MArch Architecture

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 Part 3 Diploma - and be eligible to register as an architect and join the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

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 a critical understanding of the professionalism, duties and personal responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, constructors, co-professionals and the wider society

This is for you if...

• You are passionate about architecture, have an appetite for knowledge and a desire to experiment
• You want to engage with forward-thinking architectural design practices embedded with advanced technical skills, 'live' briefs and practice-based learning
• You're an excellent team player, inquisitive, and keen to share and explore new ideas

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 by modules in Digital Design Technologies, Histories and Theories of 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

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.

Year one

• Histories and Theories
• Design Studio 1: Performative Technologies - Material Matters
• Advanced Digital Design Technologies
• Advanced Practice Management and Law
• Design Studio 2: Urban Ecologies

Year two

• Design Studio 3
• Design Studio 4
• Dissertation

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.