Skip navigation
Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course summary

Our two year Master of Architecture course is fully validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to the requirements at Part 2 level – with National Student Survey results for the MArch (not including BA Architecture) for the past two years at 100 per cent for overall student satisfaction. In a world ever-increasingly in flux – economically, environmentally, socio-culturally – there’s an ever greater need for architects able to think creatively, critically and strategically. You’ll be supported in a design and research-led critical inquiry, testing your work in the public domain through live projects in the UK and overseas. You will develop your own sense of praxis, while exploring the potential of architecture to generate more sustainable, inclusive and resilient places. Within six months of degree completion, 100 per cent of our graduates have found professional employment in the UK, Europe and Asia* – with award-winning architects such as AHMM, Allies and Morrison, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Hopkins, John McAslan, Keith Williams, Make, Nicholas Hare and Walters and Cohen. Key features:

  • Get creative with our amazing facilities and resources. You’ll be based in our eye-catching Faculty of Arts building in the heart of the campus, surrounded by students and staff from other art courses. And, you’ll have 2.0 square metres of desk to call your own.
  • Interact with the public domain with architecture that’s responsive to people, places and tectonics. Work with local communities and institutions, including city councils, business organisations and non-governmental organisations.
  • Work on live studio-based projects, both in the UK and abroad. Previous projects have been based in China, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the UK.
  • Benefit from our future-facing programme that features a strong socio-cultural, urban and sustainability dimension.
  • Learn from tutors with industry experience and interdisciplinary research interests. Our school was described as ‘charged’ by The Architects’ Journal.

Modules

YEAR 1 - In your first year, you’ll undertake design studio projects set around live UK or overseas urban regeneration projects. You’ll study your core subjects this year – exploring key theories and tools through philosophies of sustainability; considering urban design praxis through urban methodologies; and deepening your understanding of professional practice through professional studies. Core modules:

  • Inception and Strategic Design
  • Detailed Design
  • Connecting Sustainable Practices
  • Urban Methodologies
FINAL YEAR - In your final year, you’ll have a more flexible timetable. You’ll combine the skills and knowledge you've developed in the design studio with the individual study of an area of your choice. Your design studio projects this year are set around live urban regeneration projects overseas or in the UK. And for your individual study topic, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of modules grounded in current research activity in the School of Architecture, Design and Environment. Core modules:
  • Professional Studies
  • Advanced Inception and Strategic Design
  • Advanced Detailed Design
  • Emerging Research in Architecture
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Assessment method

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letter will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Entry requirements

Essential: * 2.2 degree classification carrying exemption from the ARB/RIBA Part I examination (or similar) with a minimum mark of 55% in final year degree design project work. * Presentation of portfolio for interview which will include a range of competent design, technical and written work. * Suitable references from previous academic institution, employer and/or similar. * Overseas or EU students must attain minimum test scores of 6.5 IELTS (International English Language Testing Scheme) or equivalent standard for TOEFL. Desirable * 6-12 months minimum work experience in an architects’ office (or equivalent) and have completed a Professional Experience Development Record (PEDR) Form monitored by a recognised school of architecture and the RIBA or equivalent ‘Year Out’ experience of professionally related experience in other relevant fields. Note that applications for starting the programme each autumn begin reviewing in the preceding spring. We ask that applications are submitted by the end of April, as we carry out the application review process in May and June with final confirmation of offer of places completed by mid-June.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5With 5.5 in all elements.

Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.

English Language Requirements

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) at University of Plymouth - UCAS