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Master of Architecture

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Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture (MArch) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate taught programme in architecture.

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Course overview

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.

Introduction

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.

What you'll learn

  • The ability to conceive and develop an investigative and critical approach to architecture
  • The ability to create architectural designs that integrate social, aesthetic and technical requirements
  • The ability to analyse problems and to develop a brief for a building or an urban design
  • The ability to produce designs demonstrating an understanding of climate, passive and active servicing systems
  • Informed judgement in the development of sustainable design
  • The ability to present work orally and visually, using drawings, models, and digital presentation techniques.

Accreditation

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.

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

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.

Compulsory modules

DESIGN A (ARCH401)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Architectural Design Studio – Critical Position

DESIGN B (ARCH402)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Architectural Design Studio – Urban Response

DESIGN C (ARCH403)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Architectural Design Studio

DESIGN D (ARCH404)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Architectural Design Studio – Detail

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT & CONTRACT LAW (ARCH405)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

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.

Sustainability in Practice (ARCH410)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

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. 

Humanities and Research Methods (ARCH480)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Research methods training for M.Arch dissertation

URBAN DESIGN: THEORY AND PRACTICE (ARCH406)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

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.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

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:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Your experience

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.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Why study Architecture at Liverpool?

  • Established in 1894, the Liverpool School of Architecture was the first university in the UK to award a RIBA-accredited degree in Architecture
  • As one of the UK’s premier centres for architectural research and education, the Liverpool School of Architecture is the ideal place to pursue your architecture studies
  • We are ranked 9th in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian University Guide 2023) and 5th in the sector for overall research classified as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) (REF 2021)
  • We are strongly focused on research, and have many leading architectural experts based amongst our teaching staff
  • Our membership of the School of the Arts and wider University presents intriguing specialist opportunities, in fields such as autonomous building systems, arts and building design, and climate change risk mitigation
  • Work is underway on a major refurbishment of our premises, which will comprise a new-build addition of more than 2,000M. The £23 million scheme has been designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, and is expected to be completed by 2024.

What students say...

The ambition the school of architecture has is unmatched by any other in the U.K – and it shows.

, BA (Hons) Architecture 2017, MArch Master of Architecture 2020

Careers and employability

The Master of Architecture degree will provide you with the skills necessary to design and construct buildings that are energy efficient and sustainable not only visually appealing.
Our graduates have an excellent record of employment in both internationally renowned offices and small-scale specialist practices.

Recent employers include:

  • Arup
  • BDP
  • Foster + Partners
  • Hampshire County Council
  • Hodder + Partners
  • Rosenbergs Arkitekter, Stockholm
  • Shedkm
  • Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
  • Union North
  • Wilkinson Eyre.

95% of architecture students agree their main activity after graduation is meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £28,000
Year abroad fee £14,000
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

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 paying for your studies..

Additional costs

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.

Additional study costs

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.

Students should expect to cover the following costs during their studies.

  • Year one: £25 model making, £50 printing, £75 materials
  • Year two: £50 model making, £50 printing, £50 materials. There is also an optional overseas fieldtrip at a cost of £100.
  • Year three: £50 model making, £50 printing, £50 materials. There is also an optional overseas fieldtrip at a cost of £250.
  • Year four: £100 model making, £50 printing, £50 materials. There is also an optional overseas fieldtrip at a cost of £400.
  • Year five: £150 model making, £50 printing, £50 materials. There is also an optional overseas fieldtrip at a cost of £400.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

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

About our typical entry requirements

T levels
GCSE 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements

Admission is by portfolio inspection and an interview, if required. Students need a 1st class BA or BSc degree (with Honours) in Architecture. 2:1 degrees are considered if supported by a strong portfolio and either 65 or above in final year design studio or a clear indication of further developments in practice. We also welcome applications from Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Architectural Engineering courses, but applicants must have a 1st class degree and submit a 10-page portfolio with their final year project. Candidates who do not meet these criteria and have a strong 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.

English language requirements

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
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
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 Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 169

PRE-SESSIONAL 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.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

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, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Master of Architecture MArch

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.