Intro

The Master of Architecture (MArch) RIBA Part II course is a highly creative, research-led and professional two-year masters rooted in studio laboratories and driven by individual enquiry. The MArch course is prescribed by the ARB and validated by RIBA, giving exemption from RIBA Part II.

Our distinct research-led approach filters through all aspects of this course, with rigorous inquiry fusing innovation, regulation and social commentary.

This student-focused approach offers the opportunity for you to investigate your personal architectural agenda, developing your own critical position and design language prior to entry into the profession.

The design studio laboratories are driven by tutors’ personal research agendas and all staff are actively engaged within this field of enquiry as academics or practitioners. The stimulating mix of practitioners and academics across the course builds conversations, with visiting lecturers and critics further feeding the dialogue. We place critical thought at our core and look forward to you joining the conversation.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Full-time 2 years
Part-time 3 years

Apply now for your place

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Course content

Course structure 

We want you to emerge from the course as an assured architectural designer, confident in your approach, ideals and aspirations, and with the ability to communicate this to the wider world. You will gain a gradual deepening of understanding and the tools to critically reflect upon design strategies and navigate the wider contemporary debate on architecture.

The design studio laboratories form the backbone to the course. The other individual elements of the course increasingly intertwine 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 covered in the first year modules. Design Studio forms the backbone in one year-long module. In semester 1, two modules run alongside Design Studio: Building and Environment and Architectural Humanities. In semester 2, one module, Future Practice, runs in parallel.

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 Student View.

Year 2: Integration

Year 2 modules are also formed of three elements. Design encompasses the whole year through the masters Design Thesis. Alongside this, the Design Research Practices module is aimed at introducing you to research methodologies and practices, and is taken with masters students from other design disciplines in the school.

In semester 2, you will develop self-directed research based on your interests arising from your design work in the Architectural Research Specialisation module.

Modules

  • Architectural Humanities

    In this module you will develop a critical understanding of key contemporary ideas and issues in architecture and related areas through texts, debates and your own work. The emphasis in this module will be on your ability to develop well-informed and reasoned positions on the issues in question and communicate these effectively.

  • Building and Environment

    In this module you will develop strategic knowledge and understanding of the connections between of environmental science, structural systems, material performances and detailed design development. You will apply the knowledge gained from lectures and seminars to your design project. Lecture topics may include environmental, structural, computer aided design, performative modelling and component production and material design principles.

  • Future Practice

    In this module you will integrate the skills, knowledge and understanding of professional practice developed during your degree and Stage 1 professional experience with your current MArch work. You will use design projects to test the regulatory, financial and professional controls applied to a specific project and examine the future role of the architect and the future forms of architectural practice.

  • Design Studio

    In this module you will join one of a number of research-led design studios that critically engage with contemporary issues. You will be introduced to and develop a research-based approach informed by your studio’s agenda. You will apply this to develop a brief and design a comprehensive architectural design proposal which integrates material, environmental, sustainability, user and structural considerations.

  • Design Research Practices

    In this module you will learn to understand research in a way that’s specific to design. It starts from the idea that research, including scientific research, is a specific form of design activity and that design can influence research and vice versa. You will rearticulate the design expertise you’re already developing and apply this to research. You will also learn how to combine design research and practice in your own way.

  • Architectural Research Specialisation

    In this module you will complete a self-directed research study through which you will develop a specialisation which reflects your wider design practice and aspirations. You may choose to define your topic in ways that complement your work in Design Thesis or build on insights from other modules you’ve studied. The form of the study will be developed in discussion with your tutor and peers to suit the specific topic and method.

  • Design Thesis

    Working within a research-led design studio, you will develop a self-directed research-based design thesis in this module and explore it through a complex architectural design proposal. You will evolve and use a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain the design proposal. The proposal will integrate material, environmental, structural, constructional, user and sustainability considerations.

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. The design studio laboratories will ask you to engage with a research-based approach to a generation of design strategies and architectural proposals, and to critically reflect upon your developing conclusions.

An understanding of the core principles as well as an introduction to new technologies and environmental concerns associated with building is supported through the technology thread of the course. In the module Architectural Humanities you will be asked to place 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. 

Further testing and exploration of your design 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.

Architecture MArch student work

Year 2: Integration

A self-directed research-based design thesis develops throughout the final year of the course. This offers you the opportunity to deeply explore your own architectural position informed by your design 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 design research as the new research thread of the course expands on your methodologies and practices.

Architecture MArch student work

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. 

Architecture MArch student work

Staff profile

Duncan Baker-Brown, course leader

Duncan is a practising architect, environmental activist and author. He is also our climate literacy champion. Duncan has practiced, taught and researched issues around sustainable development and closed looped systems for over 25 years.

His research-led architectural practice and consultancy BakerBrown Studio was created to address the huge demands presented by the climate and ecological emergency as well as the challenges of designing in a post-COVID world.

Duncan has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate level since 1994. His research practice informs his teaching, and vice versa. Duncan coordinated the design and construction of the multi-award-winning Brighton Waste House with over 360 undergraduate students, volunteers and apprentices. As well as being a successful live project, it is also Europe’s first permanent building made of waste material and hosts a number of ongoing funded research projects.

Find out more about Duncan Baker-Brown.

Duncan Baker-Brown

Facilities 

Facilities and workshops are supported by full-time specialist technicians and include:

  • dedicated studio spaces for each group and programme
  • specialist model-making and construction workshops with equipment for fabrication in wood, metal, plastics, resins and textiles
  • photographic studios and darkroom
  • digital fabrication facilities including laser cutting and 3D printing
  • rapid prototyping, 5-axis milling and CNC routing facilities
  • PC and Mac computer suites with software including Adobe suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Vectorworks, Autodesk suite, Rhino, Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D and Premiere
  • in-house reprographic department 
  • wide range of surveying and audiovisual equipment available for loan.
Architecture workshop 360

Check out the 360 videos of our workshops and photography studio.

Studios 

There are a range of studio laboratories to choose from each year, all of which explore different contemporary design research fields informed by the studio tutors’ current research.

Each studio laboratory is supported by two tutors and has a dedicated studio space within which to conduct your explorations alongside fellow students from both years of the course.

Architecture studios

Student views

Irene Klokkari 

“Coming from a different university, this course gave me the opportunity to meet new people, experience 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.”

Careers

Our Master of Architecture (MArch) is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), which issues a code of standards for registered architects.

On successful completion of the course you will have formed a systematic understanding of architecture, a critical awareness of current problems and a comprehensive understanding of techniques, methodologies and practice. This rigorous and critically engaged basis will form a solid foundation upon which to build your professional architectural career.

Architecture MArch student work

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Applications are competitive and considered on an individual basis through a process of portfolio review and interview. Practice experience is recommended and there is a minimum requirement of a lower second class (2:2) undergraduate degree in architecture or a closely related subject such as interior architecture. RIBA Part 1 is not a prerequisite for entry on to the course.

To register as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in the UK, RIBA Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 are required. Those without RIBA Part 1 would therefore need to undertake this independently in order to proceed towards registration. Further details regarding this process, the ARB Prescribed Examination for Part 1 and registering as an architect in the UK can be found on the ARB website.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

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

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Portfolio advice

Admission to this course involves reviewing your portfolio. After you apply, we will ask you to share a link to an online portfolio of your work. This enables us to see your potential and understand your approach and motivations. 

We will ask you to log on to Student View to share your portfolio link. We will not be able to progress your application to Brighton until you share your portfolio.

Creating your portfolio
We’ve put together advice and guidance to help you create and share your portfolio and we run regular online portfolio advice sessions where you can get help from our expert team.

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time)9,535 GBP

International (full-time)17,250 GBP

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.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university - https://www.brighton.ac.uk/whats-included-in-your-fee - and check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status - https://www.brighton.ac.uk/fees-and-finance.

You can chat with our enquiries team - https://www.brighton.ac.uk/enquiries - if you have a question or need more information.

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. 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.

  • Travel and accommodation costs are included for all mandatory taught residential field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
  • There will be opportunities to attend additional study trips or optional taught residential field trips throughout the school, but these are not required to pass your course. Normally, a contribution will be required towards expenses such as travel, entrance fees and accommodation. This will vary depending on where and how long the trip is, but you should budget around £1,500.
  • Where optional international field trips are offered, these are not required to pass your course. You should expect to budget £300–£500 for these, to cover flight, accommodation, food and entrance to museums. The total amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • If you choose to take an optional paid placement, you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
  • Some students require specialist outdoor equipment and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) and should budget up to £150.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software; however, many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses. Find out what free software is available from the University of Brighton.
  • Course books are available from the university, but you may wish to budget from £15 to £100 per year to buy your own copies and subscribe to design magazines.
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.
  • Costs of up to £50 are included in the fees for students on engineering courses to pay for materials for their final year projects. On rare occasions where material costs exceed £50, they will need to be paid for by the student.

Architecture, interior architecture, design and product design additional costs

  • Students should budget around £25 for printing and binding dissertations in their final year.
  • In your first year of studies, you will need to buy a drawing and modelling toolkit. Each course will suggest a list of items of which some will be essential, and others optional. You should budget around £100–£250 for these.
  • For most courses you will need to budget between £100 to £300 per year for printing and portfolio costs. Costs will vary depending on type of printer and type and size of paper used. Some students tend to work digitally, spending more on printing and some by hand, spending more on materials so these costs vary widely between students.
  • For most courses you will need to budget between £10 and £100 for material costs per design project. Costs will vary depending on how and what you use to make models. You are encouraged to recycle used materials where possible.
  • You will need to budget between £5–£50 to exhibit work for the end-of-year show. Fundraising by the student society, BIAAS, normally helps towards this cost.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you’ll find new Students’ Union, events venue and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our Moulsecoomb Place halls and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains so you can access all the exciting things happening in our home city.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?
We can help – find out more about private renting.

Relaxing in halls

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Mithras halls room with a view

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

One of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world

“Brighton has… all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy – as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.
01273 644644
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