Master of Architecture MArch Studies

Our two-year Master of Architecture (MArch) programme will enhance your appreciation of architecture as a design-led discipline, providing enlightenment on the latest technological advances and application of innovative solutions to current global challenges within the built environment..<br/><br/>Our Master of Architecture (MArch) Part 2 will enhance your appreciation of architecture as a design-led discipline, providing enlightenment on the latest technological advances and innovative sustainable solutions to current and future societal challenges within the built environment industry. Taught within state-of-the-art facilities for designing, the programme will be of interest to individuals possessing the Architect Registration Board (ARB) part 1 and offers the opportunity to develop appropriate solutions to a range of global challenges. This degree will complete your educational journey as an architect, and you’ll graduate suitably prepared to work professionally in the dynamic built environment industry.<br/><br/>During your studies you’ll:<br/>conceive, resolve and execute sustainable architectural designs of varying scale and complexity, underpinned by creativity,<br/>evaluate the physical, cultural and societal context within the process of place-making,<br/>integrate aesthetic, compositional, spatial and functional principles to produce technically sound and environmentally sustainable projects,<br/>critically analyse and research cultural, environmental and social values to produce effective and user-centred architectural outputs,<br/>demonstrate climate literacy and ethical approaches to increase wellbeing through the design of innovative and energy-efficient buildings,<br/>identify, evaluate and integrate appropriate materials, technologies, systems and construction processes for design proposals,<br/>demonstrate knowledge of the legal frameworks necessary to protect current and future communities,<br/>write, communicate and evaluate business plans and project outputs,<br/>appraise architectural propositions individually and as part of a team.<br/><br/><strong>Customise your learning</strong><br/><br/>During this two-year programme, you’ll take 240 credits.<br/><br/>You’ll take two architectural projects in the first year. Design Project 1 is a 30-credit studio-based course which will expose you to a complex and mid-sized architectural enquiry. You’ll build on learned skills in Design Project 2, another 30-credit course. These design projects will support your learning through assessing the developing praxis of architectural design, underpinned by research and theory, as an authentic response to a multifaceted urban enquiry.<br/><br/>During the first year, you’ll also take four 15-credit courses in Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings, Research Methods, Urban Design Theory, and Urban Design for Health and Wellbeing. The latter two programmes are part of a joint academic collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.<br/><br/>During the second year, you’ll refine your architectural knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to deliver highly sophisticated and professionally communicated design solutions through taking Design Thesis 1 (30 credits) and Design Thesis 2 (60 credits). To complete the second year, you’ll demonstrate and apply your scholarship and inquiry skills to a self-identified area of interest in the wider architectural cultural context through the 30-credit Research Investigation course.<br/>All courses are mandatory.<br/><br/><strong>Accreditation</strong> <br/><br/>We are currently seeking accreditation for this degree from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescription from the Architect Registration Board (ARB).<br/><br/><strong>Course content</strong> <br/><br/><strong>Year 1</strong><br/><strong>Mandatory September</strong><br/>Urban Design for Health and Wellbeing<br/>Design Project 1<br/>Urban Design Theory<br/><br/><strong>Mandatory January</strong><br/>Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings<br/>Design Project 2<br/>Research Methods<br/><br/><strong>Year 2</strong> <br/><strong>Mandatory September</strong><br/>Research Investigation<br/>Design Thesis 1 <br/><strong>Mandatory January</strong><br/>Design Thesis 2