How to Apply

Please apply online using the provided links.

Prospective MArch candidates are asked to submit the following information with their applications:

  • A concise letter of intent or personal statement introducing your academic interests, your interest in future dissertation subjects and an explanation of your reasons for wanting to study at the MSA.
  • A digital portfolio of work (maximum of 35 pages) should be submitted with your application, this can be sent to us using an online file transfer app such as Dropbox or WeTransfer. Your portfolio should ideally include a table of contents with information regarding the duration of each project and in which academic year/level it was completed (predominantly from your third year), some design process, design strategy, design resolution and technical strategy and resolution plus a selection of projects worked on during your year in practice.
  • At least 2 referees are required, one academic reference from your previous institution, the other a reference from your current employer.
  • Evidence of work experience in an architectural practice or a related design field can be provided by your employer’s reference and in the submitted portfolio.

Typical Entry Requirements

You will normally have at least an upper second class undergraduate UK honours degree in architecture from a RIBA School.

You will also need to have completed at least six months work in an architectural practice or a related built environment design field.

A portfolio of work should be submitted with your application. We also require a personal statement and two references in support of your application, one from an academic from your previous institution, the other a reference or references from your current/previous employer(s) confirming your six months of practical experience. 

Admission will normally be dependent on a successful application and possibly an interview.

Equivalent EU/international qualifications will also be considered. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Other professional qualifications or degree disciplines will be considered on merit and/or with relevant professional experience. 

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. 

Application requirements are subject to PSRB requirements. 

See How to Apply for details. 

Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.

Alternative Route Entry

The Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) acknowledges that students can excel at different stages of their educational journey. As such, we will consider applications from individuals who did not achieve an upper-second-class or first-class degree in Architecture, provided they can demonstrate the following:

A minimum of two full years of work experience in an architectural practice or a related design field.

An employer reference that explicitly states the length of employment. Only practical experience completed in increments of at least three months will be considered.

Additional relevant experience, such as participation in design competitions, travel, or other creative pursuits that demonstrate architectural engagement.

A comprehensive CV outlining professional activities.

A personal statement of approximately 500 words detailing personal and professional progress since completing their undergraduate degree.

Applications must include a CV, a statement, and a small selection of a design portfolio. Failure to include these supporting documents will result in the application not being considered. Applicants shortlisted for consideration will be invited to attend an interview. During the interview, candidates will present a complete portfolio, discuss their professional development since their undergraduate degree, and outline their motivation for joining the MSA. 

ARB Prescription

The process leading to the title 'architect in the UK is defined in 3 parts ‐ normally two university degrees (Parts 1 and 2) and a further award focussed on professional practice (Part 3). Students seeking entry to the MArch (Part 2) who do not hold an undergraduate qualification (Bachelors award) that is prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 may not be eligible for continued education at Part 3 level and the subsequent use of the title 'architect' in the UK context.

The ARB operates a process by which it can determine applications from individuals for Part 1 recognition that can occur before, during or after Part 2 study but students should be aware that enrolment onto a Part 2 programme of study does not subsume Part 1 or imply that recognition at Part 1 will necessarily be granted.

The ARB is the only body legally empowered to prescribe qualifications in the UK and particular conditions must be achieved to be eligible for consideration. Applicants are advised if necessary to seek further information from the ARB (www.arb.org.uk) if their intention is to gain exemption from all 3 parts of the education process prescribed by the ARB and be eligible to use the title 'architect' in the UK .

Tuition Fees (2025 Entry)

UK and Channel Island students

Full-time fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.

Part-time fee: £2383.75 per 30 credits credits studied (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation. The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.

EU and Non-EU international students

Full-time fee: £31,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £7,875 per 30 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional information

A Master of Architecture qualification typically comprises 240 credits (120 credits for Year 1 and 120 credits for Year 2), a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits.

Additional Costs

Specialist Costs

£1,700* plus optional £2,000*

It is advised that students own a laptop for collating and developing written and visual research, for producing written submissions and presentations, and to facilitate flexible independent working. Subject specific CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is also required. 

Specialist software and IT equipment is available on campus in both the School of Architecture and Manchester Metropolitan University Library and is accessible remotely via our remote access systems when the buildings are closed. There are also laptops available on short term loan within the department, within the Arts & Humanities Faculty and a large number available from All Saints Library to loan. 

Although the units are the same for all the students, it is expected that they develop an individualised programme of study in relation to their interests, with practical investigations and developments supported by extensive machine and digital workshops, which have facilities and tools necessary for making and prototyping. General use of workshop facilities is not charged for.

Materials are provided for machine and process inductions, however, further materials used when developing individual project work are not provided but are available for purchase at cost from workshop stores. 

Workshop and material costs are therefore variable and dependent on personal project ambitions connected directly to the size of the chosen site and the level of detail that students are exploring. 

Student submissions are digital but there may be occasions where print is more suitable, especially for reviews with industry professionals. 

Trips and Placement Costs

Optional £1,000*

Students will normally make several visits to their chosen project site, this may be in the immediate vicinity of the university, but it may be further away. Students may be given the opportunity to engage with a national and/or international precedent study visit. 

There may be travel costs involved in pursuing personal lines of research, and students are encouraged to visit professional design events to inform their personal practice. As such, costs will be dependent on the level and scope of each student’s research activity.  

Professional Costs

There are no professional membership feeds required for MArch Qualification. Students can choose to become a student member of the RIBA. It is free.

Other Costs

£20* plus optional £100*

Students will probably need to support their Events Programme. Students may choose to buy books, although the library is excellent.

* All amounts shown are estimates.