Architecture, Master of (MArch)
This course is centred on studio work that is intended to stretch the boundaries of your design imagination.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2023
Overview
Our MArch Architecture is designed to help you define the kind of architect you want to be. You can tailor your portfolio towards the practices in which you want to work or areas in which you want to demonstrate your expertise.
It is a modular MArch 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. You'll think harder and deeper about architecture, what it can achieve and what you can do with it
- define the kind of architect you want to be
- tailor your portfolio towards the practices in which you want to work or areas in which you want to demonstrate expertise
- 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.
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
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 2022-23.
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
Design projects in the first year (Stage 5) are based on a visit to a major European city. Your work focuses on the urban scale and the detail scale with studios exposed to a diversity of design approaches.
In the second year (Stage 6), you choose from a range of thematic studios on offer to pursue a self-led design thesis.
Alongside design, you can choose from a range of modules. These include the stimulating 'Tools for Thinking About Architecture' which leads either to a dissertation, a live build project or research work with a member of staff.
Alternatively, you can opt to pursue modules from another of our master's programmes – Urban Design or Urban Planning. Students who take these modules are also eligible for an accelerated route onto one of these programmes after the MArch.
The whole school 'Conversations with Practice' lecture series introduces new ideas from prominent practitioners and academics.
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.
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.
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)
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.
Group B
Group B modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Design.
Group C
Group C modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Planning.
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.
Group B
Group B modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Design.
Group C
Group C modules are for students wishing to pursue a specialism in Urban Planning.
Group D
Group D module is for students on Stage 5 Semester 2 exchange.
How you'll learn
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.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
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 in Stage 5. 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.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Find out more about the facilities available in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)
Undergraduate fees apply for this course. Newcastle University students applying for this course are not eligible for the University's 20% Alumni Tuition Fee Discount Scheme.
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.
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
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
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
- additional costs
- living costs
- tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts
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.
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
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
INTO International Graduate Diploma - Pathway courses
Our Architecture and Landscape Architecture Graduate Diplomas will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course. Depending on your level of English, you can choose from:
- Architecture and Landscape Architecture Graduate Diploma
- Architecture and Landscape Architecture Graduate Diploma with Pre-sessional English
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.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Hania Klepacka
Learning and Teaching Assistant
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 0160
Email: hania.klepacka@newcastle.ac.uk
Online
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