Program Overview

Master of Architecture & Urbanism is grounded and future-focused, shaping students who care for people, place, materiality, and truth. If you’re motivated by social and ecological issues, this is the course for you. This programme enables students to explore potential as agents for change and challenges you to find an appropriate architecture that belongs.

M.Arch is driven by architectural and urban future developments, from the Garden City Movement to Smart Cities to Resilient Communities. The programme not only takes ideas from an alternative future vision to the uncontrolled and unhealthy growth of cities in a harmonious environment but also its radically innovative social and economic model of sustainable growth, land ownership and local community creation. Our location provides a local lens where we examine global issues such as urbanisation, the state of regional towns and megacities, ecological architectures, the future of the housing industry, and the architectures of resource transition.

This programme is designed to meet the needs of advanced graduates and young professionals aiming to become registered architects or urban designers.

Students engage with design problems and challenges, considering scenarios past, present and future, learning to develop architectural processes and propositions that consider ecologies and environments for the benefit of human and non-human users. We’re focused on creating inquisitive, agile, and skilled graduates, confident in playing key roles in transforming the architectural field.

  Program Notes

Entry requirements and key information

• To access this Programme, applicants are normally expected to hold a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification in Architecture or related discipline of an equivalent standard. Related disciplines include degrees in spatial design practices, history and theory, social and cultural studies, geography, human centre-design and building, construction and engineering.
• It is advised that applicants hold a BA(Hons) in Architecture or equivalent, ARB prescribed Part I, but this is not compulsory.
• Selection is based on a portfolio interview, after which students may be required to provide more information about previous studies or design experience.
• Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are particularly welcomed from students with previous work experience in design and from a variety of backgrounds.
• Entrance is not usually permitted directly at the Year 2. Exceptions will be considered on case-by-case scenario, evaluating previous qualification and relevant work experience.

Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria

1. Academic attainment
2. Satisfactory academic reference
3. Personal statement or letter of application
4. Alternative or additional experience within architecture and design or appropriate subject areas.

In addition to fulfilling the general entry requirements of the University, applicants will normally be expected to attend an interview and provide evidence of previous architecture related design study through a portfolio, which demonstrates a range of art and design experience such as:

• 2D work such as drawing, painting, technical drawing, design, media experimentation, photography
• 3D work evidenced by photography, models and prototypes
• an awareness of the cultural, historical and professional contexts of architecture and the role of the architect in society and the design process.

All international students are required to demonstrate suitable levels of English language competence. This can be through previous study in English, but we often require specific performance in English tests. All applicants must be able to prove a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.