Course details
- Study mode: Full-time
- Length: 2 years full-time
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Our MArch Programme provides an environment for intellectual discussion about current architectural and cultural discourses. We promote creativity, innovation, imagination and experimentation in our studios, where we integrate research by design methods, hands-on seminars and the inclusion of various new technologies, media and formats in the design process.
Our tutors have strong research and professional backgrounds, which grants our students competence and confidence in all areas of the profession and scales of intervention, from urban design to the technical development of the building.
Our design schemes explore both local and international issues. Working with real projects in the UK context allows input from national stakeholders to the briefing and review process; by tackling international issues, we reinforce global citizenship, acknowledge the international nature of our cohorts, and develop the skills to work in different contexts on site and remotely. You will have the opportunity to take semester one of year two abroad at one of our approved exchange Schools of Architecture in China, Australia or Europe.
Our successful international field trips, design competitions, collaborations with different universities and the diverse range of our exchange programme further support this vision, and we’ve a very generous offering of prizes for students performing strongly in areas of our MArch degree. Our graduates have an excellent record of employment in both internationally renowned offices and small-scale specialist practices.
Find out more about the design work produced by our most recent MArch4 students and MArch5 students.
The Master of Architecture (MArch) programme is accredited as a RIBA Part 2 and a LAM Part 2 award, and is a professional/undergraduate Masters qualification available to students with a BA/BSc in Architecture and RIBA Part 1 or LAM Part 1. This degree is validated by the RIBA and LAM, and prescribed by ARB as a Part 2 qualification towards access to the Architectural Profession in the UK.
Candidates should be aware that those who do not have RIBA Part 1 on joining the MArch here at Liverpool, may apply to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) upon MArch course completion to be considered for RIBA Part 1 (for a fee payable to ARB). The University of Liverpool has no say in this process, which is undertaken independently by the candidate.
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one focuses on the relationship between architecture and the contemporary city. Architectural design is supported by lectures, seminars and carefully planned individual and group work. Taught modules on urban design, professional practice, research methods and contemporary approaches to technology also complement the work in the studio.
Architectural Design Studio – Critical Thinking
Architectural Design Studio – Urban Response
Architectural Design Studio
Architectural Design Studio – Detail
Students are encouraged to participate and discuss their experience of the relevant issues in relation to architectural practice, from which feedback is also sought as a contribution to original data utilised for scholarship purposes (which is then incorporated into next years syllabus). The message of the module is that running an efficient office provides more design time.
For this module students will evaluate the implications of construction and management in sustainable design. More specifically they will be taught how construction and management now form an essential element of sustainable design for real world scenarios. In this module students will be required to attend a weekly 2-hour lecture . Each lecture will be held in lecture theatres and will be a mixture of formal presentations and group based exercises.
Research methods training for M.Arch dissertation
This module aims to help students develop in-depth knowledge on urban design and enhance their design skills to address the complex urban challenges of our age. It intends to prepare students to become creative and problem-solving professionals. To do so, this module will introduce students to a wide range of urban design theories, design principles and processes which underpin the discipline of urban design. Students will have the opportunity to study and debate key issues in urban design, the disciplinary foundations of urban design, various topics about public spaces, the application of urban analytical techniques and methods for practice, as well as urban design governance in relation to the planning system. The module will draw examples or case studies from both the local and international contexts and encourage students to think critically about possible design interventions in different urban environments towards sustainable development and place-making.
You will begin the second year with a design project led by your own interests, with brief-making and a personal exploration of a wide range of media and resources as part of the design process, strongly supported by seminars and guest lectures delivered by world-class tutors, academics, practitioners and Honorary Professors. These included Ian Ritchie and Hans Van De Heijden in 2020/21.
The dissertation module follows on from ARCH480 Research Methods, requiring students to select (with guidance) a suitable architecture related research topic and prepare a significant illustrated written document based on their investigations and analysis.
The Thesis Design Project is an individual or group project resulting in a detailed urban or building design that is an exposition of the skills they have acquired during their architectural education. The project begins at the end of semester 1 when students select their topic, though it begins in earnest in semester 2. Students attend formal critiques and meet regularly with an assigned tutor throughout the duration of the module.
The Thesis Sustainability and Equity Report is prepared in conjunction with a major piece of design or research work (which is the Thesis Design project for all RIBA Part II route students) and aims to present the architectural and intellectual content of the design project with a particular focus on its sustainability and equity strategies. The report is meant to be a self-contained piece of work that also acts as supporting material to the design project, covering aspects of it that cannot easily be presented in the design submission. It is intended to have a reflective element, where students should articulate their position and decision-making process in writing. Strategies employed in order to address sustainability (environmental, social, economic) and equity issues, as well as other issues that are relevant to each project are meant to be explored in this module.
The module explores in detail a changing current issue in architecture by investigating and designing a building design project led by visiting tutors engaged in innovative professional practice or academia.
Exchange studio module
You’ll be examined and assessed by studio presentations and coursework submissions.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Day-to-day teaching takes place in the School of the Arts, an ornate Georgian property located on the historic Abercromby Square. Students will also have the chance to thrive in our Royal Institute of British Architexts (RIBA) award-winning studio spaces that stimulate creativity and reflect the working environment of architects in practice.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The ambition the school of architecture has is unmatched by any other in the U.K – and it shows.
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David Grant – Architecture
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Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £9,535 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £1,385 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £29,900 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £14,950 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for model making, printing and materials. From year two in our BA programme to year five in our MArch programme, there are also optional international fieldtrips that incur additional costs ranging between £100-400.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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T levels | |
GCSE | 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
Subject requirements |
We are keen to encourage applicants with a strong design ability and the talent to succeed at Liverpool. Although successful applicants will typically have a 2:1 honours degree in Architecture with RIBA Part 1, we judge every application on its merits. In considering your application, we will review your academic record, including your final year studio design project where applicable, and you will be asked to submit a 10-page design portfolio which demonstrates a high level of design ability and extensive knowledge of the histories, theories and practices of architecture. If you are able to provide evidence of professional development in practice we will consider this. You may also be invited to an interview. Alongside Architecture graduates, we welcome applicants from associated disciplines, including Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Architectural Engineering courses. We will also consider applicants on an individual basis with lower or non-accredited qualifications, if supported by a strong portfolio. Candidates who have an interest in the course should discuss their circumstances with the Programme Director and the Admission Officer. |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this Master of Architecture, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature | Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
International Baccalaureate English B | Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level |
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 169 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 5 December 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions