Course content

The course offers the student the opportunity to independently choose a topic within the knowledge field of architecture in collaboration with a supervisor from one of the architectural departments.

The topic should be linked to the chosen theme in the associated self-programmed design course. The supervisor must be associate professor or professor and preferably the same for both the combined courses.

The student must make an agreement with the supervisor well in advance and formulate a description of the assignment / learning activities in the Self-programmed Knowledge Course as well as in the associated Self-programmed Design Course.

The description must also contain an overview of course materiel, a timetable, the planned frequency of individual guidance and a preliminary overview of the works that will be submitted for examination. The supervisor must sign the description and approve that it is in accordance with the Learning Outcomes of the course.

The student must send the approved and signed description to the faculty no later than two weeks before the application deadline for course registration.

The supervisor arranges an exam in the same semester.

The course must be taken in combination with AAR4600 Self-programmed Design Course in the same semester.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate:

• has advanced knowledge within the knowledge field of architecture which is related to the theme of the design project in the Self-programmed Design Course.
• has advanced and relevant aesthetic and practical understanding.
• has advanced experiential knowledge of the relationship between architectural representations at different levels of abstraction, and built architecture, towns and cities that are in use over time.

Skills: The candidate:

• is in command of a range of architectural methods, tools and forms of expression.
• is able to critically assess and recognize quality in architecture and / or cities and towns and is able to make use of such assessments in their own architectural work.
• is able to navigate within research and development in the field of architecture and can apply this knowledge in their own architectural work.

General competence: The candidate:

• takes independent responsibility for their own learning and professional development and is able to apply their knowledge in new fields.
• is able to reflect critically and ethically on their own architectural work and create new frameworks for understanding
• is able to communicate architectural work at a professional level and in an academic context.
• relates their professional competence and commitment to important societal issues and sustainability.

Learning methods and activities

To be decided by student and supervisor in advance. See the paragraph Academic content.

The student is encouraged to include an excursion to study architecture or urbanism in situ as part of the course. The excursion is organized and financed by the student herself.

The course places great demands on the student's ability to plan their own learning activities and to do independent architectural work under supervision.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

This course is not available to exchange students.

Completed three years basic courses in architecture, bachelor's degree in architecture, or equivalent.

Students in MAAR program: The student must have met the progression requirements outlined in the study plan description for the integrated five-year Master’s program in Architecture and has successfully completed all compulsory design studio courses during the first three years of architectural studies at NTNU or an equivalent accredited institution.

Course materials

To be decided by student and supervisor in advance. See the paragraph Academic content.