MArch Architecture

Course description

MArch Architecture is for students who have completed BA Architecture and, typically, spent a year in practice.

The course comprises of a studio element (with integrated technology), a dissertation and professional studies, and is ideal if you're interested in exploring a range of perspectives in relation to contemporary architecture and urbanism, and looking to pursue a career in roles associated with the development of sustainable urban spaces.

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

The course has continued to maintain a diverse range of ateliers and expertise, which enables us to provide a series of distinct and significant areas of focus with respect to the future of architecture and urbanism in a wider cultural context. At the beginning of each academic year, you will choose from a range of ateliers. You would normally expect to spend a year studying with a particular atelier.

You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practice and research-active lecturers, who provide a rich and stimulating environment in which to study architecture.

What's more, you'll be inspired by the world-famous city of Manchester - the industrial revolution birthplace turned 21st century metropolis - and its vibrant, contemporary and innovative architecture scene.

Manchester is a showcase for recent regeneration and historic context, much of which has been designed with the involvement of our current students and graduates.

The city recognises the value of high-quality design, together with innovative and pragmatic approaches to resolving practical issues.

Career opportunities

Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity, and benefit from our strong links with national and international architectural practices.

They have gone on to successful careers in areas including:

• architecture;
• project management;
• urban design;
• advertising;
• real estate;
• art and design;
• web design;
• art history;
• estate management;
• banking.

Top employers include Aedas, AR, Atkins, BDP, BroadwayMalyan, Foster + Partners, HawkinsBrown, and Sheppard Robson.

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. A portfolio of work should be submitted with your application, this can be sent to us using online file transfer apps such as dropbox or we-transfer. It should include a table of contents with information regarding the duration of each project and in which academic year/level it was completed and a selection of projects worked on during your year in practice. We also require a concise letter of intent and two references, one of which must be from a former Year 3 tutor, the other a reference from your current employer.