The AUD (Architecture and Urban Design) credits are the specific courses and credits you need to complete in order to become eligible to take the First-Class or Second-Class Architect examination.
Keio SFC official certification requirements —
In Japan, becoming an architect means earning the national kenchikushi (建築士) qualification. It comes in two levels, and the whole AUD system exists to get you eligible to sit the exam for one of them.
First-Class Architect
Eligible to design buildings of any scale or type.
| Number of credits | Years of experience needed |
| 60+ credits | 2 years |
| 50 – 59 credits | 3 years |
| 40 – 49 credits | 4 years |
Second-Class Architect
Eligible to make smaller-scale or wood-frame buildings.
| Number of credits | Years of experience needed |
| 40+ credits | 0 years |
| 30 – 39 credits | 1 years |
| 20 – 29 credits | 2 years |
Who are eligible
- Undergraduates in the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies
- Undergraduates in the Faculty of Policy Management
- Select Graduate School of Media and Governance students
As an undergraduate you can also take master’s courses. However, master credits don’t count toward your GPA or graduation requirements, but they still count toward AUD — so you can fit all the designated subjects into your four undergrad years. Many students instead continue to an SFC master’s to complete the full requirement.
Advice
Don’t be afraid to ask
Most classes are taught in Japanese, and professors don’t always mention English support in the syllabus, but that doesn’t mean they won’t offer it. Many are happy to make exceptions if you reach out and ask.
Make the most of your resources
Don’t hesitate to use translation apps when you need them, and lean on AI tools to help you follow lectures and understand course material, they can be a real lifesaver.