Program Overview

Architecture MArch, MEng

The Architecture MArch, MEng is a five-year integrated Master's degree that combines professional qualifications in Architecture, Structures, and Building Physics. This innovative program is the first of its kind in the UK, offering a unique range of integrated learning recognized by professional bodies.

Course Overview

Innovative building design is driving the inspirational environments of the future. By bringing together architecture and engineering, the next generation of architects can ensure that today's emerging issues, including safety, environmental impact, and sustainability, are addressed as we push the boundaries of design and reimagine the buildings of tomorrow.

Year Structure

The course is structured over five years, with each year building on the previous one to develop a comprehensive understanding of architecture and engineering principles.

Year 1

• Architecture and Sustainability (20 credits): Learn the history, theories, and cultural context of the built environment and architecture, and its impact on people, society, and the environment.
• Surveying, Construction Technology, and Management (20 credits): Introduced to construction processes and applicable codes of practice and industry standards.
• Structural Analysis and Design (20 credits): Learn about the fundamental principles of structural analysis and design.
• Materials, Water, and Soils (20 credits): Understand the fundamentals of the behavior of water, soil, steel, and other key materials.
• Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 1 (20 credits): Develop an understanding of the principles of general basic mathematical techniques relating to civil engineering.
• Integrated Design Project 1 (including Design Studio 1) (20 credits): Learn how to prepare and present building design projects in response to a brief.

Year 2

• Water Engineering and Geotechnics (20 credits): Build on the knowledge gained in Year 1, addressing ultimate load problems and discussing concepts of fluid friction in pipes.
• Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 2 (20 credits): Further develop mathematical techniques to understand how mathematical models can be applied to real-life civil engineering problems.
• Design Studio 2 (20 credits): Gain knowledge of the processes and practice of building design.
• Structural Design and Materials 1 (40 credits): Covers the behavior of structures and how their design is influenced by the characteristics of structural materials.
• Architectural History and Theory 2 (10 credits): Gain insight into the relevance of cultural influence on building design and architectural design.
• Building Physics 1: Fundamental Principles (10 credits): Introduced to the fundamental principles of building physics and their relationship to building design.

Year 3

• Structural Design and Materials 2 (20 credits): Develop a more profound understanding of steel and concrete structures.
• Design Studio 3.1 (30 credits): Build on the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.
• Design Studio 3.2 (30 credits): Further develop an understanding relating cultural and technological context to the built environment.
• Individual Research Project 1 (20 credits): Choose an aspect of engineering and architecture and develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of it.
• Architectural History and Theory 3 (10 credits): Build an understanding of the forms, origins, and processes of urban development.
• Building Physics 2: Services Design (10 credits): Contribute to the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.

Year 4

• Sustainable Cities (15 credits): Gain an enhanced critical understanding of the ways in which sustainable practice and design affect urban environments and systems.
• Law, Practice & Project Management (15 credits): Look at the statutory processes and frameworks associated with the construction industry.
• Building Physics 3 (15 credits): Contribute to knowledge of physical problems, technologies, and the function of buildings.
• Design Studio 4.1 (30 credits): Demonstrate the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.
• Design Studio 4.2 (45 credits): Prepare and present building design projects of diverse scale, complexity, and type in a variety of contexts.

Year 5

• Procurement and Risk Management (15 credits): Look at the key processes of building procurement and develop an understanding of risk management.
• Architecture Dissertation (30 credits): Take an architectural subject of choice and use research and investigative techniques to develop deeper understanding.
• Design Studio 5 (60 credits): Choose a subject for the individual design project and develop a personal response based on the chosen site and brief.

Learning and Teaching

Studio-based learning is at the heart of the student experience, with open-ended and creative architectural design projects used to demonstrate and develop the knowledge gained in other modules.

Assessment

Assessments will support the development of key transferable skills, including project work, written examinations, and coursework in the form of posters, presentations, and reports.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAA including Mathematics.
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ), and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): Recognized with an offer of AAB at A-Level.
• GCSE: English Language at grade 4 or above.
• Alternative qualifications: Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, T-Levels.

Fees

• UK: Ł9,790 (2026/27), with subsequent years subject to change.
• International: Ł32,750 (per year).

Career Opportunities

Architecture graduates are in great demand, with a variety of exciting career opportunities available, from specialist building design consultancies to multi-disciplinary firms and large construction organizations.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

• Study abroad is not available for this course.
• An industrial placement year is available, offering the opportunity to gain valuable experience and improve employability.

Related Courses

• Architectural Engineering BEng
• Architectural Engineering MEng, BEng
• Civil and Structural Engineering BEng
• Civil and Structural Engineering MEng, BEng