Courses to help you to reach your ambitions

MSA provides all the necessary degree courses for you to become a qualified architect or landscape architect in the UK, with many of our graduates going on to have successful careers with the field of architecture in practices and as individuals. The Reichstag Dome in Berlin (Norman Foster), the Olympic Park masterplans in London and Rio de Janeiro (James Prior) and the Highline in New York (James Corner) are just some examples of our alumni’s work from across the globe.

Other graduates have gone onto work in fields such as advertising, art history, architecture and design communication and website design following graduation, reflecting how the transferrable set of skills gained on our courses can prepare you for following a wide range of career paths.

A pathway to a career in architecture

In the UK, architecture is regulated by PSRB’s (Professional, Statutory, Regulatory Bodies), who are involved in the prescription and validation of architectural courses. These include the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

At the Manchester School of Architecture we offer the full suite of architectural courses from Part 1 to Part 3. Below shows how our courses fit into the standard path to becoming a registered architect.

BA (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 1 – three years full-time

BA (Hons) Architecture

Develop your core architectural skills and understanding to prepare you for experience in industry (Stage 1).

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Practical Experience Stage 1 – typically one year

Practical Experience

Paid practical experience in architectural practice supported by a Professional Studies Advisor. You may choose to work for longer to save money or gain additional industry experience. Manchester School of Architecture offers a Professional Studies Advice mentoring service (PSA).

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Master of Architecture (MArch) RIBA Part 2 – 2 years full time or 4 years part-time

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Gain enhanced architectural knowledge and work on more complex projects, and carry out specialist study and research.

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Practical Experience Stage 2 – typically one year

Practical Experience

Paid practical experience in architectural practice supported by a Professional Studies Advisor. Manchester School of Architecture offers a Professional Studies Advisor mentoring service (PSA). At Stage 2, you will be given increased responsibility for projects under the direct supervision of an architect. During your stage 2 experience, you may choose to sign up to a Part 3 course, such as PgCert in Architecture and Contemporary Practice at MSA, which includes a PSA mentoring service.

PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice RIBA Part 3 – part-time

PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice

The Architecture and Contemporary Practice programme at MSA prepares you for your RIBA Part 3 examination. After you have completed Parts 1, 2 and 3, and gained 24 months experience in industry, you are eligible to register as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). MSA can support you throughout the journey.

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Find out more about becoming an architect on the websites of RIBA and ARB.

Our Courses

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BA (Hons) Architecture

Develop your approaches to architecture with one of the highest rated BA (Hons) courses in the UK. Validated by RIBA and ARB, this course gives you a thorough insight into how architects work and prepares you for a year in industry.

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Master of Architecture (MArch)

Peer-to-peer learning, practice based research and live events projects connect students, academics and industry professionals in a student-centred environment. Our MArch programme is highly respected for the capability of its graduates, who succeed in a trans global setting of research and practice in architecture.

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MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

A course about existing buildings, situations and places, and how over time these structures and locations can be encouraged to evolve, sustain new uses, and accommodate new users.

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MA Architecture and Urbanism

Explore the design, function and future of urban situations through written, drawn and modelled work that builds upon the legacy of twentieth century urban theory and is directed towards the development of sustainable cities.

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Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

The Master of Landscape Architecture is a professional qualification, accredited by the Landscape Institute, which provides a route to an internationally recognised qualification in a fast growing, global profession.

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Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD)

Work with staff possessing a unique and broad range of interests and expertise across theory, design, policy and practice. Our research students benefit from their own rooms and facilities located in the heart of the School and are centrally involved in all scholarly activities.

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