Architecture MArch

Study level: Postgraduate
Architects drawing of a new development in Coventry city centre.

The Architecture MArch aims to extend your knowledge and prepare you for a career where you could expect to lead developments and discussions within urban and rural environments.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Course code

AHT045

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
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Course overview

We encourage you to be curious and critical of the factors that shape the built environment.

Additional key points:

  • You will develop creative and imaginative architectural projects of diverse scale, complexity and type.
  • You will explore the interrelationship between buildings, the built environment and the principles of sustainable design.
  • You will use principles and theories of urban design for the planning of successful communities.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

The course is designed to celebrate the distinctive nature of Architecture as a discipline which spans the sciences and the arts.

Studio-based learning creates a holistic and integrated teaching and learning environment. Along with individual projects, you may have the chance to undertake collaborative projects with other students on master’s courses in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing. A wide range of workshop facilities4 will be available to you during lectures and also during independent study periods.

The course is informed by an advisory panel of practising architects including lecturers with industry experience as well as guest lecturers, to ensure a strong and collaborative bond between practice and academia (staff and guest speakers are subject to change).

The structure of the course also reflects an integration of and consideration for human values that should help and support you with finding roles for architecture in contemporary society.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course has been accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Architects Registration Board logo

Architects Registration Board (ARB)

Our Architecture MArch has achieved ARB prescription. All graduates qualifying from the course will be exempt from the ARB part 2 exam.

This course is currently accredited by the Architects Registration Board for the 2023/24 entry. 

 

For me especially, it was amazing to see how my project developed from a diagram that I did at the beginning of the course and then by the end of the first year, I have a project that I am quite fascinated by.

Gabriela Veloso Kamienski, Architecture MArch, 2020
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What you'll study

You will concern yourself with the craft of making and building within the context of challenging local and global environments.  

Architecture at Coventry is taught as a liberal discipline that is technically, professionally, socially, and environmentally sustainable. We place an emphasis on architecture as a social practice and a technical process which deliberately spans both science and the arts. We strive to provide an architectural education that is as complex as the field of architecture itself; but taught in a way that challenges you to achieve your maximum potential. 

Modules

  • This module addresses architectural design within the context of complex and evolving contemporary urban environments. Architecture is considered as a transformative act among the many forces that shape cities and landscapes. Starting with the detailed analysis of a particular urban context, the module focuses on issues of master planning, urban design and regeneration. Hypotheses are then tested through the design of a building, group of buildings, or other urban intervention, allowing you to explore and articulate your own position.

    Compulsory

  • Architectural design requires the ability to creatively synthesisze and integrate a diverse range of knowledge and skills. The attributes of a skilful designer are only acquired through regular practice. This module provides opportunities for such development, while also allowing you to explore and evolve your own personal design approaches. The portfolio from this module will include a broad range of work demonstrating your ability to create an integrated architectural solution. You will be asked to develop the design of a specific building, not only in terms of its spatial and conceptual qualities but also the structural, constructional and environmental strategies that underpin its execution.

    Compulsory

  • This module underpins and supports both the Comprehensive Design Module and the Design Thesis in later semesters. The module will include lectures and seminars on a range of specialist subjects (from fire engineering to façade design), and will be based on case studies, with students researching constructed buildings. The purpose of this is to explore the ways in which the material and tectonic realisation of a design inform, and are informed by, the ideas behind the design process. The case studies will investigate the technical resolution of the selected buildings with the aims of the design team in mind (including relation to site, programme, and theoretical positioning).

    Compulsory

  • The cultural context module provides a theoretical underpinning to the course through a range of lectures, case studies, seminars and guided readings into a broad range of current architectural debates and research. It will also introduce you to the tools with which to carry out critical enquiry, and will prepare you to undertake advanced individual and group research in your chosen area of specialisation in subsequent semesters.

    Compulsory

  • The module covers the application of collaborative and communication skills within a professional environment. The project will involve group work, requiring a degree of original research and the integration of technical, and economic aspects via evaluative criteria.

    You can expect to learn how to apply professional judgement and employ a range of integrated tools.

    Compulsory

In year two, we’ll explore the complexities of architecture itself. Our teaching reflects the nature of contemporary architecture as an international field of creative inquiry and the course incorporates exploration, collaboration and the critical analysis of a range of inputs from differing sources.

Modules

  • In this module, you will research, select and define a design research project, identifying a personal area of enquiry, a thematic framework and theoretical context to underpin your thesis.

    Compulsory

  • The Design Thesis addresses the development of the core skills expected of an architectural student at this stage in their studies as well as providing an opportunity for you to explore in-depth aspects of architecture that are of particular interest to you. Having successfully identified, researched and declared a thematic and intellectual framework to underpin your Design Thesis, you are required to develop a convincing design proposition to a high level of resolution and presentation. Throughout the module, you will carry out detailed investigations into the theoretical, contextual, and technological issues relating to your Design Thesis Project.

    Compulsory

  • The module covers professionalism and codes of behaviour, as well as skills relating to setting up in private practice, commercial development and management of a professional practice in the built environment sector. Legal aspects of professional practice and relevant knowledge of appropriate law will also be developed and applied in the context of architectural practice.

    Compulsory

  • Embracing the diversity of architectural research, this module offers you the opportunity to carry out a detailed investigation into a specific area of research that is of interest to you. This may take the form of an academic dissertation pursuing a personal and independent line of inquiry, or it may be an investigation linked to ongoing research projects within the university2.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The course’s approach to internationalisation, collaborative working and individual creativity is relevant to the pluralistic nature of contemporary practice; from the outset you will be encouraged to discuss and consider your individual ideas in the context of your peer group and wider society.

The subject categories in which architecture operates: Design (process), Technology (including structure, construction and environmental control), Cultural Context (historical and contemporary), Communication (visual and verbal) and Professional Practice. Upon successful completion of this course, you can expect to have developed an understanding of the relationship between global issues, local context and the tectonics of architecture.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 28 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. 

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/24 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which may vary depending on the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • Studio-based projects
  • Group work
  • Individual Assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

International case studies, practices and theories have been built into the course throughout. We have strong connections with industry and other universities in Europe, as well as overseas.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree in Architecture, normally RIBA/ARB Part 1.

However RIBA/ARB Part 1 is not a prerequisite of the Master of Architecture programme, and we can make offers to candidates – usually from outside the UK – without RIBA/ARB Part 1 exemption from a previous degree.

Applicants are normally expected to have completed a ‘year out’ placement in practice with a completed PEDR logbook, or have equivalent experience. This will be determined at the application stage.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Portfolio

Applicants will be asked to provide a convincing portfolio of relevant architectural design work. This will either be presented at interview or submitted by post/online.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

Applicants will be asked to provide a convincing portfolio of relevant architectural design work. This will either be presented at interview or submitted by post/online. The portfolios will be assessed against ARB undergraduate General Criteria.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,466 per year Not available
EU £7,466 per year with EU support bursary**
£12,400 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £12,400 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

You will have the opportunity2 to join workshops, allowing you to explore different processes and ensuring that you can be individual in your creative practice. We also have experienced technical demonstrators that will deliver inductions to support you in your studies.

We have a range of facilities4 : 3D rapid prototyping, laser cutters and milling machines.

 

Female student creating a clay model in the clay studio at Coventry University.

Clay studio

In our clay studio4, your ideas become realised by using technological software and clay. Here you can create whatever you imagine, whether that’s an animated character, a sleek car design or theatre props.

 

A student working in a printing studio

Printing Studio

We have print pressers dating back to when we first started as Coventry School of Art and Design back in 1843. This studio consists of two studio spaces for all printing needs from screen printing to etching.

 

student working in Architectural technical studio

Architectural Technology Studio

This multi-function space acts both as a teaching and tutorial room. It houses 40 hi-spec computers which include Revit, Sketchup and AutoCAD. An informal area is available for group discussions, tutorials and making models.

Careers and opportunities

This course is designed to prepare you for any role you obtain in architecture. We intend to equip you with the intellectual, creative and practical skills in an appropriate manner, which should meet the needs and aspirations, not only of related professions and the wider construction industry, but of society in general.

Graduates may choose to pursue careers in a wide range of related professions or to pursue further academic studies at PhD level.

Previous graduates from the course have gone on to work in multiple world-renowned architecture practices.

Where our graduates work

Careers could include working as an architect, urban designer, architectural technologist or interior and spatial designer. A degree in architecture can prove useful in related roles, such as a building surveyor, town planner, commercial/residential surveyor, teacher or lecturer, buildings inspector, conservation officer, landscape architect, planning and development surveyor or structural engineer. You may choose to further your professional or academic education.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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