Our Architecture MArch programme is designed to respond to contemporary issues in the industry, grounded in both theory and professional practice. Our enquiry-led approach to education will teach you to tackle complex problems, unending questions and help you synthesise your ideas to produce critical work. You will be supported to take risks, learn from mistakes and be bold in creatively exploring your ideas.

Current issues in architectural debate are studied through deep foundations in historical and philosophical thought, contemporary states of urban inhabitation, challenges to a sustainable ecology, the ramifications of modern technology, legal and economic contexts, and the state of the profession.

Our design studios are delivered through advanced, research-by-design led units and offer a range of specialist pathways for you to develop an independent and critical position on architecture. Studio options range from high-density housing to sustainable futures, and advanced material investigations. We encourage an open-ended spirit of enquiry to advance knowledge through rigorous, exploratory and playful processes. Our experience and knowledge, combined with your personal ambition, will enable us to challenge existing conventions and redefine the future of architectural practice together.

A number of our Architecture MArch graduates have been awarded multiple national and international design awards, including four prizes at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s Medals, five regional RIBA Awards and the prestigious RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarship .

Key features

• This programme offers a professional level architectural education with Architects Registration Board (ARB)/RIBA Part II exemption. Graduates can progress to professional registration/licensure examinations, allowing access to markets in the UK, EU or other legal jurisdictions.
• You will be supported to tackle real-world issues, while speculating and proposing new futures through bold experimentation and boundless enquiry.
• Tutors come from industry and research and our community is a place where academics, practitioners and students are co-designing new ways of thinking.
• Teaching is delivered in a dedicated postgraduate studio space, equipped with computer workstations, model-making facilities, large format printers and Ultimaker 3D printers.
• Receive expert teaching through our Leicester School of Architecture, which has a national and international lecture series attracting leading academics and professionals from around the world, such as Sir Peter Cook, CJ Lim and Alison Brooks.
• This course benefits from global opportunities thanks to its accreditation with  Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, the Board of Architects Malaysia, which allows graduates to pursue a professional qualification in Malaysia. It is also approved by the Commonwealth Association of Architects, a membership organisation representing architects in Commonwealth of Nations, which provides access to an international network of schools for further study and better employment prospects.

Full-time graduates from the MArch programme, with a minimum six months’ professional experience prior to entry, gain exemption from Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia Part II, allowing progression to professional registration examinations and potential employment in Malaysia.

Structure and assessment

Modules

Thematic Design Studio
A series of thematic design studios are offered to explore areas of various design specialisations offered by exhibited designers, respected educators, or via masterclasses with leading/award-winning metropolitan or internationally based architects or practices. A series of supporting contemporary digital communication and fabrication classes are also offered simultaneously

Contextual Design
A series of contextual studios or study abroad studios are offered, exploring a range of diverse philosophical approaches to architectural design. Studios are developed around various contexts and discourses. Prior sites of study have included Athens (study abroad), Washington, and Palermo

Humanities Specialisation
In addition to core studies on architectural texts and treatises, students undertake seminars with published scholars and work at a level of current research in the humanities. Past seminars have included topics in Phenomenology, Urbanisation, Nationalism, Architectural Fiction, Housing, Digital Heritage and Gendered Space

Technical and Environmental Specialisation
In addition to core technical, systems and environmental studies, students undertake seminars with published scholars and work at a level of current research in the sciences. Past seminars have including advanced studies in lighting, building performance modelling, conservation science and material studies.

Dissertation
Students undertake an academic study of an architectural subject supervised by academics to develop a position in architectural thought

Management Practice and Law
An innovative module supported by professional architects, consultants and educators explores the development of your ethics, business acumen, good practices in practice and business management, awareness of legalities, understanding of contracts and architectural advocacy in the public sphere

Thesis or Comprehensive Design Project
Students are encouraged to develop a stake in the current industry, and develop design projects that allow their leadership and visionary abilities to emerge or develop a project that demonstrates a comprehensive project demonstrating specific skillsets to service the industry

Full-time students

Full time students are expected to fully engage with simultaneous tasks, averaging a full working week of contact and independent study/design time. The schedule of modules are as follows:

Year one

• Thematic Design Studio
• Humanities / Technical and Environmental Specialisation
• Contextual Design Studio
• Dissertation

Year two

• Management Practice and Law
• Technical Studies and Design Research
• Thesis or Comprehensive Design Project

Part-time students

Part time students are expected on average to be present two days a week, with the addition of an assortment of ten additional pre-arranged days throughout the year. Modules are as above, however the schedule is as follows:

Year one

• Thematic Design Studio
• Contextual Design Studio

Year two

• Humanities / Technical and Environmental Specialisation
• Management Practice and Law
• Dissertation

Year three

• Technical Studies and Design Research
• Thesis or Comprehensive Design Project

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.