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The Barcelona Institute of Architecture is now accepting applications to the 2012-2013 edition of the MBIArch post-professional master’s degree program. If you are interested in applying please review the following information carefully, or contact our admissions office with any questions.

The MBIArch requires one year of full-time study and is offered entirely in English. The program is open to candidates holding a professional degree in architecture from an accredited college/university. Students will have an international mindset and come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, with past and current MBIArch students arriving from 28 different countries across 5 continents.

A post-professional Master’s degree will be awarded by the Barcelona Institute of Architecture together with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra upon satisfactory completion of the program.

Application Requirements


- Complete application form*
- Application fee*
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of purpose*
- Original or certified copies of academic transcripts and degrees
- Three letters of recommendation*
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers
- Valid passport copy (EU citizens may submit their National Identification Card)
- Portfolio

*Requirements that can be completed through the Online Application Form. All other materials must be sent by post to BIArch’s Admissions Office.

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Selection Process

Application Deadline: February 15, 2012
Late Application Deadline: May 9, 2012

BIArch is currently receiving applications to the 2012-2013 MBIArch post-professional degree program. Interested candidates are urged to apply within the first application deadline (February 15th) as those applications will be given priority in regards to the limited space available in the program. In addition, BIArch will consider only those applications received within the February 15th deadline for the limited number of scholarship awards provided by the Institute. All award decisions are made by the Admissions Committee and late applications will not be considered for a scholarship.

Candidates applying within the first application deadline will be notified of their admissions status in early March, while applications received after February 15th will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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MBIArch Application Form

All candidates are asked to complete the Online Application Form, which can be saved and returned to later. If you encounter any technical issues or prefer to complete a paper-based application please contact the admissions office: admissions@biarch.eu

Applications are not considered complete until the required supporting materials have been received.

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Academic and Language Requirements

The MBIArch is available to those candidates who hold a professional architectural Degree from an accredited college/university or its equivalent.

Original transcripts and certified copies of academic certificates and diplomas should be provided by the applicant and/or University. A full list of subjects and the results obtained should be included. Applicants who are currently completing a degree must include official documentation stating the name of the degree they will be awarded and the dates. University transcripts and degrees from non-English speaking Universities must be translated into English and officially certified.

Note: Official documentation in Spanish does not need to be translated.

English is the official language of the BIArch. All applicants whose first language is not English, are required to prove English proficiency and must submit their official scores from an internationally recognized English language test with the application package. The minimum scores/qualifications accepted by the BIArch are:

  • Europe's Common European Framework for language report at level C1 or above:
  • Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
    • iBT (internet-based): 78
    • cBT (computer-based): 210
    • pBT (paper-based): 547

 

Note: Test scores may be waived for non-native English speakers if you have successfully studied in English schools and/or lived or worked in an English speaking environment for an extended period.

The BIArch reserves the right to request a personal or phone interview to test the applicants English proficiency level. In the case that the required English level is not met, the Admissions Committee would defer acceptance to the Program until the following year with the condition that additional English studies be completed.

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Letters of Recommendation

Candidates are asked to submit three letters of recommendation on behalf of former or current professors, instructors or employers, who are able to attest to the applicant’s professional potential and academic abilities. Recommendations may be requested through BIArch’s online application form, which recommenders will complete and return directly to the admissions office via e-mail. Letters may also be included in the application package sent by post.

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Portfolio

MBIArch applicants are required to submit a hard-copy of their portfolio with representative examples of design and research work demonstrating the ability to pursue study at an advanced level. If including collaborative work, the applicant’s contribution must be clearly stated. The portfolio should be securely bound, no larger than size A4 (210x297mm) or similar. The cover must include the applicant’s name, address, date, year and the university or college from which he/she graduated. Each project should be labeled indicating when and where the work was produced, whether the project was academic, office-related or personal, together with a short description.
 
Electronic, CD submissions and oversized portfolios will not be accepted. Portfolios will be not be returned.

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Application Fees


Application fees for the 2012-2013 academic year are:

•    75 € for applications received by February 15th
•    100 € for applications received after February 15th

Application fees are paid upon completion of the online application form, and can be done through bank transfer or using a credit card.

Details for Bank Transfers

Catalunya Caixa
Provenca, 296-298
08008 – Barcelona, SPAIN

SWIFT: CESCESBBXXX
BANK: 2013
BRANCH: 0691
CONTROL: 31
ACCOUNT Nº: 0200825796
IBAN: ES3620130691310200825796

Note: Please ensure that your full name is included in the deposit reference.

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Tuition

The tuition fees for the 2011-2012* MBIArch program are 15,700 €.

The Program fees are to be paid in three installments:

  • Tuition deposit – a 15% non-refundable deposit of 2,355 € is required from all applicants who accept the BIArch’s offer for admission. The fee must be paid within 20 days after having received the acceptation letter to the MBIArch.
  • 2nd Payment: 50% before 2 September 2011: 7,850 €
  • 3rd Payment: 35% before 9 January 2012: 5,495 €

Note: Study-related expenses such as reproduction costs, printing and model making, book purchases, study trips and field work are not included in the tuition fees.

*Tuition fees for 2012-2013 are subject to change.

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International Students

The majority of BIArch’s students travel to Barcelona from abroad to participate in the program, and the admissions office aims to provide the assistance and guidance needed in making their transition to the city as smooth as possible.

Student Visas
Non-European citizens are urged to apply to the program as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the Student Visa application and processing. All international applicants are recommended to contact their local Spanish embassy or consulate for the student visa requirements and procedures for residing in Spain for the duration of the program.

Housing
BIArch does not provide student housing as most students will choose to live in private or shared apartments in the city. All enrolled students will be sent a housing guide which includes helpful information when searching for accommodation, and also serves as a general overview of life at BIArch and in Barcelona.

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Apply Now

Click “Apply” to launch the Online Application Form and begin completing your application for admission to BIArch’s post-professional master's degree program. The form can be saved and returned to later.

Application Fees
  • 75 € for applications received by February 15th
  • 100 € for applications received after February 15th
APPLY

More information:

Application packages should be sent by post to the BIArch Admissions Office located at:

Barcelona Institute of Architecture
Balmes 132-34, 3rd Floor
Barcelona, Spain 08008


For further information, please contact our admissions department at admissions@biarch.eu or via Skype  (biarch.admissions)