Overview

If you’re ready to advance your career in architecture, then our MArch Architecture degree course is the ideal next step on your pathway to become a qualified architect. 

This course leads to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part 2 exemption and teaches the professional and creative skills needed for a successful architectural career. 

Our studio-based course offers a range of design studios which you can choose to join. Each has its own design ethos, theoretical positions, design briefs, and investigation methodologies.

You’ll unpack architectural topics such as urbanism, landscape, sustainability and culture, and broaden your existing knowledge, experience and skills into a postgraduate qualification.

Course highlights

  • Develop the creative and professional abilities needed to become a practicing architect
  • Engage in collaborative projects
  • Attend guest lectures by practice directors, academic experts, and engineers, to deepen your industry knowledge – past ones include ACG, Design Engine, and Richard Sennett
  • Showcase yourself to employers and local practices by taking part in Employers Evening and the End of Year Show
  • Study a range of topics to enhance your abilities – from project management in architecture to using technology creatively and model making
  • Learn what it takes to make a successful architectural practice and business

Careers and opportunities

At the end of this MArch Architecture degree, you'll understand architectural design to industry standards. You'll also have learnt essential software currently used in the field, and have the tools needed to run your own company in an expanding, competitive sector. Between 2018 and 2019, the UK architecture industry alone generated just over £3.6 billion in Gross Value Added and created the same in total revenue over five times the amount from outside the country (Creative Industries Council, 2021). Your enhanced skills and knowledge will help accelerate such growth.

You’ll also be eligible to do your RIBA Part 3 qualification, which will set you up to become an ARB-registered architect. This registration brings many career-enhancing benefits:

  • Legal authorisation to call yourself an architect
  • Gold-standard reputation amongst your potential clients, workplaces, and members of public
  • Eligibility to work with any employer or contract, as some require you to be registered
  • Ability to do international work
  • Professional integrity from following the Architects Code of professional conduct

Visit the ARB website for more details of registration benefits.

Graduate roles

Many graduates of this course have started their careers as architectural assistants. Others have become self-employed.

MArch Award
September Start
Full-time, Part-time Study Mode
2 - 4 years Duration

Entry Requirements For This Course

A minimum of a second-class honours degree in a related subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. Must be with RIBA Part 1 exemption, or equivalent. Applicants would preferably have a year of professional, relevant experience. An online portfolio submission and/or interview may be required as part of the selection process.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

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19
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19 Feb 2025, 08:30 AM - 19 Feb 2025, 15:00 PM University of Portsmouth
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07
MAY

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07 May 2025, 09:00 AM - 07 May 2025, 15:00 PM University of Portsmouth
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02
JUL

Postgraduate Open Day

02 Jul 2025, 09:00 AM - 02 Jul 2025, 15:00 PM University of Portsmouth
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