Architecture
Study programme title in Est.
Arhitektuur
Study programme title in Engl.
Architecture
TalTech study programme code
EAUI12
MER study programme code
118877
Study programme version code
EAUI12/25
Faculty / college
E - School of Engineering
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Üllar Ambos
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Engineering study
ECTS credits
300
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
10 semesters
Study programme group
Architecture and Building
Broad area of study
Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
Study field
Architecture and building
Curriculum group
Architecture and town planning
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
kuni 31. detsembrini 2019. a
No. of the decision granting the right to teach in the study programme group
90
Access conditions
Secondary education or corresponding qualification in accordance with admission requirements of TalTech.
Study programme aims and objectives
The curriculum aims to prepare graduates with master's degrees in architecture granted in accordance with the Estonian law,
the current standard of architect, Diploma Architect Level 7.
Architecture graduate is able to independently and on their own responsibility prepare, consult, assess and manage the urban spatial planning and building projects, and is able to work with state and local government planning, architecture and construction management process at positions of responsibility.
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Learning outcomes of the study programme
After completing the studies the student:
- is able to create architectural designs and spatial plans that meet the aesthetic, technical and environmental requirements;


- knows the architecture and the related arts, technologies and human sciences, history and theories; is abled to use the knowledge in architectural projects and urban design;
- knows spatial planning and urban design, environmental planning and landscape architectural history, theories and strategies;
- understands the relationship of people and buildings, and new buildings and existing relationship with development of the built environment, the buildings and the spaces between them must meet human needs and be in harmony with nature;
- understands professional ethics and the architect's role in society, knows that social factors must be taken into account already in the planning of initial tasks;
- has knowledge of research methods and the implementation schedule in tasks of building projects and preparation of the plan;
- knows the construction design and planning of engineering concepts, architecture and related sciences engineering, techniques and technologies of eco-friendly, sustainable and secure design;
- has knowledge of the construction industry, technologies, jobs and processes related to the design and implementation of concepts, different architectural solutions for linking the built environment as a whole and is based on the design of buildings, preparation of plans and activities of these laws and regulations governing the field;
- has ability to analyze and manage the collective planning and design process as a whole, ensuring creative and quality solutions;
- has skills used in the planning, design and management process of the most common communication technologies and media.
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Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account.
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Degrees conferred
Master of Science in Architecture
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
27.0
Core studies
102.0
Special studies
129.0
Free choice courses
12.0
Graduation thesis
30.0
Total
300.0
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY 1: architecture
    • +
         MODULE: General studies 27.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to provide students with a broad based knowledge of people,
      society, culture, nature, the artificial environment and their relationships, the skills to apply this knowledge in the field of architecture and urban design, to develop knowledge of Estonian and foreign languages that gives the ability for professional communication, documentation of the result and presentation.
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      Learning outcomes
      The student is able to use the acquired knowledge in people,
      society, culture, nature, the artificial environment, and their relationships, and to apply this knowledge in the field of architecture and urban design and deepened his/hers knowledge of Estonian and foreign languages and acquired ability for professional communication, documentation of the result and presentation. The student has broad knowledge of art in its different types and forms and has profound overview of art history and is able to use art related knowledge and experience to improve the quality of architectural and urban planning projects.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Philosophy of Culture and Ethics in Built Environment
      EAK0070
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Art and Architecture History (up to Classicism)
      EAK0080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Total: 12.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Workshop I
      EAA0360
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      SK
      Workshop II
      EAA0370
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      S
      Workshop III
      EAA0381
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      S
      Environmental protection and sustainable development
      EKE5081
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.5
      0.5
      A
      SK
      Construction Management Simulation
      EPX5550
      6.0
      4.0
      0.5
      3.5
      0.0
      A
      S
      Urban Mobility and Traffic Modelling
      ETT0330
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Oral and Written Communication in Estonian
      HLE0060
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Academic Communication in English
      HLI0070
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Academic Writing in English
      HLI0110
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      IT Foundations I
      IDK0043
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics
      YMX0252
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      K
      Total: at least 15.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Engineering studies 78.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      To give knowledge about basic technical subjects and descriptive geometry.
      Building physical factors in consideration of the design of the building. Taking into account factors of building physics, -acoustics, -energy efficiency and -electrical lighting of building design. Provide an overview of the building structures Provide an overview of the building materials, project management, surveying and construction cost of the preparation of the foundations and give overview of pre-project studies such as geotechnics and geology.
      To give knowledge to use digital and computational design tools (parametric design) that permit to integrate easily environmental and performance analysis into design process.
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      Learning outcomes
      Student is able to use the concepts of descriptive geometry
      in various fields of their applications; has ability to determine reactions of a statically determinate plane and space structure and use the acquired knowledge in architecture and urban planning projects. The student has ability to make choice of the building structures, make professional project planning, design and material selection based on geodetic and geological conditions and knowledge of the project management of the building and price formation.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Descriptive Geometry
      EAI0030
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      3.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Environmental Performative Architecture and Planning
      EAL0140
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      S
      Introduction to Building Physics
      EEA5012
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Sound Insulation and Room Acoustics
      EEA5020
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.5
      1.5
      E
      S
      Building structures for architects I
      EEK5100
      6.0
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Building structures for architects II
      EEK5120
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Energy Efficiency and Indoor Climate in Buildings
      EKK5070
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Building services technology and equipment
      EKK5110
      6.0
      4.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Basics of Strength of Materials
      EMD5001
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Building Materials
      EPM5100
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      Construction Economics and Introduction to Entrpreneurship
      EPX5010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Fundamentals of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development
      YFX0100
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Higher Mathematics I
      YMX0221
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 78.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Representation techniques 24.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      To develop visual thinking and ability to position ones professional expertise and skill in context of art and culture.

      To introduce idea development techniques through applying drawing, composition and form elements in abstract and visual assignments.
      To develop observation, imagination and expression skills in sketching and schematic generalising of architectural and engineering objects; to develop ability to experiment with different usage of line, surface and composition
      To develop criticism and analysis skills in group discussions and skills to formalize ideas-projects to complete presentation
      To give knowledge and practical skill in digital presentation techniques, photography, art studios and interdisciplinary space project according to student’s preference.
      To ensure sufficient preparation for practical usage of digital software (digital modelling, animation, post production, editing).
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      Learning outcomes
      The student has developed visual thinking and and ability to position ones professional expertise and skill in context of art and culture.

      Knows different idea development techniques.
      Has developed observation, imagination and expression skills in sketching and schematic generalising of architectural and engineering objects; has developed ability to experiment with different usage of line, surface and composition.
      Understands colour relations, uses correctly technical and professional terminology and is abled to analyse different shapes and colour combination in built and natural environment.
      Is abled to participate in group discussions and has skills to formalize ideas-projects to complete presentation
      Has acquired knowledge and practical skills in digital representation techniques, photography, art studios and interdisciplinary space projects
      Is abled to use needed software for presentation and is abled to further deepen acquired skills independently.
      Has broad knowledge of art in its different types and forms and has profound overview of art history and is able to use art related knowledge and experience to improve the quality of architectural and urban planning projects.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Representation Techniques 1 - Drawing and Colour Studies
      EAV0011
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      S
      Representation Techniques 2 - Drawing and Form Studies
      EAV0012
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      K
      Total: 12.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Representation Techniques 3 - Photography and 3D Software
      EAV0013
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      1.5
      1.5
      H
      SK
      Painting studio
      EAV0020
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      SK
      Drawing Studio
      EAV0050
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      SK
      Interdisciplinary Space Project
      EAV0080
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      SK
      Architectural BIM Modeling II
      EEA7435
      3.0
      1.5
      0.5
      0.0
      1.0
      H
      S
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Architectural design studio 33.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      Provide primary skills: create architectural designs that meet the aesthetic, technical and environmental requirements;

      Provide knowledge and skills that affect the quality of the architectural design of the visual arts, architecture, design and interior, landscape architecture areas;
      Provide knowledge of people and building relations, construction and the built environment of the existing relationship of understanding and perception of the buildings and the spaces between them to meet human needs and be in harmony with nature;
      To acquire skills of architectural software ArchiCAD and Revit.
      Give understanding of architect's work, and his place in society.
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      Learning outcomes
      The student is able to create architectural designs that meets the aesthetic, technical and environmental requirements.

      The student has sufficient knowledge of architecture and the related arts, technologies and human sciences, history and theory of architecture design that affects the quality of the visual arts, architecture, design and interior areas;
      Is able to analyze relationship between people and the built environment. Has understanding of the existing relationship and perception of the buildings and the spaces between them;
      Has knowledge of structures of design, construction, and engineering solutions that are related to the building construction project;
      Has understanding of architect’s work, and his place in society, takes account of social factors;
      The student who has passed the course is able to use BIM design programs to design architectural projects.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Architectural project I. Starting project
      EAA0250
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      S
      Architectural Project II. Small Public Building
      EAA0260
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      K
      Architectural Project III. Timber single house
      EAA0270
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      S
      Architectural Project IV. Apartment Building in Concrete Structure
      EAA0280
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      K
      Architectural Project V. Public Building
      EAA0290
      9.0
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      S
      Total: 33.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Practice 12.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      Work experience gives the experience through working in the architectural or engineering offices and building places.

      The module enables the student to be exposed to more of their future speciality various work packages:
      Creative outdoor practice that consists of practice of drawing and painting and observation practice that provides the skills and experience of the place of analysis.
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      Learning outcomes
      Is able to express himself through drawing and painting, is able to collect and analyze the specific of the location.
      Knows the practical work in architectural or engineering office and in the building site.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Creative Outdoor Practice
      EAV0014
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      2.0
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Work Experience (Internship)
      EEA7210
      6.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Master class in architectural and urban planning 27.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      To deepen the ability to create architectural designs and spatial plans that meet the aesthetic, technical and environmental requirements;

      To give in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in areas that affect the quality of the architectural design, knowledge of spatial planning and urban design, landscape architecture, and environmental foundations and development strategies
      To give in-depth understanding of relationship between built environment and the spaces between them;
      To give ability to use the knowledge about construction and engineering solutions, technologies, ecology and social processes in surrounding environment that have been learned from architectural and urban planning projects.
      To give knowledge of architect’s work, role in contemporary urbanization process and his place in society, where social factors need to be taken into account;
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      Learning outcomes
      The student has deepened previously acquired skills to create architectural designs and spatial plans that meet the aesthetic, technical and environmental requirements.

      Has acquired in-depth and analytical skills in areas that affect the quality of the architectural and urban design and is able to apply them in his/hers work.
      Student understands relationships between buildings and the spaces between them and their harmony with nature. Student is abled to analyse how the design will effect surrounding environment and people.
      Student apprehends architects role in society and orientates in different work fields.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Architectural Project VII. Public Building - Hall
      EAA0310
      9.0
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      S
      Urban Planning. Planning Project IV. Energy Efficient Urban Quarter
      EAL0110
      9.0
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      SK
      Total: 18.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Interior design project
      EAA0320
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      H
      SK
      Architectural Project VIII. Important Building in Urban Environment
      EAA0330
      9.0
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      S
      Urban Planning. Planning Project V
      EAL0120
      9.0
      6.0
      1.5
      0.0
      4.5
      H
      S
      Problem and Project Based Learning
      UTT0120
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 9.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Urban planning studio 24.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      Provide the ability to prepare primary spatial plans that meet the aesthetic, technical and environmental requirements;

      sufficient knowledge of spatial planning and urban design, and landscape architecture, and environmental foundations, strategies, theory and history;
      people and relationship building and construction and the built environment of the existing relationship of understanding and perception of the buildings and the spaces between them to meet human needs and be in harmony with nature;
      architect, and his place in society, understanding the architect's work, taking into account social factors;
      knowledge of construction physics and the technological functions of the external space between the buildings;
      perception of the nature of urban construction and planning;
      Overview of urbanization in modern times.
      To develop in the students the understanding of the possible role of the architect in the modern urbanized society and provide knowledge of the ecology and environment of the processes;
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      Learning outcomes
      Student has perception of urban planning and its essence and ability to prepare spatial plans that meet the aesthetic, technical and environmental requirements;

      Student has acquired sufficient knowledge of spatial planning and urban design, landscape architecture, environmental foundations, strategies, theory and history and environmental processes.
      Has acquired understanding of relationship between people and the built environment and perception of the buildings and the spaces between, has ability to analyse, skills to compare and understanding of architects role in achieving goals.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Urban Planning Studio. Planning Project I. Low Rise High Density CityQuarter. Streets
      EAL0080
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      K
      Planning Project II. Public Space Planning with Landscape building
      EAL0090
      9.0
      5.0
      1.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      S
      Planning project III. Urban Planning. Urban Sociological Perspective
      EAL0100
      9.0
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      K
      Total: 24.0 ECTS credits
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         MODULE: Theoretical studies 33.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      To give the students knowledge of architecture and urban design
      history and theories and skills on methodologies of architectural research
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      Learning outcomes
      Has knowledge of architecture and urban design history and theory,
      knowledge to compose architectural research. Has broad knowledge of art in its different types and forms and has profound overview of art history and is able to use art related knowledge and experience to improve the quality of architectural and urban planning projects.
      Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      History of Art and Architecture from the 19th century to the present time
      EAK0090
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Theories of Modern Architecture and Planning
      EAK0100
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      History of Estonian architecture and city planning
      EAK0110
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      K
      Building Envelope Structures
      EEA5011
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      Total: 24.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Electrical Lighting for Architects
      AAV3351
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      0.0
      H
      SK
      Greenhouse Gas Quantification
      EAA0390
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      H
      K
      Methodology of Architectural Research
      EAK0010
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      1.5
      0.0
      E
      S
      Urban Case Study
      EAL0130
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      0.0
      H
      S
      Building Technology and Cost Estimation for Architects
      EPX5560
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 9.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Free choice courses 12.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)
      Aims
      The module enables students to advance in freely chosen subjects.

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      Learning outcomes
      Knowledge and skills based on the student's special interests
      and the future specialization
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    • +
         MODULE: Master thesis 30.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)
      Aims
      To provide students with independent architectural planning or preparation of the project design experience,
      skills to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, and the results integrated technical documentation. Topic for future work are selected according to specialization
      To deepen the students understanding of environmental and spatial design architect, and his place in society,
      Prepare students for architects work, which also takes into account social factors
      The total accumulated the necessary knowledge of the industries, organizations, laws, and other activities that are connected with spatial planning and integrated solution ehitusprojek-Tide architectural drafting
      To deepen the understanding of the design of scientific studies and other necessary preparations for the
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      Learning outcomes
      The student is able independently compile an architectural and urban design project, that consist of theoretical and practical part;

      Student is able to formulate problems and its action plan to address the problem;
      Student is able to apply theoretical knowledge in the design or planning problem analysis and solution synthesis;
      Student is able to present architectural and urban design projects.
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    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
      • +
           1st Semester
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           2nd Semester
      • +
           3rd Semester
      • +
           4th Semester
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           5th Semester
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           6th Semester
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           7th Semester
      • +
           8th Semester
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           9th Semester