Welcome to the Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA), the UK's largest student-led architecture society. Representing over 1,200 students across MSA's dual institutions, MSSA is shaped by a shared culture of creativity, collaboration, and community.

This year introduced the MSSA Student Tutoring System, pairing BA1 and BA2 students with upper-year peers. The initiative strengthens everyday support within the school and builds a more connected learning environment.

With 15 active subgroups, student-led activity continues to define MSSA. From bake sales and cultural events to showroom visits, workshops, and this year's zine, these initiatives bring people together beyond the studio. Competitions organised across subgroups have also created space to test ideas, challenge conventions, and share new work.

Our outreach has grown beyond Manchester, with connections established across Liverpool, Salford, Edinburgh, and other schools. These exchanges extend MSSA into a wider student architecture network.

Through MSA Active, our umbrella for sports subgroups, initiatives such as MMA for MSA and MSA Archers Basketball support wellbeing through training, matches, and socials, building strong communities alongside academic life.

MSSA Subgroups

Climate Action Group (CAG)

Our objective is to teach our MSSA student body about real industry sustainability and application in design. Networking opportunities for climate and environment conscious architects through competition and design.

Goals for 2025/26:

  • Visits and collaboration with architecture practices that embody sustainable and climate-aware design practices in industry.
  • Guest seminars from pioneers in sustainable architecture and design.
  • Decarbonisation and climate-aware/resilient architecture competitions.
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Commercial Property Group (CPG)

The Commercial Property Group (CPG) is a new MSSA initiative exploring the financial life of buildings beyond design. We bridge architectural education with the property industry, unpacking funding, planning, development, leasing, and long-term management to show how our drawings can turn into developments.

Goals for 2025/26:

  • Run workshops with industry professionals
  • Connect design education with property practice
  • Grow networks for careers and mentorship
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EDI Fora

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Evolving Records of Architecture (ERA)

ERA's (Evolving Records of Architecture) is a student-led society and platform dedicated to exploring how architecture evolves through time, culture, society, and technology. Through archival research, historical inquiry, and creative engagement, we collect, curate, and reinterpret architectural histories to better understand the forces that shape the built environment today.

Our society encourages students to engage critically with architectural narratives through guided archive visits, historical city walks, museum and gallery tours, theoretical talks, workshops, and film screenings. By connecting historical movements, material evidence, and cultural contexts with contemporary practice, ERAS aims to make architectural history accessible, interactive, and relevant to current discourse.

Grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and exploration, ERAS creates a space where students can document, discuss, and creatively reimagine architecture as an evolving record rather than a static past.

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Idesign

Here at iDesign, we're here to encourage and help students with a passion for interiors to explore and collaborate with like-minded peers through workshops, showroom visits and even competitions. We aim to be an outlet beyond the classroom for you to share and grow your interest whilst building a supportive community for designers who enjoy the finer details. If you're interested in interior design as a potential career path after university, check out our events.

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Life Drawing

MSSA Life Drawing Society runs sessions and socials based around figure and in-situ drawing. At each session we provide materials, including a range of mediums to experiment with, so that getting involved is easy and affordable! Hope to see you soon!

Goals for 2025/26:

  • Provide a welcoming, relaxing space where anyone can practise observational drawing.
  • Organise drawing-based social events to connect with like-minded architecture students.
  • Take a well deserved break from studio!
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M+

M+ Magazine is the creative publication and interdisciplinary platform of the Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA), created by students from the Manchester School of Architecture. More than a traditional architecture magazine, M+ acts as a space for experimentation, discussion, and collaboration across art, design, culture, and the built environment. The publication encourages students to explore ideas beyond conventional architectural boundaries through writing, illustration, photography, graphic design, and critical reflection.

M+ aims to platform student, staff, and professional voices while fostering a creative community within the school. Alongside printed and digital publications, the platform organizes workshops, talks, exhibitions, and collaborative events that help students develop both technical and creative skills. These activities provide opportunities for students to engage with new forms of representation, learn from professionals and peers, and contribute to an evolving creative culture at MSA.

The “plus” in M+ represents the publication's interdisciplinary ethos: architecture plus art, technology, theory, culture, and experimentation. By bringing together diverse perspectives and modes of expression, M+ creates a platform where students can challenge conventions, share ideas, and shape conversations surrounding architecture and creativity.

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MMA for MSA

MMA for MSSA is a society that gives architecture students the chance to train in Mixed Martial Arts. Through sessions and workshops, we promote fitness, resilience, and stress relief, while creating a supportive community where beginners and experienced members alike can grow stronger and more confident.

Goals for 2025/26:

  • Grow training sessions and workshops.
  • Strengthen community through events.
  • Make MMA fun, accessible, and supportive.
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MSA Archers Basketball

MSA Archers Basketball is a student-led subgroup aiming to represent the UK's second largest team sport at MSA! We host weekly sessions and fundraisers so whether you're a seasoned veteran or a beginner on the court, we welcome you to compete and have fun!

Goals for 2025/26:

  • Host competitive and social events
  • Enter Campus League
  • Train and compete!
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MSADU

MSA Debate Union is dedicated to bring together aspiring architects to critically explore the forces shaping our built environment, from climate resilience and social equity to digital innovation. Through debates, workshops, and speaker sessions, we sharpen analytical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration to challenge design decisions.

Goals for 2025/26:

  • Host debates more frequently
  • Regular discussion groups
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MSSA Photography

We are the community for passionate photographers of all skill levels! We aim to foster creativity, improve technical skills, and encourage artistic expression across both mediums of architecture and photography. Whether you're interested in documenting architectural processes, experimenting with photography techniques, or just looking for a break from studio, we celebrate photography in all its forms.

Goals for 2025/26:

  • Interactive workshops and talks
  • Frequent competitions
  • Group trips and photo-walks
  • Collaborations with other societies
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Nexus

At NEXUS, the Materials & Technology subgroup within the Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA), we aim to connect architectural education with emerging material innovation and technical practice. Our focus is on offering students practical insight into contemporary and future construction materials, technologies, and systems, while encouraging critical exploration of their applications in design.

Our mission is to foster a culture of curiosity across the MSA student community.

To support this, NEXUS delivers a programme of hands-on workshops, student competitions, and curated exhibitions centred on materials and technology. We also play an active role in curating the School's material library as a dynamic learning resource.

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WOAH

WOAHs aim is to raise awareness about the homelessness crisis in Manchester and beyond. From handing out care packages and holding fundraising bake sales to organising competitions and lectures surrounding the topic, we are committed to making a difference.

Goals for this year:

  • Insightful lectures
  • Fun and exciting social events
  • Making a difference in society
  • So much more!
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