Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) at UCA

UCA's two-year Master of Architecture (MArch) course will challenge you to design the spaces and buildings of the future and to consider their societal and environmental impacts.

Reflecting the profession’s evolving role, its responsibilities within wider society, and the need for more sustainable professional practice, this course will challenge you to consolidate your architectural experiences, both in education and in practice, while simultaneously questioning your preconceptions of the discipline.

By the end of your studies, you will be able to initiate and deliver projects grounded in design-based research, and continue a process of learning through practice-based experimentation and enquiry.

The course carries full and unconditional prescription from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as satisfying the Part 2 criteria.

 

Course entry options

Select from the following options to find out more about the different study options available for this course:

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Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
Master of Architecture (MArch)

Two-year course will challenge you to design the spaces and buildings of the future and to consider their societal and environmental impacts.

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
UCA Canterbury
Start date(s)
September 2025
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry requirements

A good Honours degree in Architecture (normally 2.2 or above) with Part 1 of the professional qualification recognised by the ARB and RIBA
and
Normally one year in an architectural practice following the Part 1 qualification.

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Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
Close

Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
Close

Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
Close

Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
Close

Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

Apply now Submit an enquiry
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements

Accreditations, partners and industry connections

RIBA logo

RIBA

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body and charity, driving excellence in architecture.

ARB logo

ARB

The Architects’ Registration Board (ARB) is an independent professional regulator, accountable to government. It ensures only those who are suitably competent are allowed to practice as architects.

Trevor Bbanda, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Joseph Olaiya, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Faridah Usman Buhari, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Roksoliana Mytsyk, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Elliot Waters, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Dimple Manmovanlal, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Chang Gu, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Beihan Zhang, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Ethan Burley, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Beihan Zhang, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Thomas White, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury Keerthigan Thavaseelan, Master of Architecture, UCA Canterbury
What you'll study

What you'll
study

The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.

In year one, you'll undertake a number of tutor-led studio design projects. Lecture and seminar series are interwoven with studio design projects and inform their content.

Design Research 01
You’ll embark on an extended piece of complex architectural design research, leading to a rigorous proposal. It should demonstrate your ability to devise ambitious architectural strategies, structural and sustainable objectives and approaches and coherent responses to site within the project as a whole.

Design Research 02
You will extend and amplify the architectural design research initiated in the first module, leading to a rigorous proposal or proposals for a complex architectural design.

Design Technology
You will devise and implement a programme of research into technologies and experimentation. This usually emerges from the themes and issues in your design research project. The unit includes a series of programmed interdisciplinary workshops to introduce key skills and concepts, providing specialist inputs and opportunities to evaluate individual research from different vantage points.

Dissertation (option1)
This unit comprises a period of self-directed research on a subject related to the historical, theoretical and critical concerns of architecture. You will present a written dissertation (8,000-10,000 words) in which you will be expected to develop and articulate a sustained argument that demonstrates a high level of understanding of the subject area through analysis and evaluation.

Dissertation (option 2)
As with option 1, your dissertation will relate to the historical, theoretical and critical concerns of architecture. You will complete a research project, presented using alternate media (film, installation, software etc.) and an exegesis (2,000-3,500 words).

In year two, you'll develop your own research agendas, drawing heavily upon the issues and methodologies introduced in year one.

Thesis 01
You'll develop and present your design thesis project. The format of presentation may include the production of diverse media, for example models, drawings, installation, video, photography and text.

Thesis 02
This second phase involves the development and presentation of the thesis. The format of presentation is agreed with individual thesis tutors and may include the production of models, drawings, installation, video, photography and text.

Future Practice
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials, this unit is designed to provoke experimentation, risk-taking, exploratory and playful work while addressing the rigours of professional practice. A range of topics, including business (including marketing and advertising), economics, law and legal, management, media, systems and operation, and professional practices will be covered. There is also a series of talks centred around the RIBA stages: pre-agreement, ideas-design, pre-construction, construction and completion.

Realisation
You'll produce a technologically-driven realisation which arises out of an issue identified in your design Thesis. You are required to apply your understanding of technical knowledge to the resolution of building design problems, or to the development of novel approaches to design issues through rigorous, well–documented experimentation.

Course specifications

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.

Fees & funding

Fees & financial support

Tuition fees

  • 2025/26: £9,535

Tuition fees

Tuition fees

  • 2025/26: £17,500

Please note: the fees listed here are correct for the stated academic year only. For more detailed information about our course fees please see our fees and finance pages. 

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of financial support information available to assist you with the cost of your studies.

Current UCA students and alumni may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.

Financial support

There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources. Discover what support you might qualify for please see our scholarships and fee discounts.

Additional course costs

In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.

These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. Please see the Additional Course Costs section of the Course Information Document for more details of the costs you may incur.

Explore our Gradshow

Each year, we’re privileged to be able to share our graduates’ incredible work with the world. And now’s your chance to take a look.

Visit the online showcase

Facilities

As well as dedicated postgraduate open plan studio spaces, for group tutorials and personal working, there is a 3D workshop with machines for working in wood, metals, plastics and ceramics and a fully-equipped computer studio with Macs and PCs programmed with the latest industry standard software for design and animation. There are also laser cutters, 3D printers and a virtual reality lab on campus.

View 360 virtual tour

Architecture studios, UCA Canterbury

Architecture Digital Media studios, UCA Canterbury

FabLab, UCA Canterbury

Fabrication Lab, UCA Canterbury

3D Workshop, UCA Canterbury

3D workshop, UCA Canterbury

Career opportunities

Career
opportunities

Graduates of this course may begin their career as a freelance architect or might decide to apply for a role within a business or organisations. These roles might include:

  • Landscape architect
  • Certified Master architect
  • Associate architect
  • Senior Architect with masterplanning experience
Beth Lambert

"I would definitely recommend the MArch course at UCA. The curriculum is challenging, interesting and ambitious in its scope and this really brings the best out of students who fully embrace it. The course taught me to approach projects with a great deal of rigour and develop manifestos that are both conceptual and contextual."

Beth Lambert

Entry & portfolio requirements

We require the equivalent of a UK 2:2 Honours degree in Architecture. The exact grade required for non-UK qualifications will be confirmed at the time of application.

For this course we will need to see your portfolio for review. You can either submit a digital portfolio or request an in-person portfolio review with the course team. Further information will be provided once you have applied. View our portfolio advice

Select your country to find the equivalent requirements

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