Architecture, Master of (MArch)

Overview

On our two-year programme you'll engage with challenging ideas and theories, tackle meaningful problems through creative and exploratory design and research.

Our diverse programme is structured around vertical design studios taught across both stages of the programme.

Each studio sets an agenda and brief and will help you to develop and apply critical thinking, practical tools and methods to your own design process.

Through our elective modules you'll work closely with academics in the School and contribute to:

• emerging research on material sciences and cultures
• processes and practices of architecture
• environmental sustainability
• histories of architecture

Being part of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape means you can also take optional modules in Urban Design and Planning, offering an accelerated route to accredited masters in these disciplines following the MArch.

This is a modular MArch programme based on design project work. Lectures and seminars examine the theoretical, practical and material dimensions of architecture.

Through the course you’ll:

• Develop an appreciation of design as a collective cultural endeavour involving the acquisition and exercise of complex knowledge and skills
• Learn to think and act critically
• Define the kind of architect you want to be
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the architectural profession with an independent, research-led attitude towards design

You'll engage with a wide range of staff in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. The MArch Architecture course content makes direct links to staff research.

Our School Gallery has examples of our student's work and images from our Degree Shows and publications.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

The programme is organised around design studios, which account for two thirds of the credits in each semester.

Design is offered through 'vertical studios' where students from both stages of the programme are taught together and address different themes and questions at different stages of the programme.

In stage 5, semester 1 focuses on strategic scale, engaging with social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts. This includes a field trip to a UK or European city.

Semester 2 focuses on the building scale, and addresses issues of material, construction, performance and technical competency.

In stage 6 you'll develop an independent thesis inquiry, supported by the structure and themes of the vertical studio.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Compulsory modules (Stage 5)

• Architectural Design Research 1 (Semester 1)
• Tools for Thinking About Architecture

All students will also take the following module, except for those taking part in a single semester exchange programme in Stage 5 semester 2:

• Architectural Design Practice 1 (Semester 2)

Students on a Stage 5 semester 2 exchange route will take instead the following module to cover all credits for the semester spent abroad:

• Exchange Study Project (Semester 2)

Optional modules (Stage 5)

Our optional modules are organised into themed groups which allow you to:

• develop a specialism
• pursue accelerated routes towards MA or MSc degrees
• go on exchange

Group A

Group A optional modules form the primary route to MArch.

• Dissertation in Architecture A
• Linked Research Project A
• The Learning Lab: Research by Design A

Group B

Group B modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Design.

• Urban Design and the Use of Design Codes

Group C

Group C modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Planning.

• Economics of Development
• Planning, Power and People

Compulsory modules (Stage 6)

• Architectural Design Research 2
• Architectural Design Practice 2
• Architectural Practice

Optional modules (Stage 6)

Our optional modules are organised into themed groups which allow you to:

• develop a specialism
• pursue accelerated routes towards MA and MSc Degrees
• go on exchange

Group A

Group A optional modules form the primary route to MArch.

• Dissertation in Architecture B
• Linked Research Project B
• The Learning Lab: Research by Design B

Group B

Group B modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Design.

• Urban Design Seminars
• Principles and Practice of Urban Design (MAUD)

Group C

Group C modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Planning.

• Planning Frameworks
• The Reflective Practitioner

Group D

Group D module is for students on Stage 5 Semester 2 exchange.

• Thesis Research Document

Chat with an Architecture student

Aditi

Country:

India

Studying:

Architecture MArch

Get in touch with Aditi

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

It is a modular course based on design project work, supported by lectures and seminars that examine the theoretical, practical and material dimensions of architecture.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Portfolio
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal

Student support

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

 

Your development

International opportunities

Our international exchange programmes provide opportunities to study abroad for one or two semesters. Exchange partners include The University of Sydney, KTH Stockholm and The National University of Singapore.

Your future

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

 

You'll be based in one of the UK’s leading Schools of Architecture. We aim to provide a lively design studio culture across our professional courses making the School a thriving and creative place to be. Our well-equipped workshop includes some of the latest digital and biological manufacturing tools.

 

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape has excellent studio teaching facilities. Our facilities include:

 

• lively design studios
• exhibition spaces
• well-equipped workshop including the latest digital manufacturing technology
• wet fabrication lab including 3D printers
• molecular biology lab (one of the first in the world to be administered by a school of architecture)
• print media suite
• IT suites

 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

About these fees - Architecture

Undergraduate fees apply for this course. Newcastle University students applying for this course are not eligible for the University's Alumni Progression Scholarship funding.

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course. This is subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation, as measured by RPIX. RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments.

If you began your professional studies on an ARB/RIBA accredited Part I course in the UK prior to 2012 you will remain eligible for tuition fees at the old, lower rate of £3,465. To be eligible for the lower rate the gap between taking Part I and Part II must not exceed three years. This applies whether you are a Newcastle graduate or an applicant from another UK institution. Contact the School if you have any questions about fees.​

Tuition fee increases

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

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INTO International Pre-Master's - Pathway course

Our Architecture and Landscape Architecture Pre-Master's will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course.

• Architecture and Landscape Architecture Pre-Master's

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

• campus tours
• on-campus open days
• virtual open days
• webinars

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events