The MSSA is a completely student led society at Manchester School of Architecture, we work closely with students, tutors, lecturers and collaborators inside and outside the school to deliver an improved student life for our 800+ members. We aim to celebrate students of architecture by enabling experiences that put us into the city. We present students with a wide range of experiences and ideas through academic and social events. The society encourages and promotes new ideas within the school, providing students the opportunity to put on events that they believe in. We are immensely proud of our team this year with some of the biggest and best events we have done so far - club nights, guest lectures by some incredible speakers, debates, campaigns, competitions and more. The MSSA has a genuine interest in bettering the university experience, providing skills workshops and even tea and coffee (in real and virtual settings) to improve the studio environment. Year on year the society has grown and outdone itself and we are excited to show you what we have planned for the next academic year.
Membership of the MSSA is free for all students of Manchester School of Architecture, and you are able to register officially through the MMU and UOM union websites.
We are the UK’s largest student society of architecture, representing over 1200+ students across two universities and an art school. We are committed to providing varied opportunities to reflect the diverse aspirations of our members.
Our committee is represented by students across the years at MSA, we encourage involvement from all our members and are always looking to increase member representation. We want to hear your ideas and get your input for making the students’ experience better. Please reach us @architecturemssa on Instagram or email us at architecturemssa@gmail.com
MSA is an incredibly diverse space, with people of all cultures, identities, and abilities. Our group aims to celebrate this diversity, and create a safe and inclusive space for all. Through various events and podcasts that we organise, we constantly look for ways to provide students a platform to express themselves, and opportunities to educate on the differences. We are a small and new group, but we have big goals and ambitions.
Idesign is a student-led subgroup aimed to inspire architecture students in the field of interior and furniture design, through showroom visits, talks with industry professionals, and annual design competitions.
MSSA Life Drawing Society aims to provide affordable and accessible life drawing sessions for students at the MSA. We will provide opportunities for still life drawing, figure drawing and in-situ drawing for students of all levels of experience. This society will be a great way to develop observational drawing skills and understanding of composition and space, as well as a place to unwind outside of studio.
Our society is crafted for architecture students looking to find balance between the challenges of the studio and personal well-being. Through Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training, we provide a space where you can grow physically, mentally, and socially, while building resilience to thrive in your studies and beyond. Whether you’re completely new to MMA or have prior experience, our sessions are designed to suit all levels. We focus on pad work, conditioning, circuit training, and partner drills – all in a safe environment that promotes teamwork and personal growth. Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals who understand the pressures of architecture school and share your drive to push limits, both on and off the mat.
We are a collective of enthusiastic students, interested in discussing about architecture through a provocative lens. We believe in driving the architectural profession forward via a constant dialogue among experts from all backgrounds imaginable on all sorts of topics ranging from gender and inclusivity to artificial intelligence. Each debate is incredibly enriching and enlightening and keeps the architecture discourse in a state of flux. By inviting people with different passions, we get a range of varying perspectives and voices which fuel our creativity as designers.
MSA Archers Basketball is a student-led organisation and subgroup of MSSA representing Manchester School of Architecture. We aim to represent the UK’s second largest team sport hosting regular sessions, competitive matches and social events, so whether you're a seasoned veteran or beginner on the court, we welcome you to develop your skills, stay active and connect with your cohort who share a passion for basketball!
Welcome to the official football community for the Manchester School of Architecture. Founded just last year, our community has quickly established itself with great success both on and off the pitch. We offer a fantastic blend of social and competitive football. Whether you’re here to have fun, make new friends, or challenge yourself, come join MSA FC!
We are what coffee is to architects: essential! Our group is raising awareness on the interconnection between the built environment and climate... in an interactive way ;) We aim to educate about the changes needed to direct the built environment education in Manchester towards a more sustainable and balanced future! Working closely with our diverse student buddy, stuff, and external student networks we give you a great opportunity to be a better, greener architect. Be part of the change!
M+ is an independent student-led magazine focussing on one spatial re-invention per issue. Themes are chosen based on challenging conventional concepts of space. It embraces abstraction, reinterpretation and unanswerable questions - inviting readers to decide. The content of the magazine is produced with and for students, academics and professionals, while the team curates, adapts and restructures the magazine to the theme’s changing definition. It is made using a collaborative, all-are-invited and a ‘what’s more?’ approach. The magazine attempts to use a single microcosm to shed light on issues to broaden all minds.
At NEXUS, the technology subgroup at MSSA, we help architecture students explore new materials and technical solutions. Our goals are to ORGANISE workshops that inspire creativity and curiosity in exploring new technologies and materials in architecture, PARTNER with material specialists to provide members with hands-on experiences and knowledge of innovative materials, and to PLAN and EXECUTE two interactive events each month, offering consistent opportunities for learning and collaboration.
MSSA Photography is a network of avid photographers and photography enthusiasts across the architecture school. With humble origins as a student group helping out documenting events, we have flourished to organise monthly photography outings and competitions as well, where shortlisted entries are featured across our social media and printed in collaboration with the MSSA magazine. Joining passion with pleasant get-togethers, we provide a space for hobbyists and professionals alike to share and bond outside of the studio. Find us at our Instagram page (@mssaphotography) for more information!
WithOutAHome (WOAH) is a student-led non-profit group that aims at combatting Manchester’s homelessness crisis, by way of reducing the stigma and challenging ourselves to make the city friendlier towards the homeless. We also hope to start conversations on the concept and importance of home. How do we fit into this world in relation to everyone around us? How can we bridge the gaps between all our communities?
The MSSA is always looking for speakers, collaborators, new committee members and people to get involved with our subgroups. Please contact us by email or talk to a committee member to find out more.
