Free Online Architecture Courses

If you need a quick study of an aspect of the built environment, check out Alison’s free online certificate courses in architecture. These take a concise look at topics from landscape design to basic principles of architecture. We suggest Landscape Architecture and Site Planning - Introduction to Landscape Design for the basics of the professional scope of a project or Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture for an introduction to landscape design. Alison’s Introduction to Architectural Studies takes you through some of the ideas and movements that have shaped architecture today while Medieval History: Art and Architecturecovers architecture as part of its exploration of society and culture in the Middle Ages.

1. Basics of Quantity Surveying

Quantity surveyors (QS) and architects work very closely together. A QS will determine exactly how many bricks, bags of cement and sheets of glass an architect’s design will need and cost. A good QS has a basic understanding of architecture so they know how structures are put together and what materials are suitable for different parts.

2. Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Architecture

Sustainability is only getting more and more important. With man-made climate change accelerating we need better ways of heating, cooling and building structures. It is also important to look at renewable materials and reusing or repurposing older or existing office, warehouse or housing stock.

3. Basics of Architectural Construction Drawing and Reading

This course should be your first stop if you want to be an architect, draughtsperson or architectural technician. Being able to draw and interpret blueprints of buildings is a fundamental and non-negotiable part of the job.

No, not at all. Many think architects only design fancy mansions for rich people but a knowledge of the built environment is also important for other careers like:

Becoming a historian:

Egyptology: Architecture, Government and Society - What role did massive pyramids and colossal temples have in ancient Egypt?

Medieval History: Art and Architecture - How did churches, castles and other buildings change in Western Europe in the Middle Ages around the 1500s?

Evolution of Modern Architecture - Why are buildings from the 1910s, 1930s and even 1980s so different to ones we build today?

Becoming a conservator:

Diploma in Conservation Architecture and Historic Preservation - Help save old buildings before they are lost forever.

Conservation of Heritage Sites - A site where something important to your country happened is worth keeping, even if it is a humble house.

In addition to traditional architecture that uses bricks and mortar, and sustainable architecture, another important field is landscape architecture. Landscape architects shape the outside of buildings to not only have beautiful gardens but also to provide natural protection against heat, cold, noise and wind. They shape our surroundings for our safety and security, and work with private homes as well as malls, office parks, warehouses, parking lots and many other structures.

• Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture
• Landscape Architecture and Site Planning: Introduction to Landscape Design
• Landscape Architecture and Site Planning: Historical Landscape Styles

Remember, all Alison courses:

• Have no monthly subscription fees
• Have no registration fees
• Have no enrollment fees
• Have no limit on how many courses you can do
• Have no time limit on completing a course

Once you have passed a course, you have the option of purchasing a certificate for a nominal amount. This is super-useful to add to your CV or resume but not compulsory at all. The choice is yours!