Program Overview

Architecture Design and Build MArch

Overview

Our Architecture Design and Build programmes focus on the relationships between design and the physical creation of space. Our programme will explore the nature of making and production as they relate to architectural design and practice.

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

This programme comprises a series of design projects, skill-based workshops, and research seminars, through which you may investigate technologies in an interdisciplinary manner to provide innovative solutions that are supported by appropriate technical evidence, testing, and modelling.

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

By focusing on the contemporary challenges and opportunities in building design, you will develop a solid understanding of issues such as:

• the consequences of design decisions on constructed space
• the opportunities offered by understanding the relationships of designer and maker
• the benefits of learning through making architecture with scale models and full-scale prototypes

Modules

• Year one
  • Core
    • Advanced Design Project 1 (30 credits)
    • Advanced Design Project 2 (30 credits)
    • Case Study Project (20 credits)
    • Design and Build Theory and Practicum (20 credits)
    • Design Fabrication (10 credits)
    • Architecture and Urbanism Research (10 credits)
    • Architecture and Built Environment Dissertation or Design Thesis Project (60 credits)

Learning and Assessment

How You Will Learn

• Design studio
• Tutorials
• Group study
• Small group learning
• Lectures
• Seminars

This programme comprises a series of design projects, skill-based workshops, and research seminars, through which you may investigate technologies in an interdisciplinary manner to provide innovative solutions that are supported by appropriate technical evidence, testing, and modelling.

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

By focusing on the contemporary challenges and opportunities in building design, you will develop a solid understanding of issues such as the:

• consequences of design decisions on constructed space
• opportunities offered by understanding the relationships of designer and maker
• benefits of learning through making architecture with scale models and full-scale prototypes

How You Will Be Assessed

• Reflective portfolios
• Coursework
• Group coursework
• Essays

Assessment is based on coursework presented either as a portfolio, architecture work, or written submissions.

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 in a relevant subject
• Portfolio: Applicants to all MArch programmes are required to submit a portfolio of their design work with their application.
• International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
• IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each element)

Fees

• Qualification: MArch
• Home / UK: To be confirmed
• International: To be confirmed

Careers

• Careers advice
• Job prospects
• Partnerships

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.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters, and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

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.

The acquisition of a master's degree demonstrates a high-level of knowledge in a specific field.

We work with a range of organisations to undertake real builds and design projects, partnering with:

• Thusanang Trust
• Education Africa
• Studio 8Fold

Related Courses

• Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship MSc
• Sustainable Building Technology MSc
• Renewable Energy and Architecture MSc/PGDip
• Advanced Building Performance Engineering MSc
• Sustainable Urban Design MArch
• Architecture and Sustainable Design MArch
• Advanced Architecture Design MArch
• Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3) PGDip

Where You Will Learn

• University Park Campus
• Design+Build Studio
• Vertically-Integrated Studio

Additional Information

• All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus.
• As a student on this course, you may factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £100 per year.
• In addition to this, you may spend up to £50 per year on printing and up to £50 on model making and drawing equipment. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
• If electing to travel to any international design/build projects, the cost of travel is the responsibility of the student. In previous years, this has been £1200.