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Architecture MScR

Awards: MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Architecture

Research profile

Research is central to the study of architecture within the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). It motivates our intellectual and creative activities and underpins our collaborations with a range of important international and UK-based institutions. We actively promote interdisciplinary approaches to research in architecture.

Our expertise and interests range across the following areas:

Architectural Conservation

Our focus includes:

  • conservation theory and history
  • urban conservation
  • conservation technology
  • the challenges of bridging the gulf between heritage and new architecture

Architectural History, Theory and Criticism

We have particular strengths in:

  • the history of architecture in Britain and the British colonial world (18th and 19th centuries)
  • Germany, Central Europe and Russia
  • Modernism in Europe, North America and Africa
  • Renaissance Italy
  • the history of landscape
  • the history of technology
  • the international history of mass housing and urban development
  • the theory and philosophy of architecture
  • the philosophy of place
  • critical inquiry and methodology

Design-led Research and Studio Practice

We focus on:

  • research in and through design, as informed by contemporary architectural and cultural theory
  • studio pedagogy
  • research-led teaching
  • methodologies of urban research and fieldwork

Digital Media and Design

We have expertise in:

  • the spatial, social and philosophical implications of media
  • the relationship between computers and design practice
  • cognitive models of human-computer interaction
  • 3D modelling
  • mobile computing
  • the sonic environment
  • e-commerce

Technology, Environment and Sustainability

We offer expertise in:

  • lightweight steel structures
  • the building envelope
  • concrete construction
  • design and manufacturing
  • sustainable design in both qualitative and quantitative senses, looking at environmental response, design theory, rural planning and user-centred solutions

Programme structure

The MSc by Research programme is for students with a good general knowledge of the subject area, who wish to focus their interests and deepen their knowledge of a specific topic.

The programme consists of:

  • a compulsory research methods course
  • the choice of one option course subject
  • a 20,000-word dissertation based on independent research

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScRArchitecture1 YearFull-timeProgramme structure 2023/24
MScRArchitecture2 YearsPart-timeProgramme structure 2023/24

Training and support

Students are equipped with skills in advanced research techniques, critical analysis and writing, presentation, and a developed understanding of architecture and its applications.

Facilities

Research programmes in architecture are served by high-quality library facilities. All students in the programmes are provided with 24-hour-accessible study space, as well as access to well-equipped multimedia laboratories, photography and exhibition facilities.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2023/24 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2024/25 academic year will be published on 2 October 2023.

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject. We will also take any professional experience into account.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

No additional costs

Tuition fees

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScRArchitecture1 YearFull-timeTuition fees
MScRArchitecture2 YearsPart-timeTuition fees

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

  • your programme
  • the duration of your studies
  • your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

Further information

  • Postgraduate Research Director, Architecture & Landscape Architecture, Sepideh Karami
  • Phone: +44 (0)131 650 2396
  • Contact: skarami@ed.ac.uk
  • Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Office
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • Evolution House, Grassmarket
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH1 2LE

Application deadlines

Programme start date Application deadline
11 September 2023 1 August 2023

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You should submit a research proposal that outlines your project's aims, context, process and product/outcome. Read the application guidance before you apply:

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Further information

  • Postgraduate Research Director, Architecture & Landscape Architecture, Sepideh Karami
  • Phone: +44 (0)131 650 2396
  • Contact: skarami@ed.ac.uk
  • Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Office
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • Evolution House, Grassmarket
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH1 2LE
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