Architecture, Master of (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch ARB Pt 2

You will undertake a series of advanced-level research exercises and architectural design projects, engaging with structural, environmental, cultural, theoretical and aesthetic questions.

Non-studio courses encompass technology, contemporary architectural theory and management practice and law.

The programme emphasises studio-based investigation within a stimulating environment that enables creativity, experimentation and critical engagement with architectural design through making and drawing.

It offers the opportunity to select from:

• studios linked across the full two years
• a series of discrete thematic studios that vary from year to year

Many studios engage in elements of collaborative work fostering a creative and social exchange amongst peers. There is a clear emphasis on the relationship between architecture and the city and the evolution of the student’s individual position in current theoretical debate. The studios reflect the research interests and expertise of their tutors.

During the course of the programme you will complete a comprehensive design project, accompanied by an illustrated report explaining its theoretical, environmental and technical dimensions. Projects are developed by way of drawings, models, digital representations and written reports. The trajectory of your work during the programme is documented in an academic portfolio at the end of the second year.

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.

Graduates of the Master of Architecture programme will have the capacity to:

• Conceptualise, research and structure a rigorous architectural design thesis enquiry
• Develop a critical architectural response to a culturally, politically, and/or environmentally charged urban context
• Devise and articulate a complex spatial, programmatic, material, structural and environmental architecture to high level of resolution
• Formulate and reflect upon a mode of contemporary architectural practice with reference to contemporary architectural theory
• Achieve, at Part 2 level, the General Criteria and Graduate Attributes as defined by the Architects Registration Board of the UK

The MArch forms the second stage in a process that will enable you to register and practise as a professional architect in the UK.

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.

A UK 2:1 honours degree in architecture prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 1 or equivalent standard demonstrated in your portfolio.

As part of the application process, you must submit a personal statement and CV.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. On the first page of the portfolio incorporate your name and UUN (if applicable) and include examples of your work on the following pages. You should read the application guidance before applying as there are particular guidelines on portfolio and reference requirements:

*Preparing your application

If you do not hold an ARB Part 1 qualification, you will need to obtain qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 level before being eligible for registration. For further details, please contact the ARB:

• Architects Registration Board

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

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 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 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 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 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:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

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).

• Approved universities in 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:

• English language requirements

The programme is postgraduate taught but undergraduate funded.

Tuition fees

• Edinburgh College of Art scholarships

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding