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Caribbean School of Architecture

The Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology, Jamaica is a unique school established in 1988 to provide for the education of architects for the English–speaking territories of the Caribbean.

The Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology, Jamaica is a unique school established in 1988 to provide for the education of architects for the English –speaking territories of the Caribbean. The courses of study, a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and the Master of Architecture degrees, (equivalent to RIBA Part 1 and Part 2) are validated internationally by the Commonwealth Association of Architects and accredited by The University Council of Jamaica.

The network of Small Island Developing States includes the archipelago of Caribbean territories. Here, aspects of size and proximity designate the Sea and issues of climate, landscape, low and high resource, vulnerable settlement as well as varied histories and cultures as Geo-Sites for interrogating Architecture.

Independent Caribbean territories share common imperatives of sustaining ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources, reduction of energy consumption-CO2 production and the design of resilient strategies to improve the lives and livelihoods of island communities.

The Design Studios at CSA are led by lecturing teams who research and explore the connections between environmental, social and economic exigencies of such Sites with projects forged through partnerships in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean.

Through Action Research our students develop ways of seeing and understanding the world with hands-on experience, constructing and valuing decisions from the tropical experience. Theoretical, environmental, technological, digital and practice management competencies of the curriculum are integrated through formal lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory tutorials, site visits and field trips.

Regional and Extra-Regional Urban Study travels provide cultural immersion studies of cities and towns, drawing corollaries with histories of diversity. The Study Tour programme, a core component of the Design Studio, connects academia and practice in a live setting through fieldwork, charrettes and architecture interventions in the place of study. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote urban studies have enhanced the way the quality of place can be perceived, conceived and lived.

CSA is a hub for research on towns and cities of the Caribbean as we continue to increase our database with Architecture of the region. The Association of Commonwealth Societies of Architects member states, Architects and Schools of Architecture in Latin America and Francophone territories mediate travel and exchanges.

The CSA receives support from our Alumni Association, former and current students who are building a global community of CSA architects. Our students receive continued scholarship support from PANJAM Investment Ltd., Gore Brothers Ltd., Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce: Gordon Gill Architectural Scholarship, Colin Laird Travel Grant and the Ministry of Education, The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Internships are supported by The Urban Development Corporation of Jamaica, The Jamaican Institute of Architects and members of the Association of Commonwealth Societies of Architects in the Caribbean.

Courses of Study

The Caribbean School of Architecture embraces the following values, which are also the core values of the University of Technology, Jamaica

  • ACCOUNTABILITY
  • EXCELLENCE
  • INNOVATION
  • INTEGRITY
  • RESPECT
  • SERVICE
  • TEAM SPIRIT
UTech CSA Study Tour AS4 AY2017-18 Paramaribo Suriname
Undergraduate Programme

Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (BAAS)

The accredited Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (BAAS) programme contains 143 credits over a minimum period of four academic years. There are five specific subject areas and some electives that prepare students for a world of design, technology, and research,

  • Design Studio
  • History and Theory
  • Technology
  • Design Computing
  • General

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Graduate Programme
Master of Architecture (MArch)

The Master of Architecture degree programme prepares graduates to enter the profession of architecture regionally and internationally, and to become registered architects. CSA alumni practice globally as architects, interior architects, landscape architects, urban designers, project managers, city engineers, project assessors, contractors, architectural educators, researchers, amongst others.

The graduate programme takes a minimum of two academic years and requires the completion of at least 67 credits. There are four pillars underpinning the Master of Architecture programme,

  • Design Studio
  • Theory and Dissertation
  • Practice and Management
  • Technology

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The Caribbean School of Architecture undergraduate degree programme, Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (BAAS) requires a minimum of five (5) subjects for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) / General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary-Level / Certificate from other equivalent entities.

Mathematics and English Language are compulsory.

APPLICATION PRIORITY DATES:
There two intake opportunities, either January or August. “Early Bird Application” is encouraged before December 2nd. Regular Application closes January 31st

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES:
SUBMIT EITHER AN “ON-LINE” APPLICATION, OR A “PAPER” APPLICATION, OR VISIT THE UNIVERSITY

“On-line” Application (click here)
(Allow approximately 20 minutes for this application process). 
Follow these instructions:

  1. Read the “Summary of Undergraduate Courses of Study” to identify a first and a second choice of course of study.
  2. Make a note of the course of study codes.
  3. Have a personal e-mail address ready.
  4. Go to the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) website.
  5. Click “Online Services” on the UTech homepage.
  6. Click “Apply to UTech”.
  7. Click “Start a new application”.
  8. Complete and submit the application.
  9. Print and save the confirmation date.
  10. Send before the application closing dates proof of qualifications as certified documents (see other admission information), and the Portfolio allowing ten (10) working days after submitting on-line application, to:
    The Office of Admissions and Enrolment Management
    University of Technology
    236 Old Hope Road
    Kingston 6
    Jamaica W. I.


“Paper” Application (click here for application form)
Print paper application form and complete it then send the completed form with proof of qualifications as certified documents, and the Portfolio to:

The Office of Admissions and Enrolment Management
University of Technology
236 Old Hope Road
Kingston 6
Jamaica W. I.

Or 

Visit the Campus of the University of Technology, Jamaica and pay a non-refundable application fee (JA$1,000.00 for Jamaican residents and US$40.00 for Non-Jamaicans) at the Accounts Department then go to the Office of Admissions and Enrolment Management, collect, complete, and submit the application form with proof of payment receipt, and certified documents showing proof of qualifications.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT:

The Portfolio must demonstrate original ideas and works of your best artistic and creative expressions. High-quality digital scans or photographic images of original works to demonstrate ability may be sent. Portfolio should include approximately ten (10) pieces showing a variety of expressions. Minimise examples of technical drawings. Work should be presented without requiring the aid of any electronic instrument or equipment.

For easy examination, portfolios should preferably be bound pages secured in a case, 8.5 x 11 or 11x 17 inches (21.6 x 27.9 or 28 x 44 centimetres) format, clearly identified with name, address, and a brief description of content. Portfolios may include a combination of the following:

  1. Free-hand drawings as exploratory studies and, or finished work showing a variety of subjects such as buildings, landscapes, found objects, designed objects, imagined objects, people etc.,
  2. Visual arts exploratory studies and, or finished work from school courses such as painting, printmaking, design, etc.,
  3. Three-dimensional work (maximum three pieces) such as sculpture, furniture, ceramics, models, etc.,
  4. Creative writing (maximum three pieces) of poetry, prose, newspaper articles, etc.,
  5. Photography as an expressive medium (maximum four pieces) showing a particular ability to use the camera in the creative possibilities etc.,
  6. Technical drawing (maximum two pieces) to show a high quality of architectural, mechanical and electrical drawings, etc.,
  7. Computer-aided drawings are ineligible. Do not include these.

In order to retrieve your portfolio after examination, include a pre-paid self-addressed envelope for the return of portfolios

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT

An aptitude for architecture is evidenced by the formation and articulation of design concepts, design thinking and the communication of ideas.  The Caribbean School of Architecture requires Master of Architecture applicants to submit a Portfolio of original work that demonstrates these essential skills.

The Portfolishould contain approximately ten (10) pieces, formatted to 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17 inches (22 x 28 or 28 x 44 centimetres) with pages preferably bound.

  • The candidate’s name, address, and a brief description of the content is required.
  • International applicants may submit an electronic portfolio.

The Portfolio may include a combination of the following content:

  1. Undergraduate two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D)work samples,
  2. Architectural designs, sculpture or projects undertaken personally, and/or in association with others,
  3. Competition and exhibition participation,
  4. Creative writing of poetry, prose or newspaper articles,
  5. Photography,
  6. Community and service related activities etc.,
  7. The Portfolio will be accompanied by a two-page essay on a topic that is set by the CSA.

In order to retrieve a portfolio after examination, if it was submitted as a hard-copy document, include a pre-paid self-addressed envelope for the return of portfolios.

CSA Student Work Submission Portal
CSA Study Tours

Facilities & Resources

Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to support hands-on learning, innovative research, and real-world applications. Below is a selection of the key resources available within the Caribbean School of Architecture to enhance your academic and professional journey.

Design Studios:
Our Design studios are equipped with special drafting tables and model making desks to accommodate large groups of students. These studios feature large openings on its largest sides to accommodate natural light and ventilation.

Art Room:
Our Art room is dedicated to teaching students lessons focused on visual execution and design. These spaces are equipped with sinks to facilitate a wide variety of activities including Model Making.

Crit Rooms:
Our Crit Rooms are designed to allow indirect natural daylight from the North to facilitate well-lit display panels. The rooms are open spaces with seatings to accommodate guests, while students present their projects to a visiting jury.

Computer Labs:
Our computer labs are all equipped with specialized CAD programs including, REVIT and AutoCAD.

CSA Archive:
Our Archive preserves drawings dating back the school’s first cohort in 1988. The room is kept at a steady and cool temperature to maintain the best conditions for storing models and hand drawn documents.

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