Course summary
Acknowledging the rapidly changing social and professional contexts in which it is situated, the Master of Architecture is a distinctly future oriented course. It provides rigorous understanding of contemporary professional architecture practice; encourages students to combine this with their individual life-wide learning and experiences; and supports them in developing skills of future literacy, to become autonomous agents of positive change. Our graduates are capable and eager to define their own career path, equipped with capabilities to lead the development of the discipline, challenge the status quo, and to thrive in ever changing contexts. Manchester School of Architecture is a unique partnership between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The course leverages the research and technical pedigrees of these two institutions to provide an unrivalled breadth and depth of world leading specialist academic, professional, technical, and teaching expertise. Additionally, the course makes use of the scale of the school to provide interdisciplinary teaching alongside related courses. Teaching on the course takes a student centric approach, where student autonomy is highly valued, dedicated to helping you define your own trajectory from the day before you arrive to the days, and years, after you graduate. During your studies you will be developing your understanding of the contemporary discipline, the contexts in which it is practiced and the pressing factors facing it and wider society. Design projects will focus on contemporary social issues such as the Climate Emergency, and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, supported by specialist contributions from experts in the field. The content of design briefs is continually reviewed to remain world leading and cutting edge. The School’s heritage of working within the city enables regular and meaningful engagement with practices, clients, and other relevant groups throughout the course of your studies. The course maintains an exceptional employer reputation, which enables the course to provide students with opportunities to build their professional networks prior to graduation. Features
- As a Master of Architecture student at Manchester School of Architecture, you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. You will therefore benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suites, making and media workshops and much more. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate. The joint award certificate includes each institution’s crest and awarding body title.
- Consistently ranked as one of the best schools of Architecture in the UK.
- Engaged and responsive design teaching, working with expert, research active academic staff and leading design professionals.
Assessment method
Cross-Atelier reviews and presentations, assessment of digital design portfolios, annotated reports, written dissertation, group work, tasks and assignments.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Architects Registration Board
- Architects Royal Institute of British
Entry requirements
You will normally have at least an upper second-class undergraduate UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in architecture from a RIBA School. Admission will normally be dependent on a successful application and possibly an interview. 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 concise letter of intent and two references, one from an academic from your previous institution, the other a reference from your current employer. 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. Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted. 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. Application requirements are subject to PSRB requirements. Alternative Route Entry: The Manchester 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 reflective statement of approximately 500 words detailing personal and professional progress since completing their undergraduate degree. Applications must include a CV, a reflective 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 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
A Masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
For further information: https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/
Provider information
Manchester Metropolitan University
All Saints Building
All Saints
Manchester
M15 6BH