The MArch is a lively student centred environment, where peer-to-peer learning, practice based research and live events projects connect students, expert academics, design professionals and wider communities. During the MArch, you will develop, expand and refine your design and theoretical skills whilst creating a portfolio that will enable you to find employment in a leading architecture practice.
Find out more about Manchester School of Architecture's MArch programme and ateliers at www.msa.ac.uk/study/march
2 years full-time
4 years part-time
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 at Part 2 level by the Architects Registration Board and validated at Part 2 level by the Royal Institute of British Architects) and developed for students who have completed RIBA Part 1 for example a BA (Hons) Architecture course and, 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 enables you to locate yourself within a broad range of perspectives in relation to contemporary architecture and urbanism. The studio units (Professional Studies 1 + 2) are deliberately professionally directed with developed discussions about custom and use, structures and materials, principles, and regulations. The first semester project is focussed upon occupation, while the second semester is dedicated to approach. Enquiry based Dissertation and Research Methods units including the highly innovative Events Programme support these two studio projects.
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 units 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 an intensive and focussed unit dedicated to professional law and practice.
Study tours and international collaborations with other leading schools and organisations take place each year and there is the possibility for exchange under the Erasmus programme.
All students will be required to make a number of different submissions, including detailed examinations of building proposals, 10,000-word dissertation, annotated reports, methods exploration and a design thesis.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
You will normally have at least an upper second class undergraduate UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in architecture and ARB/RIBA Part 1. 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 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. See How to Apply for details.
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.
Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £2,312.50 per 30 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £30,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £7,500 per 30 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A Master of Architecture qualification typically comprises 240 credits (120 credits for Year 1 and 120 credits for Year 2), a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Compulsory estimate: £1,700
Optional estimate: £1,000
Students often choose to buy a laptop in their first year however there are PCs and Macs on campus which do have the necessary software on them and students can loan laptops (which do not support advanced digital design programmes). Students may choose to buy a camera, although there are some available for loan. Students may need to obtain specialist software. Students may choose to buy a hard-drive. Students are required to buy some model-making equipment. Students may choose to use specialist model making equipment such as the 3D printers and the laser cutters. Students will be required to print their work for reviews. In the first year dissertation printing will be required.
Optional estimate: £600
Students can choose to go on the Atelier based study trips.
Students can choose to become a student member of the RIBA. It is free.
Compulsory estimate: £20
Optional estimate: £100
Students will probably need to support their Events Programme. Students may choose to buy books, although the library is excellent.
Most graduates work as architects in private practice, though others work for local authorities, government organisations, commercial companies or contracting organisations, or for research agencies. Some graduates undertake research for higher degrees. Opportunities may also exist to work in Europe or overseas.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Please read the How to Apply section on the Manchester School of Architecture website before submitting your application.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme Review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the
changes section of our Terms and Conditions .
Important Notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of Regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan .