The current urgency of the housing crisis in the UK and around the world reveals an insufficiency in architectural solutions and extant policies that prevent new design initiatives. This multidisciplinary programme considers design, environmental issues and policy making to re-imagine cities and homes for future generations.
In the UK, recent topics such as the housing shortage, the climate emergency in relation to the energy performance of homes, and life safety issues (such as those related to the Grenfell disaster) have cast new light on construction practices and housing ownership. Consequently, there is a demand for qualified professionals who can address the issues of housing design in a more holistic manner.
The MSc Global Housing Design integrates architecture, urban planning, design, policy making, engineering and social sciences to enable you to re-envision the city, its housing and its inhabitants. It offers a comprehensive understanding of housing design all over the world – including Europe, China, India, Africa and the Middle East – and teaches various research methods to construct a critical overview of housing issues in different metropolitan contexts.
This is an advanced architectural design graduate programme that aims to negotiate the practical, theoretical, and speculative aspects of housing design, and to prepare you to engage in ever more diverse and dynamic global landscapes in housing production, culture, and politics.
This programme is suitable for architects who want to specialise in housing design or contribute to residential projects across the globe. It will also be of interest to designers and planners who want to play a leading role in transforming housing provision.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester 1 will focus on the housing crisis, and consists of two compulsory modules and one optional module. Each student will be asked to identify a specific phenomenon, identify its causes and urban variables.
Please note: This is a newly launched programme – some modules may therefore be subject to change prior to the course start date.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOUSING DESIGN CRISIS (ARCH751) | 30 |
| HOUSING HISTORY AND THEORIES FROM 1900 TO THE PRESENT (ARCH753) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester 2 will research housing types, understanding the design variables at stake and suitability of certain types in addressing specific urban issues. You will take two compulsory modules and one optional module.
Please note: This is a newly launched programme – some modules may therefore be subject to change prior to the course start date.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOUSING TYPES AND CONTEXT (ARCH752) | 30 |
| RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (ARCH707) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The summer semester will be spent completing your thesis, which accounts for one-third of the credits of your programme.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THESIS: DESIGN (ARCH723) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching will mostly be in-person, and occasionally supplemented by online teaching via Microsoft Teams or other software platforms. In each semester, you will have one studio-based and one lecture module; the mode of teaching on the remaining module will depend on the option you choose. You will attend weekly tutorials, and there will be opportunities through to participate in group work.
The programme embraces authentic assessment methods to enable you to develop skills for the workplace. You will be provided with continuous feedback during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Studio-based modules are assessed through a portfolio submission. Assignments on other modules may involve websites, manuals, reports, and/or exhibitions.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The MSc in Global Housing Design is an inclusive and diverse course, connecting research and design. You will actively learn through case studies and by discussing your projects with partners from industry, local governments, and developers. You will increase your confidence through continuous presentations and reviews with local and international experts from various fields, becoming global housing experts.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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This programme will prepare you for roles in which you will address issues related to housing – be that design, policy, affordability, etc., or influence housing production approaches. It is international in its outlook, and aims to provide you with expertise and transferable skills that can be used in the UK or internationally.
Graduates may seek employment in the following areas:
Architects who graduate from the programme will expand their employability through exposure to a wide range of housing production stakeholders, and by deepening their knowledge of housing design principles, policies and problems.
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.
Tuition fees for the academic year 2026/27 will be announced soon.
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 £12,167 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.
We estimate that students should budget for the following additional study costs:
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Please note that this scholarship is only available for master's courses starting in January 2026.
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.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
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.
We typically 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, such as Interior/Art Design, Urban Design, Housing or Planning.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We typically 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, such as Interior/Art Design, Urban Design, Housing or Planning. Candidates with degrees in other disciplines/non-traditional qualifications, but relevant experience, may also be considered for the programme. In this case, it may be necessary to interview you as part of the application process. Please contact the Admissions Tutor if you wish to discuss the suitability of your qualification or experience before applying. As the programme has a strong design focus, all applicants are required to submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their design skills and experience or interest in aspects of residential design. This should be in PDF format (max. file size: 10MB) and contain a maximum of 20 spreads in A3, horizontal format.
|
| 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 |
| 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. |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
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 no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 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.
Ross Monaghan
Last updated 1 October 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions