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Manchester School of Architecture

Manchester, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 18,744
  • Tuition Fee From£ 3,500
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength1,000
  • Global Diversity30%
  • Gender Ratio70:30

Overview

About

The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University's architecture departments merged to become the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), a School of Architecture, in 1996. With over 1000 students from over 80 different nations enrolled overall, the school boasts a fairly diversified student body. Students of MSA are considered to be students of both universities and are given unique cards for each institution, enabling them to utilise the facilities and resources of both schools. Both universities present the degree to the graduate.

 

A variety of professionally recognised undergraduate, graduate, and research degrees are available, giving students the chance to develop the skills necessary to become licenced architects in the UK. Three key facets of architectural education are covered by the Manchester School of Architecture. A professional postgraduate course (MArch) grants an exemption to the RIBA Part Two exams, followed by a variety of postgraduate Masters and PhD courses. An undergraduate course (BA Hons) has an exemption from the RIBA Part One test.

 

Institutions including the Architects Registration Board (ARB), Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA), and The Landscape Institute have accredited the courses at the Manchester School of Architecture. The school has developed a reputation for the diversity, energy, and accomplishments of its students, which are reflected in professional institutions' evaluations and the spectrum of awards received from outside sources.

 

The Kantorowich Building serves as the school's home. It has a lovely courtyard with pools and a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth that was once on the show. Since its establishment in the building's basement in 1970, the B.15 Modelmaking Workshop has served all architecture courses offered at the university.


 

Graduate teaching is directly influenced by researchers from the Manchester Architectural Research Centre (MARC). MARC, a multidisciplinary research team situated at the University of Manchester, provides an interdisciplinary environment for architectural research at MSA. Its employees and postgraduate students are researchers in a range of related subjects of study.

Ranking

The Manchester School of Architecture rankings has consistently been placed among the top 10 of the 47 universities in the United Kingdom with RIBA certification since its founding in 1996. The institution is not normally listed among most universities because it is an architecture-specific institution rather than a standard university that offers a wider range of academic programmes. Below are a few ranking highlights of the university -

  • The Guardian University Guide - Architecture (2021) - #6
  • QS World University Rankings - Architecture (2022) - #7
  • QS World University Rankings - Built Environment (2021) - #401-450

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

-

2022

-

-

2021

-

#58

Facilities

Students in the Manchester School of Architecture have access to the facilities and resources of both Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester. With more than four million printed volumes, over 500,000 eBooks, more than 40,000 digital journals, and hundreds of online databases, the University of Manchester boasts one of the best-stocked libraries in the UK. The Manchester Society of Architects' Library, which houses significant and rare publications on the history of architecture, is one of the special collections in Manchester Metropolitan University's nationally renowned art and design collection. The Manchester School of Architecture facilities also includes the following -

  • Model making workshops
  • Wood and plastic workshops
  • Print workshops
  • Metal workshops
  • Computer-aided manufacturing
  • Photography and editing suites
  • IT resources
  • Material stores

Notable Alumni

Norman Foster
Norman Foster
Architect
Stephen Hodder
Stephen Hodder
Architect
Leslie Martin
Leslie Martin
English Architect
Norman Robert Foster
Norman Robert Foster
English architect
Stephen Hodder
Stephen Hodder
English architect

Courses

Admission

Manchester School Of Architecture Acceptance Rate 

The Manchester School of Architecture, a collaborative venture between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, maintains a competitive admissions process with a selective acceptance rate. While specific acceptance rate figures may vary from year to year, the school typically attracts many applicants due to its esteemed reputation and quality of programmes.

 

Manchester School of Architecture Entry Requirements

When it comes to admission at the Manchester School of Architecture, most candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio, and a statement of 400-450 words. Students will also need to submit a few examples of their artwork that showcases their proficiency in drawing, creativity, ability to use a diverse range of media, and creative process. Along with these, the Manchester School of Architecture entry requirements varies according to the selected programme. Below is a list of the requirements for admission

  • A-Level - AAA
  • Minimum of Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics
  • International Baccalaureate- 36 points overall. 6, 6, 6 in higher-level subjects
  • English Language - IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0

 

This table outlines the IELTS requirements for admission to Manchester University programmes, specifying the minimum scores required for the overall IELTS band and individual sub-sections, such as writing, listening, reading, and speaking.

IELTS Requirement

Score

Overall Score

6.5

Writing Sub-section

6.5

Other Sub-sections (Listening, Reading, Speaking)

≥ 6.0

 

Manchester School of Architecture fees

The institution offers several programs at different levels. Listed below are the Manchester School of Architecture fees based on various courses

  • BA (Hons) Architecture - £26,000 per year
  • Master of Architecture - £26,000 per year
  • Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) - £3084 per 30 credits per year
  • PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice - £5,667 per year

 

Placements

Manchester School of Architecture placement services provides students with a range of opportunities to gain practical experience and build professional connections through internships, work placements, and other hands-on experiences. Students also have access to career services at both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University where they can make use of a wide range of opportunities including job adverts, CV clinics and much more.

 

Manchester School of Architecture has connections with a wide range of organisations from across the North West, UK and beyond, which allows students to gain valuable experience working on real-world projects. The school also hosts an annual open review in the month of March where they showcase studio projects of the Master of Architecture and Masters of Landscape Architecture students. This gives students opportunities to get feedback, discuss, learn and network with other practitioners

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the Manchester School of Architecture through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:

 

  • Merit-based scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships

  • Country-specific scholarships

  • College-specific scholarships

  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Manchester School of Architecture. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Manchester School of Architecture. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Manchester is a vibrant and bustling city that is known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving arts and music scenes, and diverse communities. As a student at the University of Manchester, you will have the opportunity to experience all that this exciting city has to offer. When it comes to the cost of living in the city, Manchester is a sizable city, yet it's also regarded as one of the most reasonably priced metropolitan cities in the world. Only 10% of its residents said they thought it was expensive according to, Time Out Index (2022). This makes it a great option for students planning to pursue education at the Manchester School of Architecture. Below is a list of expenses that prospective students should keep in mind


 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 765

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 619

Transportation

£ 80

Food Cost

£ 479

Entertainment

£ 40

Groceries

£ 128

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,562

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,416

Annual Cost of Living

£ 18,744

FAQs