This Biodigital Design pathway of the MA Advanced Architecture is a forward-thinking programme that merges architectural design with biomimicry, sustainability and digital technology.
Prospective students wishing to apply for this specialist pathway should select ‘MA Advanced Architecture’ in the online application form. You will then enrol on your chosen pathway when you register as a student.
It teaches students how to use nature-inspired ideas, like patterns and processes found in living systems, alongside cutting-edge digital tools such as parametric design and 3D printing. Through hands-on projects and exploration, you will learn to create innovative, sustainable designs that blend the organic and the technological.
This pathway is perfect for those who want to push the boundaries of architecture by combining the natural world with digital creativity to build a greener, smarter future.
There are opportunities to take part in field trips and visit world-leading exhibitions and practices. You will also meet professionals from renowned architectural firms. Specialists from Heatherwick Studio, Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects are regular guests in our design reviews.
Visit the MA in Advanced Architecture website to see examples of projects undertaken by current students and recent graduates, as well as recent excursions and other activities.
The Liverpool School of Architecture is ranked in the world top 150 for Architecture (QS World University Rankings 2026), and 10th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026).
This master’s is particularly suitable for experienced architects or those from a design background who want to utilise new technologies to enhance their creative skills and deliver sustainable solutions.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will choose one optional design module alongside your two compulsory modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (ARCH707) | 15 |
| DESIGNING FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE (ARCH719) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCED & AI-ASSISTED DESIGN 2 (ARCH713) | 30 |
| DIGITAL CLIMATE RESPONSIVE AND NET ZERO DESIGN STUDIO (ARCH734) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THESIS: RESEARCH BY DESIGN (ARCH722) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching methods include lectures, small-group seminars, studio tutorials, group work and guided independent study.
Lectures will typically provide a broad introduction to key topics and debates, while seminars enable particular issues or design challenges to be explored and discussed in greater detail. Studio tutorials will develop your design strategies through small-group teaching led by a tutor.
A range of assessment methods are used on this programme, including essays, presentations, reports, blogs, portfolios, case study research and practical group projects. You’ll also develop a research proposal and complete a dissertation or research design project.
Studio work is formally assessed by a digital portfolio at the end of each semester.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.
Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.
Asterios Agkathidis and Mohammed Al Suwaidi introduce the MA in Advanced Architecture.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
One of the things I appreciate most about my curriculum is the freedom it offers to shape my own journey. It allows me to specialise in areas I’m passionate about, while also encouraging me to explore unfamiliar territories that push me both creatively and intellectually. It’s a programme that truly challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, and in doing so, helps you discover what you're truly capable of.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Although this programme does not carry RIBA/ARB accreditation, you’ll be studying with the UK’s first Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accredited University School of Architecture.
Learning from experts engaged in highly rated international research, your employability will be enhanced through gaining specialist knowledge and putting your skills into practice. You can tailor your module choice to maximise its relevance and suitability to your future career.
The specialist structure of this pathway will prepare you for employment in the following fields:
You will gain highly advanced skills in software, architectural technology, design, presentation and research, which are coveted in both the public and private sectors.
Alternatively, you may wish to continue your studies and will find that you are well prepared for PhD research.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Full-time place, per year - £30,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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 could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
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.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Architecture (or a closely related subject e.g. Landscape Architecture, Interior/Art Design, Civil/Structural Engineering or Urban Design). Please contact us if you wish to check whether your degree subject is suitable, however a wide spectrum of subjects are acceptable. Candidates who do not meet these requirements will be considered on their individual merits and should discuss their particular circumstances with the Programme Director. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 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 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content, please contact the programme director.
Last updated 2 April 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions