University of Coimbra
university
University of Coimbra

University of Coimbra

Pioneering architectural education within Portugal's oldest university, fostering innovation, critical practice, and a holistic understanding of the built envir

R. Colégio Novo, 3000-143 Coimbra, Portugal

About University of Coimbra

Founded within Portugal's oldest university, the Department of Architecture (DARQ) at the University of Coimbra has been a leading public school of architecture since its establishment in 1988-1989. It was the first public institution of its kind outside Lisbon and Porto. Today, DARQ is recognized for its active and dynamic approach, integratively blending teaching and research. The curriculum emphasizes architectural and urban practice, history and theory of architecture and the city, construction sciences, and design. It encourages unexpected developments while respecting all scales and values, from classical to contemporary, local to global, and humanistic to scientific and technological. Housed in the Colégio das Artes building, DARQ is committed to producing highly sought-after professionals and top-tier researchers in architecture and related fields.
Program NameDetails
Integrated Master's in Architecture
Integrated Master (1st and 2nd cycle)

This program trains capable and responsible architects with technical, artistic, and civic perspectives. It emphasizes sustainable design for cities and rural areas, awarding a Mestre degree for professional practice across Europe.

5 Years (10 Semesters)
Portuguese
7,000 € annually
Deadline: February 14, 2026
PhD in Architecture
PhD (3rd Cycle)

This doctoral program focuses on advanced knowledge within architecture, useful for research, education, and professional activity. It deepens knowledge in areas like Cultural Studies and Architecture, Theory and History of Architecture and Urbanism, and Urban Culture and Design.

3 Years
Portuguese and English
2750.0 € annually
Deadline: Check the admission requirements available on the site
PhD in Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology
PhD (3rd Cycle)

This program explores the relationship between art and science in landscape architecture and urban ecology. It is designed for candidates with experience in landscape design, management, or research in related areas. Graduates can pursue roles as landscape architects, urban planners, environmental consultants, and educators.

3 Years
English
Not specified, contact Academic Services for financial aid information
Deadline: Check the admission requirements available on the site
Bachelor's Degree in Design and Multimedia
Bachelor's Degree (1st Cycle)

This program provides a solid foundation in Communication Design, Multimedia, and Information Technology. It develops a broad range of skills for further study in a Master's Degree, specializing in design and multidisciplinary dialogue.

3 Years
Portuguese
National Student: 697€ annually; International Student: 7000€ annually
Deadline: Deadlines defined by DGES
Master in Design and Multimedia
Master's Degree (2nd Cycle)

This program trains professionals specializing in the design and development of products and services for new media, combining design practices with computing practices. It provides advanced training in design for digital media, focusing on areas like interaction design, interface design, web design, and digital production.

Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Master of Arts in Urban Cultures
Master's Degree (2nd Cycle)

This program provides training in cultural and urban studies, highlighting the role of humanities in understanding urban complexity. It incorporates theory and practice, emphasizing the importance of arts and culture for sustainable urban planning and management.

2 Years
Not specified
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Master on Reuse of Modernist Buildings
Master's Degree (2nd Cycle)

This program develops skills related to the reuse of modern buildings, providing knowledge to solve related problems. It builds theoretical, practical and methodological knowledge on modern buildings and critical capacity to assess the cultural, historical, aesthetic and environmental values.

2 Years
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
7
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Accredited by A3ES (Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior). Integrated Master in Architecture: 2025-07-31 to 2031-07-30. PhD in Architecture: 2025-07-31 to 2031-07-31.
Admissions
13% (for the University of Coimbra as a whole)
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
Specific application deadlines vary by program and should be checked on the official DARQ website. Academic calendar dates for the Integrated Master's are: 1st Semester (start: 07-09-2026, end: 18-12-2026); 2nd Semester (start: 08-02-2027, end: 20-05-2027).
Requirements
PhD in Architecture: Bachelor or Master degree in a field of knowledge compatible with Architecture. Selection governed by 'Rules of Doctoral Programs in FCTUC'.
Integrated Master_s in Architecture: National Call for Access and Entry to Higher Education (DGES) with required entrance exams (one of: 03 Design 10 Descriptive Geometry; or 10 Descriptive Geometry 16 Mathematics; or 10 Descriptive Geometry 12 History of Culture and Arts). Application score: 100 points (0-200 scale); Entry exams: 95 points (0-200 scale). Calculation Formula: Secondary school average: 50%, Entry exams: 50%. Other access routes for international students and those over 23 years old.

University of Coimbra Academic FAQ

University of Coimbra is Pioneering architectural education within Portugal's oldest university, fostering innovation, critical practice, and a holistic understanding of the built envir

The acceptance rate for University of Coimbra is 13% (for the University of Coimbra as a whole), reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

University of Coimbra provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Integrated Master's in Architecture, PhD in Architecture, PhD in Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology, Bachelor's Degree in Design and Multimedia, Master in Design and Multimedia.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 (for the University of Coimbra as a whole), ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

University of Coimbra is situated in Coimbra, Portugal, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, University of Coimbra holds accreditations from: Accredited by A3ES (Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior). Integrated Master in Architecture: 2025-07-31 to 2031-07-30. PhD in Architecture: 2025-07-31 to 2031-07-31..