Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

• Architecture

You will normally have at least an upper second class undergraduate UK honours degree in architecture from a RIBA School.

You will also need to have completed at least six months work in an architectural practice or a related built environment design field.

A portfolio of work should be submitted with your application. We also require a personal statement and two references in support of your application, one from an academic from your previous institution, the other a reference or references from your current/previous employer(s) confirming your six months of practical experience.

Admission will normally be dependent on a successful application and possibly an interview.

Equivalent EU/international qualifications will also be considered. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Other professional qualifications or degree disciplines will be considered on merit and/or with relevant professional experience.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Application requirements are subject to PSRB requirements.

See for details.

Accepted English qualifications can be viewed .

Alternative Route Entry

The Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø School of Architecture (MSA) acknowledges that students can excel at different stages of their educational journey. As such, we will consider applications from individuals who did not achieve an upper-second-class or first-class degree in Architecture, provided they can demonstrate the following:

A minimum of two full years of work experience in an architectural practice or a related design field.

An employer reference that explicitly states the length of employment. Only practical experience completed in increments of at least three months will be considered.

Additional relevant experience, such as participation in design competitions, travel, or other creative pursuits that demonstrate architectural engagement.

A comprehensive CV outlining professional activities.

A personal statement of approximately 500 words detailing personal and professional progress since completing their undergraduate degree.

Applications must include a CV, a statement, and a small selection of a design portfolio. Failure to include these supporting documents will result in the application not being considered. Applicants shortlisted for consideration will be invited to attend an interview. During the interview, candidates will present a complete portfolio, discuss their professional development since their undergraduate degree, and outline their motivation for joining the MSA.

Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:

• MArch (full-time)
  UK students (per annum): £9,790 p/a collected by MMU
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £32,000 p/a collected by MMU
• MArch (part-time)
  UK students (per annum): £2,373.75 per 30 credits collected by MMU
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £8,000 per 30 credits collected by MMU

Specialist costs

Compulsory: 1,700

Optional: 2,000

It is advised that students own a laptop for collating and developing written and visual research, for producing written submissions and presentations, and to facilitate flexible independent working. Subject specific CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is also required.

Specialist software and IT equipment is available on campus in both the School of Architecture and Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Metropolitan University Library and is accessible remotely via our remote access systems. There are also laptops available on short term loan.

General use of workshop facilities is not charged for.

Materials are provided for machine and process inductions, however, further materials used when developing individual project work are not provided but are available for purchase at cost from workshop stores.

Workshop and material costs are therefore dependent on personal project ambitions.

Placement costs

Optional: 1,000

Students will normally make several visits to their chosen project site, this may be in the immediate vicinity of the university, but it may be further away. Students may be given the opportunity to engage with a national and/or international precedent study visit.

As such, costs will be dependent on the level and scope of each student’s research activity.

Other costs

Compulsory: 20

Optional:100

Students will probably need to support their Events Programme. Students may choose to buy books, although the library is excellent.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).

International Postgraduate Scholarship

International students who have been accepted onto this course may be eligible for a £3,000 scholarship in the first year of study. We will assess your eligibility when you apply to this course. You do not need to apply to this scholarship separately. apply.

ARB Prescription

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 be eligible to use the title 'architect' in the UK.

A Master of Architecture comprises of 240 credits. In the first year, you will study 120 credits made up of five core modules. You will enhance your awareness of the broader context in which architects work, take part in collaborative 'live' projects, expand your understanding of professional requirements, and produce a strategic, comprehensive building proposal.

Core modules:

• Architect As Researcher
• Architect in Collaboration
• Architect in Practice
• Architect in Studio: Resolution
• Architect in Studio: Strategy

Optional modules

A Master of Architecture comprises of 240 credits. In the second year, you will study 120 credits made up of three core modules, including a dissertation. You will advance your abilities in formal experimentation to envision new possibilities and explore your individual interests in the field of architecture.

Full time year 2 (120 credits)

Core modules:

• Atelier Innovation
• Atelier Exploration
• Dissertation

Optional Modules

The Master of Architecture (MArch) at Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø School of Architecture (MSA) is the final stage of formal academic architectural education leading towards professional registration and is designed to develop architects who can lead, innovate and respond to the complex challenges facing the built environment. Combining research-led design, critical thinking and professional practice, the course encourages students to become independent thinkers capable of shaping the future of architecture.

Delivered over two years, the programme is structured to progressively deepen your design, research and professional expertise. In the first year, you will join one of MSA's specialist research-driven ateliers, exploring contemporary architectural issues through studio projects, seminars, workshops and collaborative learning. You will develop advanced design methodologies while examining topics such as climate resilience, sustainable development, social responsibility and the future of cities.

In the second year, you will build greater independence through an extensive thesis and design project, defining your own architectural agenda and intellectual position. Students regularly engage with real-world challenges through projects focused on adaptive reuse, urban regeneration, environmental design and community-centred architecture. Recent MArch cohorts have collaborated with housing associations, schools, arts organisations, local authorities, developers and climate action networks, producing work that addresses pressing social, cultural and environmental issues.

As part of the internationally renowned Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø School of Architecture—ranked among the world's leading architecture schools—you will benefit from a unique partnership between Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Metropolitan University and The University of Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø. This joint model provides access to the expertise, facilities and resources of both institutions, resulting in an exceptional learning experience.

Teaching is delivered by research-active academics, practising architects and leading industry professionals whose expertise directly informs studio projects and professional discussions. Through engagement with practitioners, clients and external organisations, students gain valuable insight into contemporary architectural practice.

You will have access to specialist making and media workshops, digital fabrication facilities, libraries, computer suites and collaborative studio spaces across both universities. The programme's strong links with Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø's thriving architecture, development and regeneration sectors create opportunities for industry engagement, networking and live project work.

Graduates leave with the advanced design, research and leadership skills needed to progress towards professional qualification, contribute to leading architectural practices and make a meaningful impact on the environmental and social challenges shaping the future of architecture.

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

As a student at Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø School of Architecture (MSA), you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø and Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Metropolitan University.

You will benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions including libraries, computer suites, and making and media workshops.

Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate that includes each institution's crest and awarding body title.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.

For more information, email  dass@manchester.ac.uk

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