We are a leading school of architecture with a commitment to helping to create a built environment that enhances people’s lives, without destroying the planet for future generations.
Study in one of the top schools of architecture in the UK in the cosmopolitan capital city of Wales.
Research excellence
Our research spans the physical sciences, social sciences, humanities and design to foster excellence in key areas of architecture and the built environment.
Internationally recognised
Our internationally recognised academics work closely with our thriving postgraduate research community on projects such as the UK's first purpose-built, low-cost energy smart house.
My course was absolutely brilliant. It was not about having to learn; it was all about wanting to learn! During my time at Cardiff University I found the best mentors, the best guides and the will to grow as a person.
This one year full-time MA in Architectural Design is aimed at students who are looking for a rich, engaging and design-focused post-graduate programme which focuses on the multiple facets and relationships between design and research.
This is a two-year programme that takes graduates to an advanced level of architectural design. It satisfies Part 2 of the UK professional qualification for architects, and is approved by the RIBA and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Full time blended learning, Full time distance learning, Part time blended learning, Part time distance learning
On this programme, students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the legal and economic aspects of architectural practice and construction procurement, and the related skills necessary to practice effectively on entry into the architectural profession.
This course addresses the need for creative professionals who are equipped with the IT skills, digital fabrication skills, simulation software skills, or the ability to design custom-software development tools to solve unique design problems.
Full time, Full time distance learning, Part time, Part time distance learning, Part time distance learning
Gain knowledge and expertise to specialise in the design of comfortable and healthy environments in and around buildings, regardless of climate, and with due regard to sustainable issues.
The aim of this programme is to provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the management and legal aspects of design, and the skills necessary to successfully administer the procurement of design services and building projects.
Full time blended learning, Part time blended learning
The aim of this programme is to provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the management and legal aspects of design, and the skills necessary to successfully administer the procurement of design services and building projects.
This programme focuses on principles of sustainable planning, design and performance of large-scale and high-rise buildings and provides graduates with excellent career opportunities.
Run in conjunction with the Welsh School of Architecture, this course enables students to learn by deploying design, theory, and development and design control practices, which inform urban design processes.
This programme is aimed at design professionals who wish to advance their discipline through the act of practice and within the workplace.
Our talks
Postgraduate study at the Welsh School of Architecture
Find out what to expect from postgraduate study at the Welsh School of Architecture from Dr Sam Clark, Director of Recruitment and Admissions.
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Caroline Almond, MArch 1 Year Chair, and Dr Mhairi McVicar, MArch 2 Year Chair, provide an overview of the Master of Architecture programme and what to expect from years four and five of your studies.
Postgraduate research at the Welsh School of Architecture
Find out more about postgraduate research at the Welsh School of Architecture from Dr Vicki Stevenson, Director of Postgraduate Research.
Our School
Our School has an outstanding international reputation as a centre for built environment research and design. We pride ourselves on producing highly employable graduates who can apply expertise, rigour and imagination to architectural and design challenges across the world. Explore our facilities, School and research and take a look at some of our current postgraduate student projects in our online exhibition to learn more about what it is like to be part of a vibrant, collaborative school of architecture with a strong studio culture.
We are the Welsh School of Architecture
Find out about the Welsh School of Architecture, learn about our core values and see what it is like to be part of our School.
A journey through the Welsh School of Architecture
The Welsh School of Architecture’s iconic Grade II listed Bute building has undergone an extensive renovation to incorporate new bespoke facilities including larger studio spaces, a Hybrid Studio, a Living lab and an Exhibition Hall. This new film showcases the building’s new look, taking viewers on a journey guided by current students and their experiences of studying in the school.
SAWSA is the leading student community at Cardiff University for those interested in the fields of architecture and design.
Our research
Our research spans the physical sciences, social sciences, humanities and design to foster excellence in key areas of architecture and the built environment. We ranked 4th the UK in the Research Excellent Framework 2021 (REF) confirming our position as a world-leading centre of excellence for architecture and the built environment.
I applied for my MSc at Cardiff University because the course offered the interdisciplinary approach to learning I was looking for to challenge myself. The available equipment at the Welsh School of Architecture, including a Kuka robotic arm, 3D printers, and a fully equipped wood workshop, was an added bonus. Cardiff as a city is also a very welcoming place and definitely student friendly.
Aileen Hoenerloh, MSc Computational Methods in Architecture
Our course films
Watch our short course films for more information on the programme that you are interested in.
MA Architectural Design
A short film describing our MA Architectural Design at the Welsh School of Architecture, including School community, course details, features and facilities, and employability.
Master of Design Administration (MDA)
Professor Sarah Lupton, personal chair and programme director at the Welsh School of Architecture, talks about the Master of Design Administration programme.
MSc Computational Methods in Architecture
Professor Wassim Jabi provides further information on the MSc in Computational Methods in Architecture programme at the Welsh School of Architecture.
MSc Environmental Design of Buildings (Distance Learning)
Sarah O'Dwyer, distance learning tutor at the Welsh School of Architecture, talks about the tools we use on our distance learning MSc Environmental Design of Buildings programme.
MSc Environmental Design of Buildings
A short film describing our CIBSE accredited MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings at the Welsh School of Architecture.
MSc Sustainable Building Conservation
A short film describing our MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation at the Welsh School of Architecture.
MSc Sustainable Mega Buildings
A short film describing our CIBSE and CTBUH accredited MSc in Sustainable Mega Buildings at the Welsh School of Architecture.
