Architecture RIBA Part 2 MArch

Course structure

We want you to emerge from the course as an assured designer, confident in your approach, ideals and aspirations and with the ability to communicate this to the wider world. Over the two years you will be challenged to define your own critical position, and evolve your personal language of design and representation. The course will assist you in this through a gradual deepening of understanding, and by providing you with the tools with which to critically reflect upon design strategies and to navigate the wider contemporary debate on architecture.

The design laboratories form the backbone to the course. The other individual elements of the course increasingly intertwine with this over the two years to provide a final systematic understanding of architecture as a holistic entity.

Year 1: Strategy

There are four elements of the course (modules) covered in the first year and these are organised such that you will only ever address two at any one time. Design forms the backbone of the year and is divided into two elements that run consecutively across the whole year. The third element, or module, is technology and this runs through the first half of the year and is then replaced by Humanities and Design Theory in the second half of the year.

Year 2: Integration

Year two is also formed of four elements (modules). Design encompasses the whole year in the form of the master thesis, with the technology and professional studies elements of the course plugging into this as the year progresses. Architectural humanities runs in the first term in the form of the Humanities Research Project. Once this is completed technology then takes its place in the course diagram and runs through to the end of the year integrating itself into the design proposal.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.

Year 1: Strategy

We see the first year of the course as an evolution of your current skill set to embrace a critical engagement with design and develop a research-based approach to your work. The design laboratories will ask you to engage with a research-based approach to the generation of design strategies and architectural proposals, and to critically reflect upon your developing conclusions.

An understanding of the possibilities of digital and analogue production techniques will be built through the technology thread of the course. The design and construction of a 1:1 component will then embrace testing, learning through making and innovation.

In architectural humanities you will be asked to position your own work in relation to significant contemporary positions in architectural design practice and theory, building an awareness of the political, disciplinary and professional concerns and agendas that drive it.

Year 2: Integration

A self-directed research-based design thesis develops throughout the whole of the final year of the course. This offers you the opportunity to deeply explore your own architectural position informed by your studio laboratory’s research agenda.

Visual, oral and written media will be used to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain the final design proposal. You will be assisted in developing an integrated and independent approach to tectonic and technical design as the technology thread of the course becomes embedded within your design work. Further testing of the proposal by regulatory, financial and professional controls will build on your skills, knowledge and understanding of professional practice. This will enable you to critically examine the future role of the architect and future forms of architectural practice.

You will also be encouraged to integrate historical, theoretical and critical enquiry into your wider architectural practice in the form of an Architectural Humanities Research Study. This aspect of the course will assist you in developing an understanding of the nature and scope of architectural research at the intersections of architectural, other creative practices and humanities-based enquiry, whilst gaining experience of conducting and managing research-intensive projects.

Teaching

The course is centred around the studio and through this aims to reflect the nature of architectural practice. Teaching is rooted in problem-based learning, such as through critical studio briefs, and a research-based approach to problem solving. You will therefore be asked to critically engage with and reflect upon the subject matter, and to learn through your own research and enquiry. One-to-one tutorials, group discussions, seminars as well as lectures by academic staff and visiting practitioners all act to assist in evolving your ideas.

The studio laboratories are derived from the tutors’ own field of enquiry as academics or practitioners. You are given the opportunity to apply for the studio laboratory of your choice at the start of each academic year. 

Staff profile

Dr Sarah Stevens

Course leader

Dr Sarah Stevens is a registered architect, full-time academic and fellow of the Higher Education Academy, having worked in practice in London, Oxford and Sussex. She previously taught at Oxford Brookes University, and has been a design examiner for the RIBA Office Based Exams and an external critic at various schools including The Bartlett and Westminster.

Students taught by Sarah have been awarded RIBA South and South East awards, shortlisted for the RIBA Presidents Medals, and widely published in the architectural and design press, for example in Blueprint, RIBA Journal, Architects Journal and Building Design. Her pedagogic research has concerns rooted in the student experience and actively informs her own teaching practice. 

Sarah's PhD, sponsored by Ove Arup, explored responsive architecture. Her research has continued in this area and underlies the ethos of Studio Laboratory 3, focusing on time-sensitive design through an agenda of sustainability. Her pedagogic research has concerns rooted in the student experience and this actively informs her own teaching practice. 

Student views

Bella Kotak

"After completing my undergraduate degree in architecture, at another university, the freshness and reputation of the University of Brighton appealed to me. It is a creative and friendly environment.

"Brighton is fun, diverse and has a culture that inspires and encourages independent art and businesses. I often feel like I have the best bits of this country's culture, with the added bonus that it has easy access to London and is on the seaside!

"What I really like about the university is the excellent communication between tutors and students, the comfortable studio culture and the interdisciplinary nature of our projects. Many of us have come here from different universities with our own graphical and design approaches. You end up learning a lot from your peers and the tutors are always there to help us along."

Irene Klokkari 

"Coming from a different university, this course gave me the opportunity to meet new people, a new environment and explore different design approaches. The tutors establish close relationships with the students and create an engaging studio environment.  

“During my final year, my dissertation was nominated for the RIBA President's Medals, and received a commendation. This was a great opportunity to meet architects and professors and discuss ideas to further develop my research." 

Irene Papayianni 

“This course has given me the opportunity to develop my own architectural individuality. The academic tutors and staff on the course were extremely supportive and helpful. The course structure was a combination of modules that make it artistic, technical and philosophical. 

“Throughout my studies I have managed to develop skills in both designing and detailing, which has made the transition from university to practice easier. On the course you will have the opportunity to meet and demonstrate your work to globally recognised professionals.”

Bella Kotak

International equivalencies

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Fees

Please note that if you are a UK/EU student and started your Architecture BA(Hons) (RIBA Part 1) before 2012, you will be charged the lower fee of £3,465.

Make Award for Excellence in Architecture

The £500 Make Award for Excellence in Architecture is given to a final-year MArch student in recognition of their consistent excellence throughout the masters programme. Tutors nominate students who they feel are deserving of the prize.

Perkins+Will Thesis Prize for Architecture

The £250 Perkins+Will Thesis Prize for Architecture is open to final-year students of the Architecture RIBA Part 2 MArch. It rewards work that exhibits strong design principles and that shows concern for sustainability, social responsibility, diversity, wellness and innovation.

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2019–20.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK/EU students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or DBS checks, or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply check with the school that provides your course using the contact details in the Find out more tab (at the end of this page) for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Location

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map