FAQs

WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES AFTER ARCHITECTURE STUDIES? 

In addition to the architectural profession, architectural studies offer varied opportunities.

With the RIBA Part 1 diploma, equivalent to a degree in architecture in 3 years, students can continue their studies in art, architecture or design. They can also start working by integrating architecture studios, landscaping, design, interior architecture, scenography …

The RIBA Part II diploma, in two years, allows students to become Architects, Town Planners, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, and Decorators, as well as teachers, researchers, mediators, journalists, etc. ..

The RIBA Part II Diploma also allows students to apply for a Post Master or Ph.D. in Architecture.

Finally, architectural studies can also lead to other professions related to the world of art, design and of course architecture such as Virgile Abloh, architect became artistic director of Louis Vuitton and many others

2. DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SCIENTIST TO BE AN ARCHITECT? 

Stereotypes would like only scientific graduates to enter architecture school. However, all sectors are accepted: literary, economic, scientific as well as the holders of technological baccalaureat STI2D and STD2A.

Admission criteria are motivation, openness, curiosity, general culture etc …

3. WHAT IS THE BEST ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL IN FRANCE? 

Each ranking you can find on the internet does not take into account the same criteria: location, teachers, hours, equipment, reputation, options offered, double degrees, etc …

This is the reason why it is difficult to establish a real ranking of the best Architecture schools in France.
At CONFLUENCE, we believe that a good School of Architecture is a school that allows students to become autonomous architects and committed far from imposed standards. Being an architect means not only mastering a set of knowledge and possessing the necessary skills to create and run a project, but it also means being able to analyze, conceptualize, take a stand and understand complex situations and projects.

4. WHAT ARE THE SELECTION TO JOIN CONFLUENCE? 

The selection to return to Confluence Institute is based on the online application (letter of motivation, CV …), portfolio and video in which the candidate introduces himself and explains his motivations… To find out more, visit the eligibility page of our site, you will have all the information.

Unlike traditional French schools, Confluence does not conduct individual interviews in order to allow foreign students to apply on the same basis as French students. More than just a school record, we are looking for motivated, critical, autonomous, creative, open-minded, curious and enterprising students.

In case of doubt from the school, a direct interview may be requested.

5. IS TEACHING AT CONFLUENCE IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH? 

Confluence Institute has been founded since 2014, with the desire to create the first International School of Architecture in France. CONFLUENCE invites teachers and speakers from around the world every year and over 60% of Confluence students come from abroad. That’s why the teaching is mainly in English at CONFLUENCE.

For French students, it is not necessary to be bilingual to integrate CONFLUENCE. You need to have a foundation, usually, the one taught at High School, and be comfortable with the idea of practicing another language fluently. Confluence offers oral expression classes several times during the school year to help students present themselves and present their project in English. For foreigners, even if the teaching is in English at CONFLUENCE, it is strongly advised to have some French base to live daily in Paris and to benefit from its experience in France

6. DOES CONFLUENCE OFFER EXCHANGES ABROAD?

Confluence does not yet offer an exchange abroad. However, the school attaches particular importance to the mobility of students during their schooling and offers each year a workshop of 7 to 15 days abroad. Thus some students from Confluence went to India to work on the French architectural heritage in Bengal, or Tokyo, Madrid, Berlin, etc … every time with a different subject

7. WHICH DIPLOMA IS TO DELIVERED TO CONFLUENCE? 

The teaching at Confluence is based on the European LMD system, license Master Doctorate and takes place over 5 years.

Confluence issues two degrees

. Confluence degree A / RIBA Part 1, equivalent of a degree in architecture awarded after cycle 1 and 3 years of study

. Confluence degree B / RIBA Part II, awarded after Cycle 2 and 2 years of study

What is RIBA?

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is an international organization based in the United Kingdom, composed of professionals whose goal is to promote architecture and its teaching around the world. In March 2017, the RIBA validated the diplomas issued by CONFLUENCE, Confluence degree A and B. With this validation, RIBA identifies CONFLUENCE courses and exams as corresponding to the standards necessary to prepare students for the professional practice of architecture.

8. WHAT IS “HMNOP”? 

To be an architect and to exercise the project management in FRANCE, you have to pass the exam of  HMONP « Habilitation à la Maitrise d’Oeuvre en son Nom Propre »

Only HMNOP architects, in FRANCE, can register with the French Ordre des Architectes, sign plans, file building permits, etc. This diploma corresponds to an additional year of study alternating theoretical training and professional experience.

9. DOES CONFLUENCE DELIVER HMNOP?

Not yet! Confluence is a young school. Currently, students holding the RIBA Part II diploma, issued by Confluence Institute apply for the HMNOP in French public schools of architecture. There are 20 in total and in all major French cities (Strasbourg, Lille, Nantes, Marseille, Montpellier, Paris etc…)

10. DOES CONFLUENCE PROPOSE ALTERNATE TRAINING?

Confluence does not offer an alternate training. The school, however, attaches great importance to professional experiences. During his course, the student will have to complete 4 internships. In Cycle 1, the student will have to complete: 1 month in a building firm, 2 months in an architecture studio and 1 month in a company or institution dedicated to a theme that the student will want to develop for his diploma. In Cycle 2, students will have to complete a 4-month internship in an architecture studio 

11. CAN WE ENTER BY EQUIVALENCE AT CONFLUENCE? 

In Cycle 1, all architecture students are accepted as equivalent to Confluence. In Cycle 2 students will be admitted in 4 years to begin their research which will lead them to the diploma.

For bridging admissions there are two possible entries in Cycle 1: after a preparatory year you can integrate the school in the first year, After a BTS design space -or equivalent- you can integrate the school in year 2 or 3 according to your portfolio.

However, all equivalency admissions are considered on a case-by-case basis according to the file submitted by the candidate.