Architecture MArch

at Northumbria University

Design practice is at the core of all of our architecture programmes. Design is the means by which we can understand, speculate about, and then enact a change in the material world.

 

• The Master of Architecture (MArch) programme is structured in two, inter-related strands:
•     Design (practice and research)
•     Theory (research and critical practice)

In the MArch design modules comprise 50% of year one and 75% of year two (the ‘design thesis’).

 

We offer a minimum of three ‘vertical studios’, each of which establishes a particular territory addressed, initially, with a predominant, studio thematic (approaches in relation to themes, e.g.  time, scale, and narrative). Every student is expected to demonstrate their increasing independence, self-reflection and criticality as they proceed through the course, while also contributing to the group dialogue about individual projects and the evolution of their studio’s positionality and approaches to real-world concerns. Students can choose to join one studio for two years to develop an area of interest in depth, or can join different studios in each year, producing a diverse portfolio across different geographical conditions (e.g. rural/ coastal, post-industrial/ peri-urban, urban/ suburban).

 

In year one the Theory strand is delivered through workshops and lectures, with guest lecturers providing discussions of their experiences and alternative perspectives, and thematic research seminar groups in semester 2, leading to the design of an individual research proposal. This research project is realised in an independent, supervised, masters’ level, Student Selected Investigation in semester one of year two.

 

The Student Selected Investigation (S.S.I.) can be through:

 

• Practice Research: research is undertaken through creative practices as methodology and/ or outputs (artefacts, material investigations, etc.) Students will be expected to relate their investigation to wider cultural context, history, precedent, and current academic discourses.
• Pedagogy: for students with a particular interest in architectural design education, practical experience and knowledge can be gained as a teaching assistant and contextualised in a self-reflective essay related to theories and models of architectural pedagogy.
• Extended essay: constructing a coherent, written argument, demonstrating appropriate modes of analysis, and synthesising broader concepts and current discourses related the chosen topic.

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

 

Year one

 

• KA5041 -Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
• KA6044 -Design Project 1: Experimentation (30 Credits)
• KA6045 -Design Project 2: Speculation (30 Credits)
• KA6046 -Architectural Research Methods (30 Credits)
• KA6047 -Practice Management and Law (30 Credits)

Year two

 

• KA7011 -Design Project 3: Analysis and Proposal (40 Credits)
• KA7012 -Design Project 4 - Realisation (50 Credits)
• KA7013 -Student Selected Investigation (30 Credits)
• KA7056 -Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

 

Standard Entry

 

Applicants should normally have:

 

A minimum of a 2.ii honours degree in architecture from an RIBA validated / ARB accredited school of architecture, or equivalent.

 

A minimum of three months post-Part 1 experience in an architecture practice is preferred, but applications are considered on an individual basis, particularly where transferrable skills and applicable knowledge can be demonstrated.

 

Applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio with their application.

 

English Language Requirements:

 

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.

EU Fee in Year 1: £16,500

 

International Fee in Year 1: £16,500

Most people undertaking the Master of Architecture do so with the intention of becoming a registered architect.

 

Studying architecture provides a broad background knowledge in the liberal arts and transferable skills including design and communication via a comprehensive mix of manual and digital methods; self-reflection and intrinsic motivation; analytical and critical thinking; and awareness of social justice and environmental responsibility. These attributes then allow architecture graduates to choose to be a ‘general practitioner’ or to specialise within the profession of architecture or to diversify into other areas.

 

The MArch course fulfils the ARB/RIBA Part II requirements for professional accreditation and will enable you to develop the higher level skills of design and research needed to support self-directed architectural design projects, and to shape your future career.

 

Accreditations

 

Prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 2 level for the purpose of registration in the UK.

 

Validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at Part 2 level for the purpose of eligibility for membership of the RIBA.

 

Accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) for the purpose of eligibility for registration as a Graduate Architect with the Board of Architects Malaysia. This programme meets the accreditation criteria, attributes, knowledge and skills required in Architectural Study as stated in the Manual of Accreditation for Architecture Programme.