The mission of the Master of Architecture programme is to produce autonomous agents of positive change. Graduates capable and eager to define their own career path, equipped with capabilities both to challenge the status quo, and to thrive in ever changing contexts.

Through research-led design studio, action research, deep critical investigation, and peer-led collaborative workshops, the programme brings together world class researchers, educators, and professional collaborators, in an environment of exploration to facilitate the students’ journeys and production of impactful work.

This year students have worked in collaboration with Community Centres, Schools, Housing Associations, Arts Organisations, Local Authorities, Developers, Manchester Climate Action Network, Factory International, Manchester Airport, and many more local, national, and international bodies.

Field trips, project sites, and collaborations have engaged with the city and beyond. From the industrial brownfields of city centre Manchester to culturally vibrant Berlin; from bucolic Todmorden West Yorkshire to post-industrial Glasgow.

The work of MArch students continues to have immediacy and impact. Lucy Kendall, an &rchitecture student, presented her thesis project at the StuCAN Climate Action Network festival; MSA was once again represented by BA3 and MArch teams at the Future Spaces Foundation (FSF) Student Design Competition; and students self-initiated grass roots cultural movements in both Manchester and Liverpool.

The work collated here for the 2024 Master of Architecture exhibition in defined by a tangible sense of both relevance and urgency. Showcasing investigations, methodologies, and proposals that define and engage with pressing social, cultural, and professional issues.

2024 been an incredible opportunity to lead the MArch course through another year with our inspiring student body.