Architecture MArch
    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 22,324 / per year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Architecture MArch

    About

    Our Architecture MArch programme is designed to respond to contemporary issues in the industry, grounded in both theory and professional practice. Our enquiry-led approach to education will teach you to tackle complex problems and help you synthesise your ideas to produce critical work. You will be supported to take risks, learn from mistakes and boldly explore your ideas.

    Current issues in architectural debate are studied through deep foundations in historical and philosophical thought, contemporary states of urban inhabitation, challenges to a sustainable ecology, the ramifications of modern technology, legal and economic contexts, and the state of the profession.

    Our design studios are delivered through advanced, research-by-design led units and offer a range of specialist pathways for you to develop an independent and critical position on architecture. Studio options range from high-density housing to sustainable futures, and advanced material investigations. We encourage an open-ended spirit of enquiry to advance knowledge through rigorous, exploratory and playful processes. Our experience and knowledge, combined with your personal ambition, will enable us to challenge existing conventions and redefine the future of architectural practice together.

    Key features

    • This programme offers a professional level architectural education with Architects Registration Board (ARB)/RIBA Part II exemption. Graduates can progress to professional registration/licensure examinations, allowing access to markets in the UK, EU or other legal jurisdictions.
    • 90% of students were satisfied overall with the course (National Student Survey, 2022).
    • You will be supported to tackle real-world issues, while speculating and proposing new futures through bold experimentation and boundless enquiry.
    • Tutors come from industry and research and our community is a place where academics, practitioners and students are co-designing new ways of thinking.
    • Teaching is delivered in a dedicated postgraduate studio space, equipped with computer workstations, model-making facilities, large format printers and Ultimaker 3D printers.
    • Receive expert teaching through our national and international lecture series attracting leading academics and professionals from around the world, such as Sir Peter Cook, CJ Lim and Alison Brooks.
    • A number of graduates have been awarded national and international design awards, including four prizes at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s Medals, five regional RIBA Awards and the prestigious RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarship .

    Talk to our course team

    If you have any questions about the course, the programme leader, Ben Cowd would be happy to help you. You can get in touch with them at [email protected].

    MArch Leicester on Instagram


    See our student work

    Scholarships:

    DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

    International Scholarships

    Find out about available scholarships and country specific fee discounts for international students.

    Student work gallery

    Student success:

    Architecture students partner with National Forest for installation at Swannymote Wood

    Jonathan Edward’s special mention at Archisource, Drawing of the Year Award 2022

    COP 26 president Alok Sharma shown DMU student work at Expo 2020

    Architecture alumnus from DMU named among world's best

    Sky's the limit for DMU architecture student Daniel Hambly

    More courses like this:

    Architectural Practice Postgraduate Diploma
    Architecture and Sustainability MSc

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Typical entry requirements

    You should have the equivalent of a 2:2 or above in architecture from an ARB/RIBA Part 1 accredited course or exemption from it.

    We will consider applications without Part 1 who have undertaken non-UK or non-validated architecture degrees. Before qualifying as a UK architect, students must have obtained Part 1, as well as Part 2 and 3. Please contact the ARB regarding eligibility for their prescribed Part 1 exam.

    Applicants are encouraged to have completed post-undergraduate professional work experience. Applicants with a lower second-class degree (2:2) will be expected to have completed a minimum of nine months professional experience.

    Should applicants have difficulty in finding professional architectural experience, we will consider evidence of initiative in finding alternative experience through work in associated fields of the construction and design industries, self-generated work and competitions.

    Interview and portfolio

    Applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to attend an MS Teams interview with the MArch academic team. You will be asked to share your digital portfolio of work during the interview, please see our Architecture MArch application portfolio advice for full details.

    English language requirements

    If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

    English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

    Career

    DMU Global

    Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

    Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

    Students have previously undertaken DMU Global trips to European cities including Copenhagen, where they explored first-hand historical and contemporary Danish design, and Berlin, which provided the opportunity to examine the city’s art, artists and museums to gain a broader design perspective. DMU Global trips have also taken students further afield to India and New York.

    Graduate careers

    Our MArch programme offers exemption from ARB/RIBA Part II examinations, and enables graduates holding ARB/RIBA part I, to progress to licensure examinations and professional registration as an architect in the UK. Recent graduates have secured employment with architect practices such as Foster + Partners, Make Architects, Heatherwick Studio, SOM and Grimshaw Architects.

    Graduate Tom Cox secured a Part II Architectural Assistant position with Wotton Donoghue Architects. During his final year at DMU, Tom was selected to represent the university in Hong Kong at the GREAT Festival of Innovation, the Government’s flagship international trade event. Tom said: “throughout my time at DMU, my tutors broadened my understanding of architecture and design, highlighting my strengths and improving my weaknesses. They boosted my confidence, professionalism and interest in the subject.”

    Careers and employability

    Starting a business

    DMU students are encouraged to pursue their entrepreneurial spirit and the Enterprise Team can help you explore your business idea, business growth, the option of freelancing or being self-employed. There are lots of events, workshops, one-to-one consultation opportunities and enterprise competitions that you can get involved in to progress in your chosen career path.

    Entrepreneurial skills

    Even if you don’t intend to start your own business, many of the Enterprise Team activities will be relevant to you if you simply want to develop your business acumen. Skills such as risk-taking, project management and budgeting can be invaluable in employment.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    22,324 / per year

    Architecture MArch

    De Montfort University

    De Montfort University

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Leicester