MArch Master of Architecture

The MArch is your final stage of formal academic architecture education leading towards professional registration as an architect. It is a professionally recognised award (prescribed by the Architects Registration Board and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects) and developed for students who have, typically, one year in practice.

The studio element of the course is delivered through research-driven, outwardly focussed clusters called ateliers that align strong areas of research activity and mutual interests of groups of staff. This will enable you to develop ideological positions that are critically underpinned by seminars, workshops and symposiums.

The first year of study will enable you to locate yourself within a broad range of perspectives in relation to contemporary architecture and urbanism. The studio modules are deliberately professionally directed with developed discussions about custom and use, structures and materials, principles, and regulations.

These modules are supported by a professional focussed module that locates the programme and student learning journey. The Architect in Collaboration, and Architect as Research modules provide highly innovative methods of enquiry into the scope and potential of the discipline.

The second year will build upon this knowledge and developing skillset to orientate you towards a suitable role within the vast parameters of the profession. The studio modules are consciously loose, so you, the prospective architect have the opportunity to pursue your own interests and develop your own trajectory. These are supported by the enquiry based Dissertation module.

Study tours and international collaborations with other leading schools and organisations take place each year.

All students will be required to make a number of different submissions, including detailed examinations of building proposals, dissertation, annotated reports, methods exploration and a design thesis.

You will normally have at least an upper second-class undergraduate UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in architecture from a RIBA School. Admission will normally be dependent on a successful application and possibly an interview.

You will also need to have completed at least six months work in an architectural practice or a related built environment design field.

A portfolio of work should be submitted with your application. We also require a concise letter of intent and two references, one from an academic from your previous institution, the other a reference from your current employer.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Other professional qualifications or degree disciplines will be considered on merit and/or with relevant professional experience.

Application requirements are subject to PSRB requirements.

See How to Apply for details.

Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.

Alternative Route Entry

The Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) acknowledges that students can excel at different stages of their educational journey. As such, we will consider applications from individuals who did not achieve an upper-second-class or first-class degree in Architecture, provided they can demonstrate the following:

A minimum of two full years of work experience in an architectural practice or a related design field.

An employer reference that explicitly states the length of employment. Only practical experience completed in increments of at least three months will be considered.

Additional relevant experience, such as participation in design competitions, travel, or other creative pursuits that demonstrate architectural engagement.

A comprehensive CV outlining professional activities.

A reflective statement of approximately 500 words detailing personal and professional progress since completing their undergraduate degree.

Applications must include a CV, a reflective statement, and a small selection of a design portfolio. Failure to include these supporting documents will result in the application not being considered. Applicants shortlisted for consideration will be invited to attend an interview. During the interview, candidates will present a complete portfolio, discuss their professional development since their undergraduate degree, and outline their motivation for joining the MSA.