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At Northumbria it's not about where you're from, it's about where you want to go. So, whatever your future ambitions, we make it our mission to help you achieve them.

To find out more about the range of flexible admissions options we have to support students to access study at Northumbria, take a look at our Entry Requirements.

APPLY NOW

The MArch is designed to equip you with the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. 

The architecture programmes at Northumbria are all framed in relation to a common ethos and approach.

Our Ethos

Contextual Awareness: The exploration and importance of place, reading the context and being responsive to site as a precursor to change and adaptation.

Environmental Literacy: In response to the climate emergency, environmental literacy will be embedded in every module assignment and assessment.

Our Approach

Design Led: Creativity is central to architectural practice and is developed through studio practice as a research method.

Authentic Learning: Projects will engage with real-world issues, learning through doing, and working beyond the confines of the institution.

Constructive Alignment: Connecting strands of knowledge to form an integrated approach to the subject and developing holistic architectural propositions.

 

Why choose Northumbria to study Architecture (MArch)? 

  • Within this framework, the full time Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) and the part-time Degree Apprenticeship (RIBA Parts 2 & 3), offer distinctive, complementary pathways for students.
  • Northumbria University is ranked 28th in the UK for Architecture studies (Guardian University League Table 2023).
  • Over 94% of students studying Architecture at Northumbria thought staff were good at explaining things and that their assessment feedback was often on time (NSS, 2023).

     

 

The MArch is designed to equip you with the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. 

The architecture programmes at Northumbria are all framed in relation to a common ethos and approach.

Our Ethos

Contextual Awareness: The exploration and importance of place, reading the context and being responsive to site as a precursor to change and adaptation.

Environmental Literacy: In response to the climate emergency, environmental literacy will be embedded in every module assignment and assessment.

Our Approach

Design Led: Creativity is central to architectural practice and is developed through studio practice as a research method.

Authentic Learning: Projects will engage with real-world issues, learning through doing, and working beyond the confines of the institution.

Constructive Alignment: Connecting strands of knowledge to form an integrated approach to the subject and developing holistic architectural propositions.

 

Why choose Northumbria to study Architecture (MArch)? 

  • Within this framework, the full time Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) and the part-time Degree Apprenticeship (RIBA Parts 2 & 3), offer distinctive, complementary pathways for students.
  • Northumbria University is ranked 28th in the UK for Architecture studies (Guardian University League Table 2023).
  • Over 94% of students studying Architecture at Northumbria thought staff were good at explaining things and that their assessment feedback was often on time (NSS, 2023).

     

 

Course Information

Credits
0

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
2 years full-time

Department
Architecture and Built Environment

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

News / Architecture

Find out more about what our Architecture students and staff are getting involved in.

Architecture MArch / Portfolio Guide

We are interested in what inspires you, who inspires you and how you communicate that enthusiasm through your work.

Department / Architecture and Built Environment

Architecture and Built Environment encompasses all of our teaching, research and enterprise in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Quantity and Building Surveying, Real Estate and Housing.

Graduate Showcase / REVEAL

The end of year showcase for our Creative Programmes.

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Watch as Northumbria students showcase there work in 2022 Reveal show

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Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.

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Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.

Entry Requirements Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships Apply Now

Entry Requirements 2023/24

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in architecture from an RIBA validated / ARB accredited school of architecture, or equivalent.

A minimum of three months post-Part 1 experience in an architecture practice is preferred, but applications are considered on an individual basis, particularly where transferrable skills and applicable knowledge can be demonstrated.

Applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio with their application.

International Qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry  

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in architecture from an RIBA validated / ARB accredited school of architecture, or equivalent.

A minimum of three months post-Part 1 experience in an architecture practice is preferred, but applications are considered on an individual basis, particularly where transferrable skills and applicable knowledge can be demonstrated.

Applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio with their application.

International Qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry  

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2023/24 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


EU Fee in Year 1: £17,500

International Fee in Year 1: £17,500


Please see the main Funding Pages for 23/24 scholarship information.



ADDITIONAL COSTS

Specialist equipment/materials - drafting and modelling equipment - approximate cost £200:Optional specialist equipment/materials - modelling materials - approximate cost £200:Print costs - reports, A0 posters, A3 weekly outputs - approximate cost £150:Final projects - models - £50.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1*: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.



EU Fee in Year 1: £18,250


International Fee in Year 1: £18,250


Scholarships for 24/25 are currently being announced.  Please keep checking the main Funding Pages which will be updated throughout the cycle.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2023/24

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

KA5041 -

Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KA6044 -

Design Project 1: Experimentation (30 Credits)

In this module you will develop and demonstrate the ability critically to appraise, understand the nature of, and develop design briefs. You will develop your creativity and criticality in assessment of the complexities of the project’s cultural and social context; and propose and justify a design strategy. This module is designed to create spaces for meaningful ‘play’, to help you to embrace the ‘mess’ and ‘risk’ of practising as a fundamental part of the creative process, and to recognise, analyse and learn from the heuristic and happenstance as much as the preconceived. You will be facilitated to and engage with self-reflection in developing your approach to architectural design.

More information

KA6045 -

Design Project 2: Speculation (30 Credits)

You will explore the discipline as a practical and theoretical subject, be exposed to the social function of architecture, and the constraints architects operate within. Creativity in this module is expressed as a social phenomenon as well as an artistic one. You will also develop your skills in being able to: critically appraise and develop design briefs; make assessments of and respond to the project’s contingencies and complexities; to communicate your work to an audience other than your peers and your tutor; and develop design strategies that result in sophisticated and appropriate design solutions.

More information

KA6046 -

Architectural Research Methods (30 Credits)

Lectures will discuss research principles and concepts; academic theory and skills will be contextualised to an architectural idiom through case study examples of recent and current research projects.
Working in research seminar groups, will help frame the subject of your own, self-selected research proposal. You will identify the key researchers and seminal research, current ‘state of the art’, and any ‘gap in the knowledge’ in your chosen field or subject; and produce your research project’s methodology which you will then undertake in year 2.

More information

KA6047 -

Practice Management and Law (30 Credits)

Architecture as an agent of change means cultivating self-reflective, critical practitioners equipped with the skills and knowledge to make strategic and informed choices. You will consider both the value and the limits of your experience, valuing the contributions of different forms of knowledge, and when and how to engage with and motivate others.
This module frames the strategic professional and cultural contexts in which we operate and how these might align with your own emerging philosophy and practice of architecture. You will consider your own professional aspirations and responsibilities, and develop academic and professional skills including, effective communication in different settings and to different audiences; intrinsic motivation; self-reflection and critical thinking; ethics and social responsibility.

More information

Year two

KA7011 -

Design Project 3: Analysis and Proposal (40 Credits)

You will improve your skills and creativity in design; the ability critically to appraise, understand the nature of, and develop design briefs; to analyse and make an assessment of the complexities of the project’s context; and propose and justify a design strategy. You will learn to engage with critical reflection on the cultural and social context of your area of study. Through independent and supported inquiry you will develop the design proposal up to sketch scheme (equivalent of RIBA Workstage 2) in response to your exploration. This learning will be evidenced in a portfolio that demonstrates your theoretical position, programme context, brief development and the early stages of your design proposal.
This module will be supported by workshops and tutorials, and regular reviews, where you are expected to be critical engaged in the process.
Verbal, written and drawn feedback is provided formatively at tutorials and strategic reviews throughout the semester, to provide ongoing guidance and to establish opportunities for reflection and independent learning. Summative assessment will be provided at the end of the semester providing guidance to be taken into DP4.

More information

KA7012 -

Design Project 4 - Realisation (50 Credits)

This module is the realisation of the design thesis project, which will engage you as an independent learner in the development of a complex and integrated design proposal, based on the inquiry undertaken in dp3. During this phase of the year-long thesis project you will engage in a rigorous design process, developing your concept (established in dp3) into a coherent and complex design solution. With support from your design tutors you will utilise the skills and knowledge learnt during your education to date, and you will be expected to engage with an increased level of complexity and criticality that involves, amongst other exploration: an engagement with context (physical, poetic, theoretical); research into precedents and building typologies (spatial, and organisational); development of building programme, building form, spatial sophistication, materiality and appropriate detail, working together in an integrated and holistic way; consideration of regulatory and legal constraints; technological choices and comparisons and coherently communicated through verbal, written and graphical (both 2 and 3D formats)- all commensurate with level 7 scholarship.

More information

KA7013 -

Student Selected Investigation (30 Credits)

You will learn skills that enable independent learning through research and advanced scholarship, applied to the discipline of architecture. More specifically you will acquire the knowledge and skills to identify an area of research interest and to be able to use appropriate methodologies to collect data addressing the research imperative. You will learn how to employ analytical skills to systematically evaluate data and to draw conclusions from this data and ultimately be able to communicate the findings through appropriate means.

More information

KA7056 -

Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

Modules Overview 2024/25

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

KA5041 -

Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KA6044 -

Design Project 1: Experimentation (30 Credits)

In this module you will develop and demonstrate the ability critically to appraise, understand the nature of, and develop design briefs. You will develop your creativity and criticality in assessment of the complexities of the project’s cultural and social context; and propose and justify a design strategy. This module is designed to create spaces for meaningful ‘play’, to help you to embrace the ‘mess’ and ‘risk’ of practising as a fundamental part of the creative process, and to recognise, analyse and learn from the heuristic and happenstance as much as the preconceived. You will be facilitated to and engage with self-reflection in developing your approach to architectural design.

More information

KA6045 -

Design Project 2: Speculation (30 Credits)

You will explore the discipline as a practical and theoretical subject, be exposed to the social function of architecture, and the constraints architects operate within. Creativity in this module is expressed as a social phenomenon as well as an artistic one. You will also develop your skills in being able to: critically appraise and develop design briefs; make assessments of and respond to the project’s contingencies and complexities; to communicate your work to an audience other than your peers and your tutor; and develop design strategies that result in sophisticated and appropriate design solutions.

More information

KA6046 -

Architectural Research Methods (30 Credits)

Lectures will discuss research principles and concepts; academic theory and skills will be contextualised to an architectural idiom through case study examples of recent and current research projects.
Working in research seminar groups, will help frame the subject of your own, self-selected research proposal. You will identify the key researchers and seminal research, current ‘state of the art’, and any ‘gap in the knowledge’ in your chosen field or subject; and produce your research project’s methodology which you will then undertake in year 2.

More information

KA6047 -

Practice Management and Law (30 Credits)

Architecture as an agent of change means cultivating self-reflective, critical practitioners equipped with the skills and knowledge to make strategic and informed choices. You will consider both the value and the limits of your experience, valuing the contributions of different forms of knowledge, and when and how to engage with and motivate others.
This module frames the strategic professional and cultural contexts in which we operate and how these might align with your own emerging philosophy and practice of architecture. You will consider your own professional aspirations and responsibilities, and develop academic and professional skills including, effective communication in different settings and to different audiences; intrinsic motivation; self-reflection and critical thinking; ethics and social responsibility.

More information

Year two

KA7011 -

Design Project 3: Analysis and Proposal (40 Credits)

You will improve your skills and creativity in design; the ability critically to appraise, understand the nature of, and develop design briefs; to analyse and make an assessment of the complexities of the project’s context; and propose and justify a design strategy. You will learn to engage with critical reflection on the cultural and social context of your area of study. Through independent and supported inquiry you will develop the design proposal up to sketch scheme (equivalent of RIBA Workstage 2) in response to your exploration. This learning will be evidenced in a portfolio that demonstrates your theoretical position, programme context, brief development and the early stages of your design proposal.
This module will be supported by workshops and tutorials, and regular reviews, where you are expected to be critical engaged in the process.
Verbal, written and drawn feedback is provided formatively at tutorials and strategic reviews throughout the semester, to provide ongoing guidance and to establish opportunities for reflection and independent learning. Summative assessment will be provided at the end of the semester providing guidance to be taken into DP4.

More information

KA7012 -

Design Project 4 - Realisation (50 Credits)

This module is the realisation of the design thesis project, which will engage you as an independent learner in the development of a complex and integrated design proposal, based on the inquiry undertaken in dp3. During this phase of the year-long thesis project you will engage in a rigorous design process, developing your concept (established in dp3) into a coherent and complex design solution. With support from your design tutors you will utilise the skills and knowledge learnt during your education to date, and you will be expected to engage with an increased level of complexity and criticality that involves, amongst other exploration: an engagement with context (physical, poetic, theoretical); research into precedents and building typologies (spatial, and organisational); development of building programme, building form, spatial sophistication, materiality and appropriate detail, working together in an integrated and holistic way; consideration of regulatory and legal constraints; technological choices and comparisons and coherently communicated through verbal, written and graphical (both 2 and 3D formats)- all commensurate with level 7 scholarship.

More information

KA7013 -

Student Selected Investigation (30 Credits)

You will learn skills that enable independent learning through research and advanced scholarship, applied to the discipline of architecture. More specifically you will acquire the knowledge and skills to identify an area of research interest and to be able to use appropriate methodologies to collect data addressing the research imperative. You will learn how to employ analytical skills to systematically evaluate data and to draw conclusions from this data and ultimately be able to communicate the findings through appropriate means.

More information

KA7056 -

Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Architecture MArch

START MONTH
YEAR

SEPTEMBER

2023

APPLY NOW keyboard_arrow_right

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.


All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

Current, Relevant and Inspiring

We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.


Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

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