Advanced Architecture Design MArch

Program Overview

Advanced Architecture Design MArch

Overview

Our MArch Advanced Architecture Design programme focuses on the development and application of specialist architectural knowledge and advanced design techniques and technologies.

Why Choose This Course?

• Top 100 in the world for architecture and built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
• 1st in the Russell Group universities for ‘overall satisfaction’ in Architecture (The National Student Survey 2022)
• 8th in the UK for architecture (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Course Content

In the autumn and spring semesters, you will complete 120 credits worth of modules, including two design modules. These are studio-based exercises where practical skills and creativity are challenged and examined through an architectural project. Additional lectures and seminar modules provide a parallel knowledge base and intellectual support for the design project and for the final dissertation or design thesis project.

You will spend the summer semester producing a 60-credit supervised dissertation or design thesis project. This will be an in-depth study of an individually determined topic and is an opportunity to conduct a major piece of independent research that reflects individual interests and aspirations.

Modules

• Core modules
• Optional modules

Advanced Design Project 1 (30 credits)

The purpose of this module is to develop architectural, urban design skills and awareness through the design of architectural and urban interventions at an appropriate scale and resolution, in response to a brief. Students are encouraged to engage with a specific design specialism, to adopt novel approaches to the generation of design concepts, and to develop these in detail in response to the circumstances of both the physical, cultural and intellectual context of the project.

Advanced Design Project 2 (30 credits)

The purpose of this module is to develop advanced architectural and urban design skills and awareness through the design of architectural and urban interventions at an appropriate scale and resolution. Students are encouraged to engage with a specific design specialism, to adopt novel approaches to the generation of design concepts, and to develop these in detail in response to the circumstances of both the physical, cultural and intellectual context of the project.

Architecture and Urbanism Research (10 credits)

This module enables students to acquire the core skills used in research and practice these through an exploration of a specialist subject relevant to architecture and the built environment.

Architecture and Built Environment Dissertation or Design Thesis Project (60 credits)

This module aims to enable students to plan, implement and write up a substantial piece of original research that will make a contribution to the intellectual life of the discipline.

Learning and Assessment

How You Will Learn

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Design studio

Learning will take place through a range of specialist lectures, seminars and design studio modules. You will explore current and future issues facing urban designers, architects and technologists, and develop the skills, knowledge and awareness required in the fast-moving world of contemporary architectural research and practice.

How You Will Be Assessed

• Exams
• Coursework
• Dissertation

Entry Requirements

Home / UK Students

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 in architecture or a similar subject. This must include modules in architectural design amounting to 25% to 50% of total credits.
• Portfolio: Applicants to all MArch programmes are required to submit a portfolio of their design work with their application.

EU / International Students

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 in architecture or a similar subject. This must include modules in architectural design amounting to 25% to 50% of total credits.
• Portfolio: Applicants to all MArch programmes are required to submit a portfolio of their design work with their application.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each element)

Fees

• Home / UK: £10,400
• International: £27,150

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students. Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Graduate Destinations

MArch Architecture Design provides the foundation for advanced career opportunities in architectural practice and academia. Students are encouraged to consider continuing to study for a higher degree by research – MPhil or PhD.

Career Progression

100% of postgraduates from the Department of Architecture and Build Environment secured work or further study within six months of graduation. £26,000 was the average starting salary, with the highest being £100,000.*

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MArch Advanced Architecture Design program at the University of Nottingham focuses on developing and applying specialist architectural knowledge, advanced design techniques, and technologies. It aims to respond to the increasing competition in the professional procurement of buildings and the growing demand for specialist knowledge and skills in the pursuit of architectural excellence. The program offers the opportunity to concentrate on architectural or urban design, humanities, environmental design, and technology to a high level of sophistication without the need to work within a single specialist area.

Outline:

The program consists of 120 credits of modules in the autumn and spring semesters, including two design modules. These are studio-based exercises where practical skills and creativity are challenged and examined through an architectural project. Additional lectures and seminar modules provide a parallel knowledge base and intellectual support for the design project and the final dissertation or design thesis project. Students spend the summer semester producing a 60-credit supervised dissertation or design thesis project, an in-depth study of an individually determined topic that reflects individual interests and aspirations.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include exams, coursework, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

Learning takes place through a range of specialist lectures, seminars, and design studio modules. Students explore current and future issues facing urban designers, architects, and technologists and develop the skills, knowledge, and awareness required in the fast-moving world of contemporary architectural research and practice.

Careers:

The program provides the foundation for advanced career opportunities in architectural practice and academia. Students are encouraged to consider continuing to study for a higher degree by research – MPhil or PhD.

Other:

The program is ranked in the top 100 and 5th in the UK for Architecture by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. It is also ranked 1st in the Russell Group universities for ‘overall satisfaction’ in Architecture by the National Student Survey 2022 and 9th in Architecture by the Times Good University Guide 2023.

UK fees: £9,700 International fees: £25,250