Program Overview

MA Architecture and Urbanism

The MA Architecture and Urbanism is a taught postgraduate course that conducts research into how global cultural and economic forces influence contemporary cities. The design, functioning, and future of urban situations are explored in written, drawn, and modelled work that builds on the legacy of twentieth-century urban theory and is directed towards the development of sustainable cities.

Course Overview

• The Master’s in Architecture and Urbanism engages academics and practitioners from different parts of the world with multi-disciplinary skills, including planners, landscape architects, historians, artists, environmental consultants, surveyors, and architects.
• Students join urban laboratories exploring specific research interests and addressing the main challenges of Architecture and Urbanism worldwide.

Features and Benefits

• As a MA Architecture and Urbanism student at Manchester School of Architecture, you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
• You will benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions, such as libraries, computer suites, making and media workshops, and much more.
• Manchester School of Architecture is currently placed 5th in the world in the QS 2025 Architecture rankings.
• The MA Architecture and Urbanism is a joint award certified by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Year 1

Core Modules

• Cities and Urbanism: Ideologies and Futures: A seminar series delivered by the students exploring the history and theory of architecture and urban design, using key texts identified by the Module Leader.
• Research Methodologies and Events: Research Methods is an opportunity for you to explore techniques and processes that inform design as a spatial practice in architecture and urbanism.
• Dissertation: This module provides the opportunity to explore, substantiate, communicate, and disseminate the research trajectory of a written thesis in architecture and urbanism through the media of an extended piece of disciplined academic writing.
• Studio A: This module is the first in a series of Studio Units, it forms the basis for a design thesis project during the programme of academic study.
• Studio B: This module is the second in a series that form an academic design thesis project.
• Studio C: This is the final module in a sequence that forms an academic design thesis project.

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Full-time: 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Entry Requirements

• We normally require at least an upper second-class undergraduate UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related field, or proven experience in a relevant field.
• Candidates are required to provide a portfolio and a written personal statement (approximately 450 words).
• Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: Full-time fee £12,000 per year
• EU and non-EU international students: Full-time fee £28,000 per year
• Fees may be subject to change.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Graduates have gone on to work with leading architectural, urbanism, and town planning practices both nationally and internationally.
• An increasing number of graduates enrol on further research degrees at doctoral level.

Additional Information

• The University has invested £400 million in new, award-winning facilities.
• Manchester Metropolitan University is a place where difference is celebrated, and everyone is treated as an individual.
• The Union is the perfect place to start – offering over 130 clubs and societies, an ever-changing social calendar, and a free advice centre for every student.