The Importance of Academic Research Methodology for Architecture Students in Morocco

Abstract

Since the paramount significance of doing scientific research in any domain is undeniable, even if the majority of students realise it until the late stages of their educational journey, this study identifies the importance of research methodology courses for architecture students in the Moroccan architecture national schools (Ecole Nationale d’Architecture). Based on an English teaching course at the national school of architecture of Tetouan in Morocco, fifth-year/semester 9 students had a course on research methodology in relation to their domain of architecture. An online structured questionnaire was shared with architecture students in the city of Tétouan in Morocco, based on their willingness and availability from September 2024 to January 2025; 30 out of 45 students responded to the online questionnaire. The results showed that research methodology is an important aspect for architecture students’ academic and professional careers. The implications of this study show that it is of paramount significance to include a course on research methodology in the ENAs of Morocco in order to urge architecture students to be productive in terms of academic research so as to boost their academic and professional profiles alike. In order to keep the spirit of sharing knowledge and expanding one’s knowledge and understanding about the different aspects of the research methodology, some recommendations are necessary to take into account, so as to facilitate the task for future research researchers in the academic research domain. An open discussion about the inclusion of academic research in scientific majors in the early years is needed to improve our understanding of why the majority of students neglect this vital aspect in their academic and professional careers.