Architectural Studies (MArch)
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: Full time work-based
Applications are closed
Applications for this course are currently closed. Contact us for more information.
Deadline date
The deadline date for application is 30 June.
This course is under review
You can still apply. We will contact offer holders and update this page when the programme changes.
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
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).
A leading school of architecture
Study in one of the top schools of architecture in the UK.
Professionally accredited
This course is professionally accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 2 level.
Professional placement year
Available as a two year full-time course with the first year mainly spent in an architectural practice.
Access to leading expertise
Learn from our academic staff and experienced tutors from leading UK architectural practices who have specialisms in a wide range of areas.
At the Welsh School of Architecture, we provide a fully accredited route to becoming a professional architect in the UK. This MArch programme is the second stage (Part 2) of this route and is intended for those who wish to continue their education towards becoming a qualified architect. The course is approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). If you do not already have a Part 1 qualification, please take a look at our BSc Architectural Studies.
Our MArch is a two year programme which is studied on a full-time basis. It is unique in that in the first year of study, you will predominantly be based in an architectural practice, undertaking a combination of practice-based and academic work. In your second year you will be based in the Welsh School of Architecture, Bute Building.
Throughout the course, we explore the full range of skills required to be an architect and enable you to develop your personal and professional experience. To prepare you for the demands of the architectural profession, we build on and extend your existing knowledge to include the design of more complex buildings and the demands of urban design. We also study the professional and legal aspects of an architect’s work. We also encourage you to pursue knowledge in a specialist area through a written dissertation project.
Accreditations
We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
Where you'll study
Welsh School of Architecture
We aim to make the world a better place through contextually sensitive, sustainable and beautiful architecture.
Admissions criteria
Academic requirements
Typically, you will need to have either:
- a 2:1 honours degree in BSc Architectural Studies awarded by Cardiff University
- a RIBA Part I recognised qualification from your first degree with 2:1 honours
- or an equivalent qualification which carries an exemption from Part I of the RIBA.
English Language requirements
IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
Other essential requirements
You will need to complete a postgraduate application form plus provide a portfolio of design work.
Portfolios should contain a balance of academic and professional work, with a distinct focus on final/graduation project(s) from your RIBA Part 1 (or equivalent) architectural studies. Work produced within a practice context should be presented in a way that clearly identifies your individual contribution/authorship. Other work may be included, for example, a design competition, life drawings or other creative practice outputs. We look for holistic approaches to design and integrated architectural projects especially i.e. projects that bring together architectural design with technology and theory. Selection is based on your qualifications, portfolio and personal statement.
Application deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, including portfolio review, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The first year of the MArch – the year of education in practice – is spent predominantly in architectural practice. It includes three short courses held in the School and has a modular structure of coursework.
The second year of the MArch is spent full-time in the School and takes students to an advanced level of architectural design. It offers an intense and lively forum for the exploration and discussion of issues in contemporary architecture. It involves a ‘Design Thesis’, a written dissertation and a module in practice management and economics.
Project work is a major component in the second year and includes a comprehensive design for a building or group of buildings selected by yourself and supervised by an appropriate member of staff. You will also complete a dissertation which allows you to pursue and specialise in an area of interest to you. Current areas you can choose from include architectural science and technology, history and theory of architecture, social issues in architecture, and professional and management studies.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2024/25 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.
Year one
You will spend the first year in an architectural practice, which has been approved by the School, and undertake study and design modules remotely. You will make a number of return visits to the School for short courses.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Design in Practice | AR4401 | 60 credits |
Research Preparation | AR4402 | 20 credits |
Reflective Practice | AR4403 | 40 credits |
Year two
In your second year you will undertake project work and complete your dissertation.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Design Thesis | AR5001 | 80 credits |
Dissertation | AR5002 | 30 credits |
Practice, Management and Economics | AR5003 | 10 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
The methods of teaching we employ will vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on the subject matter and the method of assessment. We teach using a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, study visits, project work, and group tutorials.
In lectures and workshops we aim to make appropriate use of audio-visual support to aid learning and development of subject-specific skills. You will be given access to relevant teaching materials through the University’s virtual learning environment, Learning Central.
How will I be assessed?
Taught and project-based modules are assessed in a variety of different ways depending on the module content and learning outcomes (found in the module descriptions). We use class tests, course work (both written assignments and oral presentations or critical assessments/crits), and project work, or a combination of these to assess your progress on the module.
You will also be assessed on a dissertation project, which you will complete in year two. The dissertation is a written report on a piece of research which you have carried out in an agreed subject area under supervision.
How will I be supported?
During your year in practice, we will keep in regular contact with you. You will also be visited by a representative from the School.
You will have access to our bespoke Architecture Library, as well as to materials in the other Cardiff University Libraries while you study with us.
We also support students through the University’s virtual learning environment, Learning Central, where you can ask questions in a forum or find course-related documents.
Cardiff University also offers a wide range of support services which are open to our students, such as the Graduate Centre, counselling and wellbeing, financial and careers advisors, the international office and the Student Union.
Feedback
We offer written and oral feedback, depending on the coursework or assessment you have undertaken. You will usually receive your feedback from the module leader. If you have questions regarding your feedback, module leaders are usually happy to give advice and guidance on your progress.
What skills will I practise and develop?
This programme is developed with a clear sense of the RIBA graduate attributes (‘level indicators’) for Part 2. In accordance with this, the Part 2 is awarded to students who have:
- Ability to generate complex design proposals showing understanding of current architectural issues, originality in the application of subject knowledge and, where appropriate, to test new hypotheses and speculations.
- Ability to evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain design proposals.
- Ability to evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to complex architectural designs and building construction, and to integrate these into practicable design proposals.
- Critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design.
- Understanding of the context of the architect and the construction industry, including the architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production, and under legislation.
- Problem solving skills, professional judgement, and ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances.
- Ability to identify individual learning needs and understand the personal responsibility required to prepare for qualification as an architect.
Detail of the specific requirements and learning outcomes for each of the modules undertaken over the course of the master’s is provided in briefs, handbooks and module descriptors.

Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
Fees for entry 2024/25 are not yet available.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year.
Additional costs
The School covers the cost of everything that is an essential part of the programme, this will be clearly detailed in all programme information and in any verbal instructions given by tutors. A financial contribution towards the travel and subsistence costs of the field trip is provided.
Costs associated with your placement, such as travel and accommodation, are not covered by the School.
The University considers that the following costs do not need to be covered by schools as they are either not essential or are basic costs that a student should be expected to cover themselves:
- Laptop computers
- Calculators
- General stationery
- Text books (assumed to be available in the library)
- Basic copying / printing
If there are optional costs/fees to be covered by the student, these are not a requirement to pass the degree.
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
We will provide any equipment that is essential to the course. However, we recommend that you bring a laptop computer with appropriate software (e.g. word processing), USB or a hard drive, general stationary and some basic drawing equipment.
We provide you with student licenses for most of the specialist simulation software we use on the course, however we can currently only guarantee that these work on computers with a Windows operating system.
During the course, you will have access to the specialist Architecture Library, and other University libraries, and study spaces across campus. Within the School, you may work in our design studios, use our computing suites, and use our facilities which include large-format plotters, a digital laser cutter and a well-equipped workshop.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Careers and placements
The majority of our graduates proceed to a career in architectural practice, and are found in many of the top practices in the UK and across the world.
However, career paths for our graduates also include urban design, teaching and research as well as architectural practice. Other employers of our graduates include architects’ practices, building energy consultants, town planning departments, construction companies and some universities. Some graduates proceed to higher research degrees such as MPhils or PhDs.
After completing our MArch in Architecture and gaining further experience in practice, you may wish to undertake a Part 3 qualification [link to PGDip/MA in Professional Studies if possible], successful completion of which will enable you to register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and therefore use the title ‘architect’ in the UK.
Placements
The first year of this course is spent in practice. Students are expected to find a suitable placement in an architectural practice themselves. Our students have an excellent record in obtaining placements and many of our past graduates have taken the opportunity of the year of education in practice to spend time in practice abroad. Students should keep in contact with the School during this time and we will send a representative from the School to visit you. Your placement should last for at least 9 months.
Funding
Fieldwork
Project work in the second year of the course is based around units, which are frequently combined with study trips in the UK and/or in Europe. In the past, students have travelled to Barcelona, Venice, Rome and the Ruhr Valley, amongst other places.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.