit from previous education or professional experience is 20 Euros (25 US$). The programme fee range is shown as a minimum of 3,510 Euros (4,420 US$) up to a maximum of 6,800 Euros (8,700 US$). For specific scholarships or external funding options, applicants should contact the university or consult external scholarship sources, since no dedicated scholarship programme details are provided on the course page.