MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

Our architecture graduates benefit from a discursive education that enables them with a wide range of creative thinking and problem-solving knowledge and skills. Building on this students have gone on to work with leading architectural offices and start their own successful practices. Others have enjoyed success in parallel careers including: teaching, both at Plymouth and other schools of architecture: urban design; landscape architecture; community development; and construction and project management. Upon completion of the programme you may be able to continue on to a RIBA Part 3 qualification and become a Chartered Architect in the UK and EU.

Find out more about where an architecture degree can take you

• Year 1

• In your first year, you’ll undertake design studio projects set around live UK or overseas urban regeneration projects explored formally, programmatically and tectonically. You’ll study your core subjects this year – exploring key theories and tools through: philosophies of sustainability; methodologies of urban analysis; and technical development of your design studio proposal.

  Core modules

  ARCH761
  Professional Studies

  This module develops the student's knowledge and understanding of current architectural practice and professional responsibilities with respect to the building industry, the legal framework of building contracts and the legislative context of the profession and associated professions, and constructs of ethics which frame professional practice.

  ARCH762
  Emerging Research

  Students will undertake a programme of Masters-level research. It has no pre-ordained syllabus content, and will be informed by students' own investigations and staff knowledge drawn from their own research interests. Students will receive tutorial support for their approved research topic within the scope of the module content, seminar discussion and wider reading. This work will be advanced in the context of students gaining key research skills.

  ARCH763
  Sustainable Technologies

  This module examines environmental and tectonic (building fabric and structural) considerations that informs the design of buildings and their inhabitation, including emergent discourse on issues of sustainability (e.g., climate change and materials specification) and regulatory requirements (e.g., health and safety). This knowledge and understanding will be applied to and tested in the generation of a building design.

  ARCH764
  Context for Praxis (Knowledge Exchange)

  This module examines the cultural, ecological, economic, political and social issues which frame the context of praxis, considered through a cross-disciplinary perspective. This examination includes exploration of professional and theoretical discourses that enhance critical understanding of issues. This understanding will be tested through application in generating through trans-disciplinary teams a proposition (including an architectural component for architecture students) for a live civic project, reinforced through critical analysis and reference to relevant discourse.

• Final year

• In your final year, you’ll have a more flexible timetable. You'll combine the skills and knowledge you've developed in the design studio with the individual, research-orientated study of an area of your choice. Your design studio projects this year are set around live urban regeneration projects overseas or in the UK. For your individual research study, you’ll be supported by research-active staff aligned with your chosen area of study. You will also deepen your understanding of professional practice through professional studies.

  Core modules

  ARCH765
  Strategic Design

  This module will enable students to establish their own architectural discussion within a contextual and theoretical framework. This inquiry will be pursued through investigation of a complex urban context including the study of precedents, identification of project sites and briefs, and the generation of (re)development strategies for a chosen site and brief. Students will be expected to resolve their work to a high professional standard.

  ARCH766
  Design Praxis

  This module builds on the conceptual / strategic design identified in ARCH765 to develop an integrated detailed architectural design, including its spatial-form, technical strategies, and a building programme responsive to cultural, ecological, economic, political and social issues. This work will be pursued within an inquiry enabling students to develop a design praxis and architectural discussion grounded in a theoretical context.

Master of Architecture ARB RIBA Part 2 programme specification 7538

Our ARB- and RIBA-accredited programmes are designed to help you reach the status of professional Chartered Architect. At Plymouth, you will benefit from a strong connection between our undergraduate, masters, and research programmes that will support you to achieve your career aims.

Expected 2:1 degree classification but we will consider students with lower degree and a good portfolio..

If you are an overseas/EU students you must obtain an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

View our English language requirements .

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

The following conditions are highly desired:
12 months experience working in an architect’s office or similar professionally relevant activity.

Application process
To be considered for entry onto the programme, you'll need to submit the following:

If you would like an informal chat about the Master of Architecture course please contact the programme leader at ada@plymouth.ac.uk.

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:

If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.