The Studio First online summer course at Carleton University facilitates graduate architecture studies for those with no formal background in the subject.

Studio First is an intensive online five-week studio in architectural design for individuals from a wide range of academic backgrounds who are considering graduate studies in architecture, urban design or landscape architecture. No previous design experience is necessary.

The programme provides a post-baccalaureate bridge from an undergraduate degree in any field toward an accredited professional degree programme in architecture.

Studio First will help you create a competitive portfolio for application to a three-year Master of Architecture programme or any environmental design field.

Participants receive a box of art supplies, work on three separate studio projects, attend lectures on architectural theory and practice, learn how to use key digital media tools, participate in workshops on portfolio preparation and graduate school applications, enjoy individual attention and guidance and receive a certificate of completion.

You will work on your graduate school portfolio under the supervision of our studio instructors, experience studio culture and network with like-minded participants. The programme will help you determine if architecture is the right path to follow.

Students from all countries are welcome.

Studio First alumni have been accepted to top schools across North America, Australia and the UK, including the Bartlett, MIT, SCI-Arc, Pratt Institute, University of Edinburgh, University of Melbourne, Carleton University, Rice University, University of Toronto and more.

School: Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, Carleton University
Course: Studio First
Location: online
Course dates: 12 May to 16 June and 23 June to 28 July 2026
Application deadline: 22 June 2026

Find out more about the course and apply >

What will I learn during this course?

– Create a competitive portfolio for application to a three-year Master of Architecture programme or any environmental design field
– Students will work on graduate school portfolios under the supervision of our studio instructors, experience studio culture and network with like-minded participants
– The programme will help determine if architecture is the right path to follow

What are the requirements?

– A four-year undergraduate degree in any field, or currently enrolled
– Apply with a short essay, resume and one image

What facilities and resources are available?

– Participants receive a box of art supplies
– Work on three separate studio projects
– Attend lectures on architectural theory and practice
– Learn how to use key digital media tools
_ Participate in workshops on portfolio preparation and graduate school applications
– Enjoy individual attention, guidance and receive a certificate of completion

Top image: Tapestry of a Celestial Journey by Layla Almansour

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