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Key Facts

  • This course satisfies the ARB/RIBA Criteria for Approval and thus provides exemption from Part 2
  • Following successful completion of this course you may then take a further year of professional experience before sitting the Examination in Professional Practice. The examination together with two residential preparation programmes satisfies the ARB/RIBA Criteria for Approval and provides exemption from their Part 3, enabling you to qualify for registration with ARB as an architect and join the RIBA.
  • Opportunities for study exchange in Europe, America and Australia.

You will study

This course is for students who have completed the BA (Hons) Architecture course and the subsequent year in practice (during which students can maintain regular contact with the School). The course comprises design studio, history and theory, technology, and professional studies. The studio course is taught in small research groups called units. Each of these approaches architecture from a different specialised position, offering expertise, skills and knowledge. The units’ agendas and programmes are driven by staff, research and responses to contemporary events and issues. At the beginning of each academic year you will make a preference from a choice of the School’s units. You would normally expect to spend a year studying with a particular unit.

The history and theory course is conducted through lectures and seminars. All students will write an 8-12,000-word dissertation to satisfy the requirements for this course. This is completed during the first year of the course. The technology component is embedded into the design studio via seminars, masterclasses and discussion with consultants. All students will be required to make a number of different submissions, including a detailed examination of a building proposal. Professional Practice is supported by two lecture series and is completed during the second year of the course. All students will be expected to make a written submission at the end of each series. Study tours and international collaborations take place each year related to the studio units and there is the possibility for exchange under the Erasmus (Europe) and the American/Australian exchange programme in the first full-time year.

Assessment

Project review, assignments and essays.

Career Opportunities

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.

Location

All Saints Campus, Manchester

Duration

2 years full time or 4 years part time

Entry Requirements

You will normally have at least an upper second class undergraduate honours degree in architecture and/or ARB/RIBA Part 1. Admission will normally be dependent on a successful application and interview.

A portfolio of work on CD in PDF format should be submitted with your application form. It should include a table of contents with information regarding the duration of project and in which academic year/level it was completed. We also require a concise letter of intent and two references, one of which must be from a former tutor.

How to Apply

Prospective MArch candidates are asked to submit the following information with their applications:

  • A concise letter of intent introducing your academic interests and explaining your reasons for wanting to attend the MSA.
  • A portfolio of work on CD in PDF format. Include a table of contents with information regarding the duration of project and in which academic year/level it was completed.
  • At least 2 referees are required, one of which should be from a former tutor/instructor.

Students who graduated with a BA from the MSA in 2011 and attained a degree classification of 1st or 2:1, need not apply. Students in this category will be receiving automatic offer letters in the post to the address that is on file. All other students must formally submit an application.

Fees

Existing students completing the BA(Hons) Architecture Part 1 who progress to Master of Architecture will remain on their existing fee structure (with restrictions)

UK and EU students full time £3,465

UK and EU students part time £289 per 10 credit unit

Non-EU overseas students full-time £16,500

The following will apply to the remaining UK and EU students (not already in the UK system)

UK and EU students full-time £9,000

UK and EU students part-time £750 per 10 credit unit

Non-EU overseas students full-time £16,500

Enquiries

If you require any further information about this course please use our Course Enquiry Form.

Ateliers

Contested Peripheries
Continuity in Architecture
Intimate Cities
MSAp
QED
[Re_Map]

ARB Prescription

The process leading to the title 'architect in the UK is defined in 3 parts – normally two university degrees (Parts 1 and 2) and a further award focussed on professional practice (Part 3). Students seeking entry to the MArch (Part 2) who do not hold an undergraduate qualification (Bachelors award) that is prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 may not be eligible for continued education at Part 3 level and the subsequent use of the title 'architect' in the UK context.

The ARB operates a process by which it can determine applications from individuals for Part 1 recognition that can occur before, during or after Part 2 study but students should be aware that enrolment onto a Part 2 programme of study does not subsume Part 1 or imply that recognition at Part 1 will necessarily be granted.

The ARB is the only body legally empowered to prescribe qualifications in the UK and particular conditions must be achieved to be eligible for consideration. Applicants are advised if necessary to seek further information from the ARB (www.arb.org.uk) if their intention is to gain exemption from all 3 parts of the education process prescribed by the ARB and be eligible to use the title 'architect' in the UK .