I. Core Positioning of the Discipline

Architecture aims for the "harmonious coexistence of people, buildings and the environment" as its core objective. Its research subjects range from the microscopic level of building materials to the macroscopic level of urban spaces: 

Not only do we need to address engineering issues such as the structural safety, functional layout, and technical feasibility of the building, but we also need to take into account the aesthetic expression, cultural connotation, and social value of the building;

We not only focus on the design of individual buildings (such as residences, museums, office buildings), but also involve the planning and renewal of building complexes and urban areas (such as the renovation of historical districts);

The final outcome is "touchable spatial art", which needs to not only meet the basic needs of human living, working, and social interaction, but also carry cultural inheritance and the spirit of the times.

II. Core Research Directions

As a first-level discipline, architecture encompasses multiple dimensions such as "design, technology, history, and planning", and the main research directions include: 

Architectural Design and Theory

The core focuses on the methods and logic of architectural creation, covering the functional organization, spatial form, form aesthetics design, and cutting-edge concepts such as parametric design and green building design for various types of buildings (residential, public buildings, cultural buildings, etc.). For instance, how to enhance the efficiency of hospital diagnosis through spatial layout, and how to implement complex architectural forms (such as the Bird's Nest Stadium) using parametric tools.

Architectural History and Theory

This field studies the history of architecture both domestically and internationally, as well as theories and techniques for the protection of architectural heritage, including the restoration of ancient buildings (such as the repair of the Taihe Hall in the Forbidden City), the revitalization of historical districts (such as the renovation of Xintiandi in Shanghai), and the digital protection of architectural cultural heritage. The aim is to inherit architectural traditions and provide historical references for contemporary design.

Architectural Technological Science

This area focuses on the technical realization of architecture, including building materials (new environmentally friendly materials, intelligent materials), building structures (large-span structures, seismic design), building physics (lighting, ventilation, sound insulation), and building equipment (HVAC, intelligent building systems), aiming to solve the problem of "how to build architecture safely, comfortably, and economically".

Urban Design and Urban and Rural Planning

Although often intersecting with the "urban planning" discipline, from an architectural perspective, it focuses more on "the connection between architecture and urban space", studying the form design of urban areas, the creation of public spaces (such as squares, streets), the coordination of architectural groups with the natural environment (such as the layout of waterfront buildings), etc.

Sustainable Architecture and Green Architecture

In response to the "dual carbon" goals, this field studies low-energy building design, building energy-saving technologies (such as building-integrated photovoltaics), the application of ecological materials, and the symbiosis of architecture and the natural environment (such as passive design that utilizes natural ventilation and lighting), which is an important trend in current disciplinary development.

1. Comprehensive Requirements: 

1.1 Non-Chinese citizens holding foreign passports. 

1.2 Applicants should be under 35 years old (the age limit can be slightly relaxed for those with certain work experience and academic research capabilities). A bachelor's degree has been obtained (students who have not yet graduated at the time of application must provide a pre-graduation certificate; the bachelor's degree certificate must be obtained no later than before enrollment). 

1.3 Physically and mentally healthy (free from infectious diseases and physical or mental disorders that affect normal study), with excellent academic performance and moral character, friendly towards China, and with no record of criminal activities. 

2. Nationality Requirements: 

2.2 If the applicant was born with foreign nationality and both of his parents were Chinese citizens at the time of birth, or if one of the parents is a Chinese citizen, then the parent(s) of the applicant (the Chinese citizen(s)) must have obtained foreign permanent residency rights before the applicant's birth. 

Note: If the applicant is subsequently determined by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality during the application, admission, or after enrollment, their application eligibility, admission eligibility, enrollment eligibility, or student status will be revoked. 

3. Language proficiency requirements: Comply with the "Language Proficiency Requirements for International Graduate Programs of Zhejiang University" (link)

1. Front page of the personal ordinary passport. The passport is valid until March 1, 2026 and beyond. If the validity period does not meet the requirements, please renew it in advance. 

2. Highest educational qualification certificate. For fresh graduates, submit the expected graduation certificate issued by their current school. Before enrollment, they must submit the original or notarized copy of the educational qualification certificate. 

3. Complete transcripts of all courses taken during the undergraduate period. Graduates should submit their transcripts up to the current stage. Before enrollment, they must submit the complete transcripts. 

4. Language proficiency certificate. Please provide the relevant document as per the "Language Proficiency Requirements for International Postgraduate Programs of Zhejiang University" (link). 

5. Personal Statement. Approximately 1500 words. Written in either Chinese or English. The content should include one's educational and work experiences, reasons for application, and research plan. 

6. Two recommendation letters. Written by a professor or an associate professor. The recommenders must sign the letters and provide their contact phone numbers and email addresses. 

7. "Intention Form for International Students by Zhejiang University Supervisors (2025 Edition)" (If available, click on the file name to download it). Please note that this document should be provided by the applicant to the supervisor voluntarily. It must be in the 2025 version and no older versions will be accepted. Some majors are mandatory, please refer to the admission major list for details. 

8. Published academic papers or academic achievements (if any). 

9. GRE, NTS-GAT and other examination results (if any). 

10. Those who were originally Chinese citizens but later acquired foreign nationality must provide (1) the certificate of renunciation of Chinese nationality; (2) the proof of cancellation of Chinese household registration; (3) the proof of obtaining foreign nationality. (4) The self-reporting form on nationality status and the confirmation and guarantee letter on nationality (click the file name to download). 

11. For applicants born abroad and acquiring foreign nationality, if both or one of the parents is a Chinese citizen, the following documents are required: (1) Proof of the applicant's acquisition of foreign nationality at birth; (2) Proof of the parents' (Chinese citizen side) permanent residence in the foreign country before the applicant's birth; (3) Self-report form on nationality status and Confirmation and Guarantee Letter of Nationality (click on the file name to download). 

12. "Application Commitment Letter for International Students (Master's Candidates) of Zhejiang University" (download). The PDF version of the commitment letter must be filled out clearly and completely by the applicant and signed by hand. Applications without the commitment letter will not be accepted.