Masters degrees in Architecture equip you with an effective knowledge of the principles involved in designing, constructing and maintaining buildings and other structures. They teach theoretical principles, practical techniques and professional principles.
Entry requirements normally include an undergraduate degree with a strong scientific or mathematical element, such as Planning, Architecture, or Building. Sufficient work experience may be accepted in some cases.
The MArch (Part 2) is a long-established and well-respected course that is prescribed by the ARB and validated by the RIBA to give exemption from the second stage of professional education. The emphasis of the course is on innovative design work, and on developing a caring and critical approach to the study and practice of architecture.
The course fosters diversity of choice, interpretation and approach, whether in design projects or more academic research. The former focuses on sophisticated design programmes (in formal, technical, professional or urban terms) that demand rigour and self-criticism. The latter focuses on your major dissertation, an extended piece of specialised research into architecture and its historical or theoretical contexts.
The course has three main objectives: to develop your design ability through project-based experimentation; to present an evaluation and critique of your coursework within a broad cultural context, and in light of technical, economic and legal constraints; and to promote the articulate explanation and representation of quality and value in design projects.
Core modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Year 1, Semester 1
Year 1, Semester 2
Year 2, Semester 1
Year 2, Semester 2
Most students who complete the Architecture MArch (Part II) are subsequently employed in architectural offices and become registered architects after taking the Part III exam. Others progress to take further Master’s or PhD degrees and then go into research or teaching.
This Master's programme focusing on "Architecture: Resilient and Sustainable Strategies" explores architecture from a research-by-designand design-by-research perspective. Students are educated and trained in a multicultural and international context. The programme combines an academic approach with creative- experimental approach. It is characterised by a fully-integrated design methodology, providing students with solid skills in the contemporary discipline of architectural design and research.
The Master of Architecture programme is organised at both of the faculty's campuses in Brussels and Ghent, though each campus offers a different orientation:
This is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis. The programme consists out of a minimum of four semesters.
The Faculty of Architecture takes its international dimension as the basis for its own quality assessment. It positions itself squarely within the international field of qualitative academic education. The faculty's international activities are extensive and diversified: student mobility and staff exchange on a European and intercontinental level, internationally oriented programmes for incoming students, international workshops and competitions, international research projects, international internships, development cooperation, etc.
The faculty continues to build on its tradition of academic integration of teaching and research to maintain and enhance its standard of quality and international standing.
The faculty works hard to consolidate and enrich its network of cooperative associations with professionals and universities all over the world and strives to leverage this international network for students' benefit. Its international dimension is a strong catalyst for creativity and an added value to students' future professional career.
"The intended academic quality, is the core of the program (architecture, urban planning), i.e. academically based 'professionalism'.
The broadening of the profile focuses on basic disciplines (architecture and urban planning), however without compromising the appropriate focus on the professional profile of the architect (in multiple forms).
In the profile of master, one should obtain extreme concentration and specificity (however, no specialisation).
On the one hand, the master focuses on the content and area-specific level of the bachelor phase, and on the other hand on the acquirement of access to the professional or doctoral field (advanced masters, PhD,...).
The core competences of the master are:
The master program should guarantee the acquirement of scientific depth. The offered frontier disciplines focus on the current state of research and development within the competence field. The technical qualification to be acquired, focuses on the high quality problem solving of complex tasks.
At our campus in Ghent, the International Master of Science in Architecture is concerned with the current theory and practice of architecture and sustainability.
The Brundtland report (United Nations, 1987) defines sustainable development as 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. The United Nations in 2005 referred to the 'interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars' of sustainable development as economic development, social development and environmental protection.
Translating these three pillars for sustainable architecture, they would entail: providing access to high quality and healthy living and working environments for all, finding ways to create socially sustainable environments at different scales and a wise use of natural resources. Technical considerations, together with more conceptual or strategic issues, are dealt with in this two-year program about architecture and sustainability.
Central in the program of the International Master of Science in Architecture is a critical reflection about architecture and its social, cultural or environmental role for society.
Based on a highly interdisciplinary learning process of integrated research and 'research by design', students are expected to determine a theoretical stance on current issues with particular emphasis on how aspects of sustainability, universal design, urban ecology and energy-efficient technologies may contribute to the development of more sustainable human settlements.
Apart from the theoretical courses, the program includes 3 design studios (during one semester) and 1 final master dissertation studio (during one year). Each semester, there is a focus on a specific attitude, related to the main theme of the programme. All studios are organised through a pool of studio groups (Academic Design Offices and Design Studios) where the teaching staff provides a series of specific themes, methods and intervention areas for the students to develop an architectural project:
Themes sem 1
Themes sem 2 (specific focus on the city of Ghent)
Themes sem 3
Themes sem 4
Graduates are trained to lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers, interior architects, landscape architects and artists. In addition to working as independent (self-employed) architects, our graduates also work as professionals in government agencies and international design firms. Some graduates go on to roles as researchers serving local or international governance bodies, NGO's or other institutes.
Research initiatives and studio workshops led by eminent visiting professors and internationally recognised professionals offer students an opportunity to develop their architectural skills on a global scale. In addition to the permanent Faculty of award-winning practicing architects and published scholars, the Abedian School of Architecture has developed partnerships with leading educators and professionals around the world who actively contribute to the architectural program.
Students have complete access to all the Architecture equipment and studios. The School is characterized by very small class sizes in a dedicated studio environment. Students have 24/7 access to the brand new architecture building, designed by Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham of CRAB Studio, London. A strong studio culture is driven by student collaboration, social engagement, and consistent one-on-one interaction with academic staff. The Workshop and Digital Fabrication Lab provides opportunities in design as part of the new generation of architecture. Studio, workshop and digital based learning are core components of Architectural studies with practical hands-on projects contributing to a large part of the programs.
The Master of Architecture at the Abedian School of Architecture is designed to develop the emerging architectural professional to be fearless in their design ability, as well as possess the confidence to change the world and the habitats of the future through their creative design skills, imaginative vision, strategic thinking and technical proficiency. The Master of Architecture is delivered through a comprehensive design studio environment, current issues are debated through historical and philosophical architectural thought as well as contemporary states of urban habitation, challenges to a sustainable ecology and the ramifications of modern technology. Professional architectural concerns in law, contracts and ethics are also examined which prepare students for the commercial world of architectural practice.
The Australian Institute of Architects and the Board of Architects of Queensland currently recognise and accredit the Master of Architecture program. The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is recognised as the normal pathway to the Master of Architecture.
The Master of Architecture program is delivered within a comprehensive design studio environment. Each studio contains a combination of practical and professional applications, theoretical studies, technical proficiency and conceptual rigour. Each studio forms a discrete stage in the Masters sequence, culminating in a Master’s Thesis studio in the final semester of study, bringing integrated skills and knowledge together.
View the Master of Architecture - Program Structure and Sequencing
You must complete the following subjects:
PLUS one (1) Faculty elective from the Faculty of Society & Design list of postgraduate subjects.
A study tour is also available as an elective option for students.
The Architecture MA incorporates a number of different study options including an extensive range of individual module choices and specialist pathways in Cultural Identity and Globalisation, History and Theory, and Digital Media.
If you are looking for our MArch (RIBA Part 2) course, please view this course page.
Situated in the progressive intellectual milieu of London, the Architecture MA programme offers a flexible programme of study and a unique opportunity to pursue advanced postgraduate research combining high-level theoretical investigation with innovative design approaches.
The Department of Architecture at the University of Westminster provides first-class facilities such as state-of-the-art digital design/fabrication equipment and a team of lecturers and researchers deeply immersed in the very latest developments in architectural design, theory, historical research, and technology. The Architecture MA is part of a suite of Masters offered by the Department of Architecture aimed at graduates looking to further their education and enhance their employability by acquiring new knowledge and skills. Focused on architectural research, the Architecture MA also offers a firm grounding for those seeking to pursue further research and/or an academic career.
The Architecture MA provides a course that is wide-ranging and flexible, facilitating alternative modes of study and a range of options, including the choice of either a written or design-based thesis. The programme also allows for specialism through its three designated pathways: Architecture (Cultural Identity and Globalisation); Architecture (Digital Media) and Architecture (History and Theory), or alternatively, you can also create your own pathway, under the heading Architecture MA, by selecting and combining relevant modules that meet your individual requirements.
The range of optional and specialist modules offered allows you to develop your individual learning trajectories through the in-depth study of specific subject areas, involving theoretical components as well as practical applications. A series of theory rich modules will stimulate you to analyse current trends in architecture, design theory and practice on the basis of your research and critical judgement, and use these insights to produce high quality written work in a scholarly manner.
In parallel, a set of design-oriented activities encourages you to develop your artistic, aesthetic and intellectual vision through the use of different media, in order to produce individual proposals with a high level of spatial, material and formal resolution. The course is taught within a dynamic learning environment that comprises seminar-based sessions along with studio-based activities, suitably integrated by a wide range of lectures, tutorials, site visits, research training sessions, and independent study periods.
The Department of Architecture is consciously international in its educational thinking and academic links, and its graduates are amongst the most sought-after anywhere in the world. The flexibility offered in the course is designed to extend each student’s creative abilities and enhance their employability and performance as design professionals.
Typical employment destinations for Architecture MA graduates include architectural practice but also other design disciplines, media and the arts. Depending on their pathways, graduates have found employment in a multitude of creative industries including computer visualisation, design research and consultancy. In addition, the course may form a platform for continuing study with a career in academia or research.
This course is a unique opportunity to qualify as both an architect and landscape architect. It is open to students with previous combined or separate degrees in both architecture and landscape architecture. The degree is awaiting prescription from the RIBA at Part 2, LI Part 3 and the ARB.
Your study focuses on a range of themed, design-based studios dedicated to specific areas of practice or research. There are compulsory modules in landscape architecture, humanities, management, building and plant sciences, and an integrated architecture and landscape architecture project.
To qualify as an architect, you’ll produce at least one comprehensive design project. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with local or regional groups on a real-life challenge through our Live Projects initiative.
Our design teaching is studio based with several research-led options. Programmes run by specialist staff link together lectures, studio work and research.
Each module is assessed individually, either by formal written examination or by coursework.
Visit the School of Architecture's webpages here https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/architecture
The MA programme is for suitably qualified graduates from a range of disciplines wishing to pursue work within the context of politically engaged thinking.
The MA programme has been developed to allow you to combine studio work with theoretical research. Lectures, seminars and workshops will equip you with a grounding in critical spatial practices and related areas of inquiry.
The theoretical module provides a thorough coverage of the historical, philosophical and technological aspects of the intersection of space, power and conflict in light of changing geo-political conditions.
This programme is orientated towards graduates looking to undertake training in research architecture before proceeding onto doctoral studies, or who wish to pursue or enhance their career in the areas of architecture, design, law, journalism, filmmaking, art and curating.
As with our MPhil/PhD track, our MA programme draws practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and disciplines. The MA also enables international exposure of student research through participation in exhibitions, symposia and workshops.
A recent external examination report concluded: “This is an excellent course and possibly the most innovative one in the country".
MA Research Architecture begins with a specific core module called ‘Introduction to Research Architecture’ as well as the MA Core Module B, which is shared by students from the whole Visual Cultures MA cohort.
The four assessed components of the MA comprise:
The research project (Studio), actively engages with spatial practice and theory, and concentrates on in-depth analysis of a distinct issue, process or site. This project forms the core of the MA Dissertation, which you submit at the end of the programme.
A series of seminars, workshops and lectures will provide you with the necessary and stimulating information and create a forum for discussion on contemporary approaches and theories in architectural and spatial research.
Find out more about the Centre for Research Architecture.
Core modules
Optional modules
You will then choose one of the following optional modules:
Site visit
Every year the MA classes will travel to a place of contemporary interest, generally environments undergoing rapid, intense change where political transformation can be viewed in the development of the built environment.
Assessment
Visual Cultures assessment are 100% coursework. Normally this consists of essays, sometimes accompanied by creative projects, group projects, multi-media projects, presentations, symposia, reviews, and studio work
The Architecture and Digital Theory MRes explores digital theory, history, and cultures, in all their guises: from design and fabrication, to many related fields and disciplines that are being affected and transformed by the new digital paradigm.
Students on this programme gain understanding of the ways that information about architecture and digital theory can be analysed, evaluated and categorised. They will also consider the role of the practitioner in respect to research and design in the built environment and be introduced to theories of design as a knowledge- or evidence-based process.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a dissertation (90 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose two of the following:
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of Informal and formal presentation to critics, lectures and seminars, face-to-face and email tutorials. Assessment is through coursework, written papers and public presentations.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Architecture and Digital Theory MRes
Graduates from the Bartlett have been very successful in gaining subsequent employment. At present there is a growing demand for our Master's graduates from a wide range of both public and private employers. Many graduates from the programme have gone on to research, teach and publish at universities and other institutions worldwide.
Employability
Postgraduate study at the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment is situated within a vibrant graduate and research environment, which includes a large cohort of PhD students and an extensive range of academic staff with diverse interests. Students on the Architecture and Digital Theory MRes are in one of the world's first Master’s in this important and growing field, and are able to engage in innumerable seminars, research representations and other events. Our graduates are highly sought after. Some choose to continue with academic research or teaching, others go on to roles in the visual arts, publishing, design and architecture.
The Bartlett School of Architecture is a hotbed of research, design, theorising and discussion on and around architecture and digital theory. Leading academics and practitioners in this field, on matters of design and on history, theory and writing, are actively involved in teaching and research at the school.
The Bartlett is the UK's largest multidisciplinary Faculty of the Built Environment, bringing together scientific and professional specialisms required to research, understand, design, construct and operate the buildings and urban environments of the future. Located in London, we are at the heart of a large cluster of creative architects and engineering firms and with all the resources of a world city at hand. Conceived as a research laboratory, the programme offers a hybrid pedagogical format where learning and experiments, inspired by today’s evolving design technologies, are informed by the culture of the design community and relevant recent scholarship in the arts and humanities.
A new MA version of the programme is also being developed. Applicants interested in this mode should contact Teaching and Learning Officer [email protected].
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Bartlett School of Architecture
81% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This is a creative, studio-focused course with a strong commitment to design research. It offers an internationally transposable professional-level architectural education leading to a qualification that meets the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 exemption. This course is listed in the Commonwealth Association of Architects' approved courses.
With the design studio taking centre stage during your studies, you will be challenged to develop solutions to a series of architectural design problems. Your course will explore current topical issues in architecture, including historical and philosophical thought, contemporary conditions of urban inhabitation, challenges to a sustainable ecology and the ramifications of modern technology. You will forge an individual approach to architecture as you explore your personal interests in relation to city, regional, national and global design perspectives.
The School is closely linked to professional societies, such as Leeds Society of Architects, West Yorkshire Society of Architects and RIBA Yorkshire region, and provides a vibrant environment for architectural debate. You will study with a diverse body of leading practitioners, academic educators and visiting professors who will provide a wide range of opportunities for architectural discussion, stimulation and engagement.
The Leeds School of Architecture offers a Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR) Monitoring Service for graduates with BA (Hons) Architecture, Master of Architecture (MArch) or similar degree. The PEDR is an electronic record of your professional experience, development and competency in the practice of architecture and will offer support on the pathway to registration or licensure, primarily with the ARB. For more information, please click here.
You can see examples of our students' work on our website or by having a look at our end of year show publication.
INSIDE/OUT
The INSIDE/OUT lecture series offers historical, theoretical and critical analyses of art, architecture and design and welcomes internationally recognised practitioners to come and talk about their practice. Find out about forthcoming events on the INSIDE/OUT webpage
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Research Excellence Framework 2014: our University's results for the Architecture, Built Environment and Planning unit, which it entered for the first time, were impressive with 37% of its research being rated world leading or internationally excellent.
Upon graduating, you will be able to progress to professional registration examinations allowing access to legal title of architect, and the ability to practise within markets in the UK, EU and other legal jurisdictions. Students have gone on to achieve significant success working for architectural practices in the UK and overseas. Alternatively, you could continue your education by studying for a research or specialist degree.
Edinburgh College of Art: Postgrad study in Art, Design, Architecture, Music, History of Art
Create your own story at the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Creative Arts!
