Why choose this course?
This course aims to develop global architects adept to work within both local and international contexts. You will benefit from:
- a lively, multidisciplinary teaching and learning environment
- an enthusiastic staff team supported by reputed practitioners with eminent visiting professors
- brand new teaching, CAD and studio spaces in a city centre location
- opportunities for live projects and development of individual architectural specialisation
- site visits and field trips
- a commitment to sustainability underlying the curriculum.
This two year, full-time course benefits from being based in the multidisciplinary School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, with the advantage of close links and alignment with the School of Art & Design.
Professional recognition
The course holds the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 Candidate Course Status.
We are currently applying for Architects Registration Board (ARB) Prescription.
Scholarships
The School also offers several scholarship opportunities.
Please visit the School scholarships page for further information.
Postgraduate open evenings
21 March and 9 May 2012
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
Further information
Course enquiries:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2572
Admissions enquiries:
Ask NTU
Telephone:+44 (0)115 9418 418
Please note the following information for applicants
Six key features highlight the distinctive nature of the course.
Educating the global architect
You will be prepared for working with, and sensitively responding to, specific locations, in the UK or elsewhere, with guidance from our international staff. You will undertake complex city site studies to understand their current condition as belonging at once to a particular locality and a globalised context.
Research into design
Throughout the course you will be encouraged to conduct cross-disciplinary research using competently appropriate methodologies.
Practice led ‘Masterclass’
A vertical studio will see leading professionals or academics introducing current themes and challenges into the curriculum.
Cross-disciplinarity
The course places emphasis on the essential cross-disciplinary nature of architecture by drawing on the diverse range of disciplines and expertise from the School or University. This will provide you with the opportunity to develop your own distinctive approaches to architecture.
Celebrating collaboration
The course prepares you for the reality of practice by emphasising collaborative group work, alongside individually orientated projects.
The need to work with and shape the existing built environment
Given that many architectural interventions are concerned with transforming existing settings, our MArch embraces this approach and the practice of ‘modification’ as central to your architectural training.
What do you study?
Year One
- Design: Vertical Studio One (15 CP)
- Design: Intervening in the City (40 CP)
- Architectural Humanities: Theory and Research Methods (15 CP)
- Options* (20 CP)
- Management of Practice and Law (15 CP)
- Architectural Technology and Construction: Theory and Research Methods (15 CP)
- Dissertation / Research Project Preparation
Year Two
- Design: Vertical Studio Two (30 CP)
- Dissertation / Research Project (30 CP)
- Design Thesis (60 CP)
CP = credit points
* Select one from a choice of three modules drawn from our existing provision within the School, giving you the opportunity to work alongside students in another discipline or area. For example: Construction Management, Architectural Technology, or Interior Architecture and Design.
How will you study?
The course will be taught via:
- project-based work
- lectures and seminars
- field trips and site visits
- critiques/reviews
- workshop and laboratory work.
You will be expected to take ownership of your own learning by being proactive contributors to exploratory research, reflective project development and decision-making processes.
Graduate-level research, thinking and articulation is fundamental to the course, which will be underpinned by components embedded in several modules dealing with methodological approaches and the wide range of research methods, the architectural researcher would need to acquire.
The course also aims to emphasise and encourage collaborative (group/team) work as a pivotal aspect of architectural and urban design, and its production, communication and delivery.
External practitioners contribute to the course through reviews and teaching.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used, designed to encourage independent, collaborative and active learning. These include: presentations, projects, an exam and a dissertation.
NOW
NTU's online workspace (NOW) is used to support the course. This web-based learning platform delivers learning materials, up-to-date module information, access to a news board and resources as well as the facility to upload coursework and communicate with tutors and other students.
Who teaches on this course?
You will be taught by an international team of architectural professionals.
Our team consists of architects of international recognition, including prestigious architects shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival 2011.
Course Leader: Alina Hughes
Professional recognition
The course holds the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 Candidate Course Status.
We are currently applying for Architects Registration Board (ARB) Prescription.
Facilities
The Architecture courses are based in the newly refurbished Arkwright building.
This impressive building, designed by Hopkins, has undergone a multi-million pound regeneration and provides bright studio space and CAD rooms. You will also benefit from our excellent workshop and laboratory facilities.
NTU has one of the best graduate employment records in the UK because our world-class courses give you the skills today's employers need.
The course will ensure graduates are engaged with industry through:
- a vertical studio with visiting professors and noted architects, urban designers and academics
- live projects forming an important aspect of the course in both the areas of design and professional practice.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links with industry.
How to apply
Applications should be made directly to the University via the online application form.
You will be required to provide the following documentation with your application:
- a copy of your university / college qualification certificate.
- a copy of your university / college qualification transcript.
- a copy of your English language test certificate (if applicable).
Applicants are advised to provide a comprehensive personal statement which clearly indicates why they have selected the course, their motivations for it, and how they expect to benefit from it.
Entry requirements
All applicants
- Applicants will be required to have a BA or equivalent in Architecture or a close cognate subject, minimum of 2.2.
Examples of work
Depending on your Personal Statement and the course you've applied for, we may ask you to upload a practical portfolio of your work to our secure site. If you'd like to prepare your portfolio in advance here are some guidelines.
- Include a range of work that supports your application and shows your understanding of your specialist area of study.
- Include at least 12 examples of work in the form of photographs, drawings or other media, with dates and descriptions of why the projects were undertaken.
Your examples of work should be saved as a Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple QuickTime presentation of no more than 20 slides.
In order to complete the ARB/RIBA Part Two you must:
- hold a RIBA Part One approved first degree
IF you DON’T have RIBA Part One when applying:
- you have 18 months from the start of the course to get the Part One exemption. If you get the Part One exemption and pass the MArch Architecture course then you get RIBA Part Two and graduate with the MArch Architecture award.
- if you DON’T get (or if you never seek) the RIBA Part One exemption but do pass the course, you will graduate with an MSc Architectural Studies award, which does not provide RIBA accreditation.
International students
- Non-UK academic qualifications will be assessed in comparison to their UK equivalents. Wherever necessary, advice will be sought from RIBA and ARB regarding equivalency of international programmes.
English language entry requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
Pre-sessional English courses
We offer Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) courses from six to 30 weeks for students who need help achieving these requirements. Even if you have already met the minimum entry requirements you could still benefit, as many students do, from the study skills and orientation to the UK education system that is offered by a short PEAP course.
For more information on PEAP including dates, fees and English language entry requirements for these courses, please visit our website.
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Mature students
At the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, we don't believe that age or experience should be a barrier to learning. We want mature students to feel part of our vibrant community and recognise the different support requirements they may have so we offer advice on a range of issues; from financial advice and childcare to academic issues. Our Student Support Officer can talk through any issues with you before you apply, during the application process or once you arrive.
Applicants are advised to provide a comprehensive personal statement which clearly indicates why they have selected the course, their motivations for it, and how they expect to benefit from it.
Scholarships
The School also offers several scholarship opportunities.
Please visit the School scholarships page for further information.
Other funding opportunities
The University offers several bursaries and scholarships. For the latest information please visit the Fees and funding section of the website.
Postgraduate open evenings
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
Further information
Course enquiries:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2572
Admissions enquiries:
Ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
