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 2025
January 2026

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.


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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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

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Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

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 College of the Arts and Society and the College of Engineering, Environment and Science. 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.


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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

In Year two, you’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

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.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. 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.

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:


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.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£7,466 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£7,466 per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£12,400 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£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 fees3 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.


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 etching4.

 

student working in Architectural technical studio

Architectural Technology Studio

This multi-function space4 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

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