Climate Action Group (CAG)

Established in 2018, the Climate Action Group (CAG) is a student-led platform at the Manchester School of Architecture that champions the integration of sustainability into education and practice.

Over the year, CAG has driven impactful initiatives, including the development of a material reuse guide in collaboration with MSA Co-Works and B15. We have organised alternative façade workshops using paper, encouraging the exploration of natural materials and responsible resource use.

In addition, CAG launched its first design competition, recognised by the prestigious Architects' Journal (AJ), addressing housing solutions through modular design. Through hands-on engagement and creative dialogue, we continue to empower students to critically engage with environmental challenges, including hosting a sustainability-focused debate between MSA ateliers to inspire meaningful change within architectural practice & policies.

EDI Fora

MSA EDI FORA is the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity forum at the Manchester School of Architecture. Over the year, we’ve collaborated with MSA Beyond to celebrate global festivals and worked with subgroups like the Debate Union to host a debate and MSA Archers for a bake sale. We’ve also hosted our own events, including a Valentine’s movie night and an inspiring alumni talk by Remi Phillips-Hood. Looking ahead, we aim to create a safe space for student voices through an informal feedback box and host regular, relaxed socials like board game nights to continue fostering connection and inclusion across MSA.

Idesign

iDesign is the interior design subgroup of the Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA). As a student-led initiative, we aim to give architecture students the chance to explore and appreciate the world of interiors, an often overlooked yet vital aspect of the built environment. Through hands-on workshops, showroom visits, and design competitions. Whether you’re passionate about interiors or just curious, iDesign offers the opportunity to deepen your understanding and engage with this dynamic and creative field.

Life Drawing

The MSSA Life Drawing Society aims to provide affordable and accessible life drawing sessions for students of all levels of experience. We host events to provide a way to develop observational drawing skills, understanding of composition and a space to unwind outside of academic work.

This society was founded in 2023 and has since held 28 sessions, for 170+ cumulative attendees, including life drawing sessions, trips to galleries and socials. We also curated two exhibitions in 2024 and 2025 to display the work of our members, each exhibition celebrating the act of drawing and freedom of expression through the medium.

M+

In the M+ Zine Society, we aim to celebrate zine culture and creative expression where traditional methodologies weave with contemporary approaches. We aim to reintroduce creative methodologies into the academic environment, encouraging conceptual thinking through art. Our society provides a safe space for students to explore and translate themselves through various arts (but not limited to) —graphic design, photography, illustration, writing, and more. We believe in the power of self-curation and publishing to amplify student voices and especially expression. Throughout the year, we host several hands-on workshops and publish one issue. The 11th issue, Hidden in Sight, was our most recent one (out now!).

MMA for MSA

MMA for MSA was a subgroup that ran fitness classes, which focused on a full-body workout that helped architecture students relieve stress and stay active during the stressful periods of architecture coursework! This was adapted to the demanding schedules of the architecture curriculum, with sessions that work around studio times and intense deadlines!

Throughout the year, we have shown a handful of people how to learn some techniques from MMA, Taekwondo and Aikido. We hope to carry on our progress to our successors for next year to introduce a new pool of martial arts!

MSA Archers Basketball

Founded in 2024, MSA Archers Basketball is a student-led subgroup aiming to represent the UK’s second largest team sport here at MSA.

We host weekly sessions so whether you're a seasoned veteran or a beginner on the court, we welcome you to train, compete and enjoy games in a friendly and supportive environment. With regular sessions, competitive matches and social events, we hope to welcome you to develop your skills, stay active and connect with your cohort who share a passion for basketball! Throughout the year, we’ve hosted numerous sessions and events with plans to enter the upcoming campus league!

MSADU

MSA Debate Union is a student‑led forum at the Manchester School of Architecture dedicated to rigorous dialogue on the forces shaping our built environment. Through fortnightly debates, expert speaker sessions and workshops, we dissect themes ranging from climate resilience and social equity to digital innovation. Our practice combines formal adjudication, case‑study challenges to cultivate analytical thinking, persuasive communication and interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging theoretical research and professional insight, we empower members to critically evaluate design decisions and articulate visionary solutions. Grounded in respect, inclusivity and curiosity, MSA Debate Union champions debate as a tool for enriching architectural education and practice.

MSA FC

MSA FC, the official football community for the Manchester School of Architecture. Founded just last year, the community has quickly established itself with great success both on and off the pitch. They offer a fantastic blend of social and competitive football. Throughout the year the subgroup has been a great way to have fun, make new friends, or challenge yourself, come join MSA FC next year!

MSSA Photography

MSSA Photography is a vibrant community of photographers and enthusiasts within the architecture school. From modest beginnings in 2020 focused on documenting events, we’ve grown into a creative collective hosting monthly photo walks, workshops, and themed competitions. Selected student works are showcased on our social media and featured in the M+ magazine. Blending passion with friendly get-togethers, we offer a welcoming space for both hobbyists and professionals to connect, create, and share beyond the studio.

Nexus

Nexus is MSSA’s tech and materials group, where we explore how architecture and technology come together in creative and practical ways. We run events that help students learn, get inspired, and connect with industry professionals.

Events this year included: a ‘Techwalk’ to Manchester Brick Specialists' new showroom, a three-day Pasta Competition, two mycelium brick workshops with a guest speaker and a series of CPD talks. We also established a Materials Library.

Whether it’s walking to a showroom or chatting with experts, Nexus is all about making architecture more hands-on and engaging. We’re curious, collaborative, and always up for new ideas.

WOAH

WOAH (WithOut a Home) is an initiative that raises awareness of homelessness through the architectural lens. Focused on creating socially engaged solutions, WOAH has curated various projects, including competitions, exhibitions, fundraising, and donations. All are to challenge the status quo and advocate for much-needed approaches to housing. Through interdisciplinary collaboration internally and externally, the subgroup emphasises the importance of addressing homelessness in architecture and urban design, pushing for impactful, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. The initiative fosters dialogue and actively engages in designing spaces that empower and uplift those without a permanent home.