Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Architecture Program

The Master of Architecture is a professional graduate degree that leads to certification with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. This three-year program is highly demanding, with a large proportion of the curriculum dedicated to required coursework. Students will take design studios alongside courses in history and theory, technical and material systems, and design media.

Program Overview

The Master of Architecture program is shaped by its situation in Vancouver and the strength of its faculty. Community engagement and collaborative leadership are core elements of the program, applied throughout students' time at the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The program's low student-faculty ratio allows for personalized learning opportunities, including small studios and intimate seminars.

Curriculum

The program requires the completion of 117 credits, including a graduate project. The typical course of study is as follows:

• Year 1:
  • Term 1:
    • ARCH 500 Architectural Design Studio I
    • ARCH 511 Architectural Technology I
    • ARCH 515 Design Media I
    • ARCH 597 Themes in Architecture
  • Term 2:
    • ARCH 501 Architectural Design Studio II
    • ARCH 512 Architectural Structures I
    • ARCH 517 Design Media II
    • One of:
      • ARCH 505 Topics in Architectural History II, 1900 – present
      • ARCH 504 Topics in Architectural History I, Pre-1900
  • Summer:
    • ARCH 551 Communicating Construction
    • ARCH 543 Contemporary Practice
    • Elective
• Year 2:
  • Term 1:
    • ARCH 520 Architectural Design Studio III
    • ARCH 513 Environmental Systems and Controls I
    • ARCH 532 Architectural Structures II
    • One of:
      • ARCH 505 Topics in Architectural History II, 1900 – present
      • ARCH 504 Topics in Architectural History I, Pre-1900
  • Term 2:
    • ARCH 521 Architectural Design Studio IV
    • ARCH 523 Contemporary Theories in Architecture
    • ARCH 531 Architectural Technology II
    • ARCH 533 Environmental Systems and Controls II
  • Summer:
    • 3 electives
• Year 3:
  • Term 1:
    • ARCH 540 Architectural Design Studio V
    • ARCH 548 Graduate Project Part I
    • One of:
      • ARCH 504 Topics in Architectural History I, Pre-1900
      • ARCH 505 Topics in Architectural History II, 1900 – present
  • Term 2:
    • ARCH 549 Graduate Project Part II
    • ARCH 541 Professional Practice

Admission Requirements

To be considered for entry into the program, applicants must meet all admissions requirements. These include:

• Previous degree: A degree that is academically equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree at the University of British Columbia.
• Academic achievement: A B+ average in third- and fourth-year-level coursework for applicants from Canadian or American universities, or a B+ average in all coursework for applicants from international universities.
• English language proficiency: Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination.
• Graduate record examination (optional): Applicants may submit GRE results as additional evidence of scholastic promise and aptitude.

Application Materials

All application materials should be submitted through the online application. These include:

• Online application form
• Resume: A summary of experiences in education, work, travel, volunteering, and other relevant areas.
• Statement of intent: A written statement outlining interest in the program and motivation to pursue this degree.
• Portfolio: A digital submission showcasing design potential and ability to conceptualize projects in two and three dimensions.
• Transcripts: Scans of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended.
• References: Three letters of reference, two of which should be academic and speak to past performance and ability to succeed in a graduate program.
• Application fee: A non-refundable fee paid through the online application system.

Advanced Placement

SALA offers advanced placement to qualified Master of Architecture applicants who have undertaken a sufficient number and type of courses equivalent to the first year of SALA's traditional 3-year MArch degree track. Students possessing certain undergraduate degrees may receive 36 credits of advanced placement and complete a 2-year MArch program.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Architecture program prepares students to enter the world of practicing architects. Graduates may pursue careers in architecture, community engagement, environmental consulting, sustainable building consulting, construction, public art, graphic design, planning, and research management. The program also provides a foundation for further education through post-professional degree programs.