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Postgraduate MArch
Architecture
This course leads to a qualification that meets the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 exemption.
Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
2 Years -
18 Sep 2023
Study a creative, studio-focused course with a strong commitment to design research.
As part of this course you’ll:
- Gain an internationally transposable, professional-level architectural education
- Put the design studio centre stage in your studies
- Be challenged to develop solutions to a series of architectural design problems
- Take an individual approach to architecture as you explore your personal interests in relation to city, regional, national and global design perspectives
Professional regulation
This course leads to a qualification that meets the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 exemption. This course is listed in the Commonwealth Association of Architects' approved courses.
Funding your studies
Your funding options for this course will vary depending on whether you're a UK student studying full or part-time, or a full-time international student.
If you’re a full-time UK student taking this MArch as continual study after your undergraduate degree, you’ll be eligible to apply to extend the financial support you accessed to complete your first degree. If you’re a part-time UK student, you’ll be able to apply for the Postgraduate Master’s Loan. If you're an overseas student, international scholarships may be available to you.
Please visit the RIBA funding advice page for full details.
Professional registration requirements
This course offers high-quality, creative design education as a basis for qualification and practice as an architect. It fulfils Part 2 requirements for Architects Registration Board Prescription, Royal Institute of British Architects Validation, and the QAA Architecture Subject Benchmark for final award programmes.
Your learning environment
You’ll have access to studio space for individual and group projects. Facilities include:
- Parallel motion boards
- Flip-top drawing boards
- 3D printers
- Laser cutters
Study a wide range of topics
You’ll explore topics including:
- Historical and philosophical thought
- Contemporary conditions of urban inhabitation
- Challenges to a sustainable ecology
- The ramifications of modern technology
See examples of work from previous students by visiting the Leeds School of Arts festival site or our 2019 Research Yearbook; Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4 and Volume 5.
Industry links
The school is closely linked to professional societies, such as Leeds Society of Architects, West Yorkshire Society of Architects and RIBA Yorkshire region.
Guest lectures
You’ll have access to the Leeds School of Arts INSIDE/OUT lecture series that brings together some of the most exciting names from the fields of art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts and beyond. You can catch up on previous lectures by visiting the Leeds Arts Research Centre site. You'll also have the opportunity to attend events being held as part of the Leeds School of Architecture Open Lecture Series and Symposia.
Your academic community
You’ll join a vibrant environment for architectural debate. You’ll study with a diverse body of leading practitioners, academic educators and visiting professors who will provide a wide range of opportunities for discussion and engagement. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Why study MArch Architecture at Leeds Beckett University...
- Gain exemption from the ARB and RIBA Part 3 examinations
- Flexible learning
- Links to architectural practices
- Learn from industry experienced academics
- The Project Office, our own onsite RIBA chartered architectural practice
- Study at Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north
MArch Architecture - End of Year Show 2022 Students studying MArch Architecture discuss their course experiences.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subject of Architecture from an ARB/RIBA accredited Part One course, at least a second class honours degree in Architecture from a non ARB/RIBA Part One course and work experience or at least a second class honours degree in Architecture from a non ARB/RIBA Part One course with Part One awarded through the ARB Assessment Panel and work experience. A year of professional work experience in architectural practice or a cognate discipline prior to entry is not essential but is considered advantageous. All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion. Please note references should be accompanied by a covering letter on headed paper or emailed directly by the referee. All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subject of Architecture from an ARB/RIBA accredited Part One course, at least a second class honours degree in Architecture from a non ARB/RIBA Part One course and work experience or at least a second class honours degree in Architecture from a non ARB/RIBA Part One course with Part One awarded through the ARB Assessment Panel and work experience. A year of professional work experience in architectural practice or a cognate discipline prior to entry is not essential but is considered advantageous. All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion. Please note references should be accompanied by a covering letter on headed paper or emailed directly by the referee. All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
International baccalaureate
Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of degree and work experience and may be required to attend an interview. Your portfolio should include examples from the final year of your degree so applications should not normally be made until you have completed your studies. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone. Guidance notes for the portfolio can be accessed at this link.
IELTS
IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Mature Applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. If you have recent relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications, we may be able to consider you for entry through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and relevant work experience in your application.
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Develop skills necessary to advance design methodologies through a range of tools and techniques, including contextual critiques and reflections of social, economic, historical and technological issues to help define and develop studio programmes and project designs.
Develop design studio specialisms and approaches to architecture through a contextual architecture project. You will test your design methodologies and skills, developed in Design Studio 1, prior to the design thesis projects in Design Studios 3 and 4.
An introduction to the history and theory of architecture, you will explore the current architectural theory and the historical context in which it has developed. You will be encouraged to think critically about these theoretical concepts and to integrate them into your work.
Develop integrative thinking regarding the technical requirements and production issues of detailed building design.
Produce a thesis design project, with particular emphasis on the design development and production of a complex and comprehensive integrated building.
Further develop the integrated building design produced in Design Studio 3 in an agreed area or specialism to include representation and technical realisation.
You will become familiar with the current interdisciplinary discourse and concepts relevant to the theoretical thinking, speaking and writing of architecture. You will gain an understanding of the historical context into which theoretical concepts emerge and develop, and you will be supported to assemble your own conceptual toolkit for architectural thinking and making.
Develop integrative thinking through the strategic development of the design thesis project’s technical and constructional requirements including the environmental and structural strategies inherent in the evolution of the project.
Examine the professional aspects of architectural practice, including the construction industry, role and responsibilities of the profession, development controls, construction law, regulation, design costs and project and practice management.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£16,000
International 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Design studio site visits and study trips, various options including overseas trip (£60-500)
- Stationery / model-making materials (£250)
- Specific research projects relating to tech or context modules (travel £30-100)
- Student membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (student membership is free)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
Essential Costs
- Design studio site visits and study trips, various options including overseas trip (£60-500)
- Stationery / model-making materials (£250)
- Specific research projects relating to tech or context modules (travel £30-100)
- Student membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (student membership is free)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
MArch Architecture This is a creative, studio-focused course with a strong commitment to design research.
Architecture Study how to employ imagination alongside practical and technical skills.
Architecture Project Office Project Office is a RIBA chartered practice co-directed by Craig Stott and Simon Warren, both architects and senior lecturers in Architecture at Leeds Beckett University. Project Office is a design and research collaboration of staff and students making ethical, social and resilient architecture.
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
architecture research group
Our research themes include building performance and energy, civil engineering water research, spatial and neighbourhood planning and architectural history and theory. All our research is linked closely to industry through partnerships and professionally supported activities.
Student work | Howard Kent
Career Prospects
Upon graduating, you will be able to progress to professional registration examinations allowing access to legal title of architect, and the ability to practise within markets in the UK, EU and other legal jurisdictions. Students have gone on to achieve significant success working for architectural practices in the UK and overseas. Alternatively, you could continue your education by studying for a research or specialist degree.
- Architect (private practice)
- Architect (local authorities)
- Architect (government organisation)
- Architect (commercial companies)
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Leeds School of Arts Show
The End of Year Show celebrates the work of students from across the arts. We invite you to experience their visionary projects online.
