This module, to be undertaken in the third semester, allows students to compose a Preliminary Study. The Preliminary Study serves as a basis for the Master's Thesis. It contains a research question, an in-depth theoretical investigation as well as a conceptual outline for the Historical and Theoretical Report as well as the Technical Report.

Lecture: researching, writing

Paper & Presentation (Preliminary Study); 75% mandatory presence, continuous assessment

The Master's Thesis builds upon the Preliminary Study. It includes a developed hypothesis which is verified (or falsified) within the context of a given or freely chosen design project.

design studio, exercises, experiment, research, writing, visualising, modelling, presenting, case study

Successfully passed module "Preliminary Study"

Grade drawn from: Thesis (80%), Presentation and Defense (20%);
75% mandatory presence

The module provides a practice-based understanding of communication as well as insights into research strategies in architecture. By way of exploring architectural firms or institutions the participants develop and learn their communication and research skills through observing, reflecting and developing communication and research practices of architectural firms.

exercises, research, writing, case study

Paper, Portfolio, exercises, minimum 70% mandatory presence, continuous assessment

This module provides an overview and a comparative analysis of specific building cultures. It defines parameters forming a building culture, provides a historical overview and identifies definitions of building cultures and their role in contributing to the formation of identities. Building cultures are not only assessed according to their architectural output, but also analysed and understood within their social, economic and environmental context. Different Architecture languages must be experienced as part of a general cultural discourse. The course will encourage students to actively investigate the specificities of different cultures, positions and tools as necessary components for a conscious architectural attitude. Beside lectures and excursions the students will be actively participate to the shaping of the module through short presentations and essays.

exercises, research, writing, case study

Paper, Portfolio, exercises, minimum 70% mandatory presence, continuous assessment

The Pro Bono Project gives the student an opportunity to draw a close connection to the practice. Through the preparation of a Pro Bono project, the students gain a deeper insight into the three main areas of professional activity: concept phase, execution phase and reflection phase. In this way the students can complement and/or test their theoretical studies with practice-relevant work.

Project work under supervision, project management,
Individual selection of methods

Grade drawn from:
Pro Bono Application
Conceptual Phase
Execution Phase
Reflection Phase
Project Documentation
Project Presentation/Critical Review

• Developing research questions and hypothesis
• Designing qualitative and quantitative research
• Writing and communicating research proposals

Seminar

• Students conduct structured literature reviews and identify research gaps.
• Students derive research questions and testable hypotheses, motivated on the basis of existing literature.
• Students select and apply appropriate methods to answer the hypotheses.
• Students will produce rigorous research proposals in the area of finance.
• Students will effectively communicate academic research proposals.

The thesis process starts immediately after the deadline of the Exposé.

• Identification of a research problem and development of a research questionThematically formulating a problem and developing a solution through application of - scientific methods Independence in handling a research problem determined in the course of an assessment.Discussion with the advisor about methodological and content issues in solving a research - topic.Completion of a comprehensive assignment where the students deal with a theoretical or - practice-oriented problem in their field of specialisation by drawing on scientific work methods. Completion of presentation documentation on a research problem within their specialised - field. Defense of the elaborated research topic and in-depth discussion with the examination board.

After completion of the module, the students have acquired a detailed knowledge and a critical understanding of their research topic. They have at their disposal specialised knowledge of methods and procedures for processing data and explaining it in a structured manner.
Furthermore, they exhibit originality and creativity in the application of their knowledge.

The students complete research and development projects, applying specialised research methods, survey and development techniques by drawing on their previously acquired skills.
Additionally, they present the significant findings of their project to academic and real economy specialists, thereby utilising various communication methods in order to illustrate complex data on a scientific level.

Upon positive evaluation of the thesis module the Master's degree is awarded to the candidate.

MASTER (please switch the language to German to see the description for Bachelor students):

• Architectural design with specific task related to the theme Upcycling in the context of the relevant parameters for the implementation of the task.
• The Integration of topics are dealt with in the design task by being directly accompanied by specialist lecturers from the subject field.
• Process-oriented approach in the analysis of the task and the development of innovative concepts.
• Examination of current questions from the field.
• Advanced knowledge of structural, technological and sociocultural challenges related to reuse and upcycling.
• Advanced knowledge of building regulations and economic parameters.

The essence of Upcycling consists of the recording, evaluation and qualitative development and upgrading of existing architecture and urban structures.
The history of building has always been the history of recycling and renewal. In times of structural changes material legacies can be found everywhere within areas of settlement. The use, rediscovery and qualitative development of the existing is no longer a question of ideology, but of resources, economy, spatial and constructive qualities of architecture and urban planning.

design studio, design seminar, exercises, experiment, research, writing, visualising, modelling, presenting, case study

if taught in German, a German language certificate level C1 needs to be provided

midterm and final reviews, participation, integration, portfolio
minimum 75% mandatory presence; continuous assessment;

• Cost of capital and capital budgeting Discounted cash flow valuation and financial multiples Payout policy Equity and debt financing Applications of option pricing theory Corporate control and recapitalizationsEnterprise Risk Management

Exercise

• After successful completion of this course, studentsare able to apply relevant concepts of corporate finance on an advanced levelknow how to integrate and implement theoretical knowledge in solving practical problemsare able to explain coherences in financial divisions of undertakings active in global competitionexpand the ability to participate in a critical dialogue within the framework of a team projectdescribe enterprise risk management (ERM) and compare and contrast differing definitions of ERM, distinguish between components of an ERMcompare the benefits and costs of ERM and describe the motivations for a firm to adopt an ERM initiativedescribe the role and responsibilities of a chief risk officer (CRO) and assess how the CRO should interact with other senior management

See lectures within the module.

• Cost of capital and capital budgeting
• Discounted cash flow valuation and financial multiples
• Payout policy
• Equity and debt financing
• Applications of option pricing theory
• Corporate control and recapitalizations
• Enterprise Risk Management

Exercise

• Are able to apply relevant concepts of corporate finance on an advanced level
• know how to integrate and implement theoretical knowledge in solving practical problems
• are able to explain coherences in financial divisions of undertakings active in global competition
• expand the ability to participate in a critical dialogue within the framework of a team project
• describe enterprise risk management (ERM) and compare and contrast differing definitions of ERM
• distinguish between components of an ERM
• compare the benefits and costs of ERM and describe the motivations for a firm to adopt an ERM initiative
• describe the role and responsibilities of a chief risk officer (CRO)
• assess how the CRO should interact with other senior management