Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Architecture (MArch) program at the University of Waterloo's School of Architecture is designed for individuals with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture from an accredited university program. This program combines elements of a professional master's program and a research-oriented master's program, offering a unique opportunity to engage in self-directed research and develop an independent research and design thesis while completing coursework under the supervision of internationally recognized faculty.

Program Details

• Department/School: School of Architecture
• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
• Delivery mode: On-campus (Cambridge campus)
• Program type: Master's, Professional
• Length of program: 24 months
• Registration option(s): Full-time
• Study option(s): Thesis

Application Deadlines

• January 15 (for admission in September)
• All application documents must be uploaded by February 1. Documents received after this time may not be reviewed, and the application may be considered incomplete.

Admission Requirements

• A four-year, honours pre-professional undergraduate architecture degree or professional Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minimum overall average of 75%.
• Applicants who have not completed three or more years of post-secondary work at a Canadian institution, or at an institution where English was the language of instruction, may be required to verify English proficiency, which may include a written exercise or interview as instructed by the School of Architecture.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that can be anticipated as part of completing the degree.

Application Materials

• Portfolio of design work: Uploaded directly to the applicant account.
• Resume/Curriculum vitae
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining the interest in and fit for the program, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application.
• Program-specific questions (PSQ): Completed through a form in the online application.
• Transcript(s)
• References: Two academic references are required.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for the program.
• Review living costs and housing.
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.

Program Description

The Master of Architecture program explores questions in architecture, landscape, urbanism, technology, sustainability, and fabrication in a global context, with a focus on tackling global water challenges. The program offers a unique opportunity to engage in self-directed research and develop an independent research and design thesis while completing coursework. Along with developing expertise in the area of research, two interdisciplinary water courses capture both theoretical and practical components, including in-class lectures, fieldwork, interdisciplinary group work, and individual research seminars. The program is designed to challenge students to develop their critical thinking in architecture and prepare them for entry into the profession.