Histories and Theories
Postgraduate
MArch
Architecture
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Attendance
Full-time
Course
Two year
Next enrolment
September 2023
In a nutshell
Continue your journey to professional architecture status with the University of Salford. Designed for students with a passion for design, an appetite for ideas, and a desire to experiment, our Part 2 MArch Architecture degree offers you an engaging learning experience in an unrivalled destination.
From our location at the heart of the world’s first industrial city, and based in our studio learning environment, you will explore the architectural relationship between ecological and human systems. You’ll critically examine histories and theories in generating cultural values related to making places.
Delivered across two years, the MArch course blends theory and practice to build your capabilities to be a responsible designer, reflective practitioner, and creative innovator. The course is enriched with technical skills, knowledge exchanges, and practice-based action learning, that refine your critique and develop your confidence.
The MArch at Salford is prescribed at Part 2 Level by the UK Regulator of Architects, the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB). If you successfully complete this MArch and hold a recognised undergraduate Part 1 qualification, you can progress to complete the the Part 3 Diploma - and be eligible to register as an architect and to join the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Start your MArch Architecture study journey
Register for our next Open Day where you can learn more about the course, tour our impressive studios and meet the tutors
You will:
- Enhance your knowledge of architecture design thinking to explore the relationships between ecological and human systems
- Experience an immersive and dynamic studio-based learning environment, complete with 3-D printers, laser cutters, portable workspace and digital tools and technologies to articulate an architectural position
- Develop critical understanding of the professionalism, duties and personal responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, constructors, co-professionals and the wider society
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You are passionate about architecture, have an appetite for knowledge and a desire to experiment
2.
You want to engage with forward thinking architectural design practices embedded with advanced technical skills, 'live' briefs and practice-based learning
3.
You're an excellent team player, inquisitive, and keen to share and explore new ideas
All about the course
Course delivery
From our location in the world’s first industrial city, we adopt the position of a socially-engaged practitioner, and put practice-based learning and industry collaboration at the heart of your learning experience.
Delivered over two years, our MArch course is based on a 240-credit modular structure. Each module is carefully-designed to provide learning and appropriate skill development consistent with its position in the overall structure. Intensive 'diagonal' workshops are embedded throughout.
- In year one, you will experience Design Studio modules in Performative Technologies and Urban Ecologies, which include placement experience in architectural and design offices with local industry partners. This is complemented with modules in Digital Design Technologies, Histories and Theories and Practice Management and Law
- In year two, you will experience further Design Studios, which include design workshops with industry partners from the UK and Europe. Year two culminates with a semester-long design research project (thesis) in which you will articulate an architectural position based on professional practice
Learn more about the current course modules in the section below.
Course team
The MArch postgraduate course is delivered by an academic team with extensive research and industry knowledge. The architecture department at Salford is globally-renowned, with strong regional, national and international industry links.
Course leader: Dr. Derek Hales
Year one
Explore the role of histories and theories in generating cultural values for making places and material artefacts. You will develop a comprehensive and systematic understanding of how theories of architecture contribute to framing practice, and how built places and material artefacts participate in forming theories.
Design Studio 1: Performative Technologies - Material Matters
Develop systematic and comprehensive understanding and related design skills of both performative and speculative modes of making buildings, by investigating various technologies and their actual implementation in design. You will investigate, critically appraise and select alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design, the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices.
Advanced Digital Design Technologies
Develop a critical understanding of digital modes of pursuing innovation in design, by investigating and experimenting with various digital technologies including BIM, Blockchain, The Internet of Things, parametric and generative design. Through this module, you will develop the ability to deploy with creativity and originality, a range of digital and interactive media including digital fabrication to develop a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design and advanced technologies.
Advanced Practice Management and Law
During this module, you will acquire knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of the architect.
- Examine how areas such areas as property law, building regulations and the Construction Design Management Regulations (CDM) affect architectural practice
- Learn how to prepare designs that will meet building users’ requirements and comply with UK legislation, appropriate performance standards and health and safety requirements
- Review legislation affecting urban design and its participation in the control of the public realm
- Critically examine the financial factors implied in varying building types, constructional systems, and specification choices, and the impact of these on architectural design
- Explore innovative methods and models of procurement, entrepreneurship, manufacture, and interdisciplinary practice
Design Studio 2: Urban Ecologies
Develop a systematic understanding of the complexity of urban ecologies by engaging in professional practice, identifying ecological issues and themes, and developing design work related to those themes which is of significant value to society and to the professional practice, becoming capable to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. You will explore the relational nature of ecologies; theories and histories of urban design and the evolution of communities; current planning policies and development control legislation, including social, environmental and economic aspects, and their relevance to architectural design.
Year two
Design Studio 3
You will develop, apply and test the student’s architectural design skills in the context of a complex design project. You will apply the necessary skills, competencies and understanding of a selected range of theoretical, technical, cultural, historical and professional issues, and the ability to integrate them into their designs. You will expand your design methods to include (fine) art practices, in particular those which focus on the development of spatial interventions.
Design Studio 4
You will apply and test your architectural design skills in the context of a complex design project. You will develop the skills, competencies and understanding of a selected range of theoretical, technical, cultural, historical and professional issues, and the ability to integrate them into their designs.
Dissertation
The aim of the dissertation is to provide you with an opportunity to engage in a piece of written research which establishes the important discourses embedded in the your matters of concern/themes at the forefront of the discipline. You will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake a structured, managed and well-presented project which demonstrates an understanding of the relevant literature, selection and application of an appropriate research methodology followed by analysis and dissemination of results in a succinct manner. You will explore critically current research and advanced scholarship in the architecture and design fields. The dissertation will equip you with the knowledge and understanding needed to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques on the current research on architecture and design and possible alternative original hypotheses. You will develop the skills to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and industry leaders.
Shaped by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to take your career potential further.
FACILITIES
An an architecture student you will learn in our inspiring new architecture studios, where you will develop ideas, work collaboratively and build best practice.
Our Morson Maker Space and design workshops feature high specification equipment, including laser cutters and 3-D printers, to help you bring your ideas, models and concepts to life.
Industry Collaboration
We put industry collaboration at the heart of architecture study at Salford. Supported by Architect Stephen Hodder, of Manchester-based practice Hodder + Partners, our MArch Architecture students had the opportunity to work on live briefs focusing on the newly-opened RHS Bridgewater in Salford.
During the project, our students designed new buildings concepts, went on site visits and tours of the gardens, engaged with professional architects and put their skills into practice. These collaborations provide our students with invaluable experience and insight of future careers.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
With a Part 2 qualification, you are well on your way to becoming a chartered architect. Architecture is a highly-valued profession throughout the world. As a qualified architect, you will work throughout the built environment profession on a diverse range of projects and developments.
As a Part 2 architecture graduate, you are likely to find employment opportunities with architectural practices, design practices, and engineering consultancy firms. There may also be opportunities with central government, local authorities, property developers, building contractors, housing associations, financial institutions, major retailers and manufacturing companies.
FURTHER STUDY
On successful completion of your Part 1 and Part 2 architecture studies, you can progress to the RIBA Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3), validated and prescribed by the RIBA and ARB respectively. You will need to engage with the required 24 months of professional practice before sitting the Part 3 exam.
You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Our Centre for Urban Processes, Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Environments is home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities exploring how we can enhance our built environments at local, national and international scales.
Explore our Doctoral School to learn more about research training, support and opportunities.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
The MArch Architecture course at Salford is designed for applicants who are passionate about architecture and want a learning experience embedded with live briefs and collaborations with forward-thinking architectural design practices.
The MArch fulfils Part 2 requirements of the professional architecture qualification process.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
Applicants for the Master of Architecture (MArch) programme will typically have a first degree in architecture from an accredited undergraduate programme (normally with ARB/RIBA Part 1 exemption).
Typically students will have achieved a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a BSc/BA Architecture course. Whilst it is not a requirement for entrants to have completed ARB Part 1, all Parts (1, 2 and 3) will need to be completed in order to be admitted to the UK Register of Architects.
If applying for entry in 2022, our entry requirements will be a second class honours degree (2:2) in a BSc/BA Architecture course.
Portfolio
Applicants are required to submit an electronic portfolio of work as part of the application process. Applicants who can evidence a passion for architecture, and can demonstrate they can achieve at a high level, will be considered for an interview to receive a place on the course.
Your portfolio should include relevant work from an undergraduate architecture course which shows achievement of ARB/RIBA Part 1 (or non-UK equivalent), plus any work completed in practice which might be relevant. Portfolios should demonstrate a range of creative and representational media, including various forms of drawing and three-dimensional making. Relevant written work should also be included.
Visit the ARB website for more information on the ARB/RIBA Part 1 criteria.
International student entry requirements
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: AdmissionsSEE-PGT@salford.ac.uk
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £9,090per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750per year |
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.