M ARCH: Architecture
Apply to start in October 2020
This course has places available for 2020/21 entry.
Coronavirus updates
If you're thinking about applying, or you've applied for a postgraduate course starting in 2020/21, see guidance for prospective students during the Coronavirus outbreak.
In a world where established customs, systems and structures are increasingly unstable, we need a different kind of architectural thinking.
On M ARCH: Architecture, you will address the challenges of contemporary society through the built environment. This course is part of the Spatial Practices programme.
Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins
- Part 2 qualification: The course provides you with the second degree in the professional pathway toward registration as an architect – commonly referred to as Part 2.
- Professional practice: As part of your studies you are required to undertake 10 weeks of industry placement. This will give you the opportunity to engage with both existing forms of practice and to consider new ways of working.
- Local and industry engagement: The course offers opportunities to work closely with communities, clients and social enterprise projects. This will allow you to consider new approaches to your role as an architect.
- Collaboration: Working in teams and across disciplines is at the heart of the learning and teaching experience on M ARCH: Architecture.
Open days
The next open days will be scheduled from November 2020 to March 2021. Please check back here by October 2020 to book online.
Scholarships, awards and funding
Jane Rapley Scholarships
UAL UK/EU Postgraduate Scholarships
UAL International Postgraduate £5,000 Scholarships
UAL International Postgraduate £30,000 Scholarships and ISH accommodation award
Student work
-
Rallou Grigoropoulou - Collectively Industrial (Credit: Rallou Grigoropoulou) -
Lois Innes - Brent Cross South Cooperative (Credit: Lois Innes) -
Grizedale Arts -Information kiosk and a community bread oven (Credit: Takeshi Hayatsu) -
Neba Sere - Alternative Housing Models in Lewisham (Credit: Neba Sere) -
Filippa Hellsten - Permanent Meanwhile (Credit: Filippa Hellsten) -
Moetaz Fathalla - Reclaiming the Hoarding (Credit: Moetaz Fathalla) -
Rohit Nandha - P_L_AN_T (Credit: Rohit Nandha) -
Olivia Page - Re-Distributing and Re-sourcing the Production of Construction Materials (Credit: Olivia Page) -
Rhea Martin - Home Turf (Credit: Rhea Martin) -
Olivia Page - Re-Distributing and Re-sourcing the Production of Construction Materials (Credit: Olivia Page) -
Rhea Martin - Home Turf (Credit: Rhea Martin) -
Abby Bird - Transactions Through Flood (Credit: Abby Bird) -
Grizedale Arts - Information kiosk and a community bread oven (Credit: Takeshi Hayatsu) -
Mark Freeman - Peckham's Convenience (Credit: Mark Freeman) -
Olivia Chester - Common(s) Ecologies (Credit: Olivia Chester) -
Sam Clayton - Learning to live with Elephants (Credit: Sam Clayton)
Degree Show 2018: Matthew Brown
Course catalogues
Architecture stories
The Roundhouse at The Story Garden
Making Week, a collective project building a structure at 1:1 scale, saw students working on site to create a Roundhouse for the local community at The Story Garden.
Designing a better night’s sleep
M ARCH: Architecture student George Fisher has created sleeping pods for a homeless shelter in Redbridge
Designing with Biodiversity
On show in Designing in Turbulent Times at the Lethaby Gallery, Olivia Page's Recipes of North Portugal proposes new processes and materials to incorporate industrial and bio-based waste in construction
Facilities
Course overview
At Central Saint Martins, M ARCH: Architecture draws on the dynamic design thinking and making skills from different practices. This ranges from art to curation, graphic communication design to fashion and performance to product design. On this course, you will develop new insights, solutions and methods to explore new forms of architecture. Through research and intervention, you will address the challenges of a rapidly changing urban environment.
The course focuses on the needs of a wide range of participants in the human environment. Architects can play a crucial role in supporting communities and individuals. With a certain approach, they can help them benefit from change in the urban landscape. Through collaborative engagement with local users, architects can empower communities to become active participants in the process of development. This builds cultural and social, as well as economic, capital. M ARCH: Architecture shifts the emphasis from the design of physical space alone, to interventions in its production. You will address this through live projects which engage with the reality of cities and their citizens. You will learn the constraints and conditions of designing in the real world.
Large-scale, master-plan developments in urban centres are only the more visible forms of change within the city. While these may create economic benefit, their long-term sustainability can be limited. Carefully defined, small-scale interventions can also lead to dramatic and large transformations. These can be sustained over longer periods, as they may better serve multiple stakeholders. For the future architect, skills that foster and guide innovation will be of greatest value. On M ARCH: Architecture, you will gain the design skills to create sustainable transformations in the urban environment. You will learn to recognise the potential of architecture at different scales and modes of operation – whether in driving small-scale design transformations, or enabling large-scale development.
Course units
The increasing complexity of contemporary socio-economic, cultural and environmental issues requires architects to develop a broad skill set. This may be described as context-led – seeking solutions which address local issues arising from global agendas. Architects must move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to find innovative and sustainable design solutions. There is a growing need for contemporary city design which focuses not only on "hard" infrastructure but also the "softer". That is, not only buildings, transport and engineering but also systems of social networks, organisation and human interaction.
On M ARCH: Architecture, you will undertake three core design units. These are combined with an industry-embedded placement. You will also be supported to plan, develop and complete an independent major project. You will explore strong social, political and material engagement with the world. This may be facilitated through external partnerships and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Unit 1: Methodologies for Architectural Engagement
Through a series of projects, you will experiment with multidisciplinary approaches. You will develop methodologies for public engagement with architecture – ones that expand and challenge the conventional role of the architecture. You will test and refine these approaches through design propositions. You will be introduced to a variety of research methods and issues relevant to the discipline. You will then implement these through realised design work. While working on this unit you will also research and secure and industry placement to be undertaken in Unit 2.
Unit 2: Design Research in Architectural Practice
In this unit, you will define your own direction, beginning with your industry placement. Working with your advisor, you will work with a selected practice. You will assess the nature of their practice and projects. At the same time, you will research and develop opportunities for your own self-directed design project. Following your placement, you will begin this major project.
Following your placement, you will begin your major project. You will define your own brief, based on research and analysis of a chosen site. You will develop a schematic design proposal which will be resolved in Unit 4.
Unit 3: Constructing in Detail
This unit provides an opportunity to explore technical aspects of making and construction in close detail at 1:1, with your own hands. You will engage with the conditions and constraints of structural, constructional and material systems. This will occur through direct physical experience in a constructional prototyping project. Unit 3 will involve research and testing, collaborative teamwork and constructional implementation. It will primarily involve working as part of a team.
Unit 4: Innovating in Architectural Practice 2
You will continue to work on your major project. You will resolve it as an architectural proposal. If appropriate, you will also implement aspects of this proposal on site or with collaborators and partners.
Unit 5: Reflecting on Professional Practice
This unit is a culmination to the course and follows the completion of your major project. You will rehearse the integration of key areas through professional reporting. As a follow on from Unit 2, you will be asked to apply the technical and professional knowledge gained so far. You will demonstrate your understanding of the complexity of practice through a reflection on your own major project. This unit aims to simulate the demands and regulatory controls that professional practice is subject to. These include planning, building control, cost, contract, consultancy and constructional documentation.
Mode of study
M ARCH: Architecture is offered in extended full-time mode which runs for 79 weeks over two academic years. You will be expected to commit 30 hours per week to study which includes teaching time and independent study.
The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue studies, while also undertaking part-time employment, internships or care responsibilities.
Credit and award requirements
The course is credit-rated at 240 credits.
On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Master of Architecture (M ARCH degree).
Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, an M ARCH is Level 7. All units must be passed in order to achieve the M ARCH but the classification of the award is derived from the marks for the second, fourth and fifth units.
If you are unable to continue on the course, a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) will normally be offered following the successful completion of 60 credits, or a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) following the successful completion of 120 credits.
M ARCH: Architecture is professionally validated by the RIBA. Successful completion of the course provides RIBA Part 2 qualification, the second of three stages of RIBA professional registration.
Please note that as a result of course specific regulations, unit compensation as detailed in UAL Course Regulations, is not available to students on this course.
Learning and teaching methods
- Unit and project briefings
- Set and self-initiated project briefs
- Inductions, lectures and seminars
- Collaborative workshops and interdisciplinary study teams
- Peer learning
- Self and peer assessment
- Guest speakers
- Group discussions, reviews and critiques
- Working with clients on live projects
- Mentoring
- Independent study
Assessment methods
- Portfolio
- Essay writing
- Placement report
- Project brief
- Prototypes
- Technical and constructional diary
- Professional practice diary
- Major project
Staff
Andreas Lang
Course Leader, M ARCH: Architecture
Jayden Ali
Unit Leader, M ARCH: Architecture
Jeremy Till
Head of Central Saint Martins and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of the Arts
Unit 1 Tutors
Julia King
Verity-Jane Keefe
Sven Mündner
Cecily Chua
Joseph Henry
Ellie Howard
Tom Dyckhoff (History and Theory)
Unit 2 Tutors
Hester Buck
Maria Westerståhl
Mathew Leung
Ulrike Steven
Tom Dyckhoff (History and Theory)
Unit 3 Tutors
Paloma Gormley
Summer Islam
Unit 4 Tutors
Maria Westerståhl
Mathew Leung
Ulrike Steven
Takeshi Hayatsu
Tom Dyckhoff (History and Theory)
Unit 5 Tutors
Diana Ibáñez López
David Knight (Engineer)
Chris Stobbart (Engineer)
Professor: Liza Fior
How to apply
Opportunities for all
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
- An upper second class honours degree from an Architects Registration Board (ARB) prescribed course in architecture
- Or an equivalent EU / international qualification
- Or a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to an honours degree
And normally at least one year of relevant internship or professional experience.
English language requirements
IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).
Selection criteria
We select applicants according to potential and current ability in the following areas:
- Having a clear research agenda, related to the aims of the course
- Analysing a design problem from a number of perspectives, and generate a range of design responses to a particular problem
- Showing an understanding of technology, environment and professional practice and how they relate to architectural designs
- Showing that your personal and professional aspirations are compatible with the aims and objectives of the course
- Making appropriate choices about the way in which you communicate your design ideas, process and proposals
- Possessing appropriate levels of skill in drawing, model-making, 3D/CAD, as well as written and verbal presentation skills
- Demonstrating the necessary fluency in your design process to be able to benefit from the course.
Making your application
This course has places available for 2020/21 entry. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
You should apply by clicking on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.
Start your application now
Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:
General information
Personal details (including legal full name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
Current English language level
Current and/or previous education and qualification details
Employment history
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should give us information about yourself and why you want to join the course (between 300-500 words) and should include:
- What are you doing at the moment educationally, professionally, personally?
- Why do you wish to study on this course?
- What is your relevant experience?
- Do you have any relevant skills?
- Why do you think you are a suitable candidate for acceptance?
We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all of the information above.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 1 May 2020 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
If you are an EU offer holder, it is important to consider that, from 2021-22, you may be charged International fees, which are higher. Read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students for details.
This course has places available for 2020/21 entry. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
There are two ways international students can apply:
- One of our official representatives in your country
- A direct application.
If you are applying directly you click on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.
Start your application now
Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:
General information
Personal details (including legal full name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
Current English language level
Current and/or previous education and qualification details
Employment history
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should give us information about yourself and why you want to join the course (between 300-500 words) and should include:
- What are you doing at the moment educationally, professionally, personally?
- Why do you wish to study on this course?
- What is your relevant experience?
- Do you have any relevant skills?
- Why do you think you are a suitable candidate for acceptance?
Immigration history check
Whether you are applying online or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all of the information above.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 1 May 2020 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
After you apply
Communicating with you
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents or book an audition, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
What happens next
Initial application check
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a portfolio through the UAL Portal.
Portfolio Review
You will need to submit a digital portfolio of up to 20 images with supporting work illustrating your previous experience and practical skills. Following the review of the portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process. These applicants will be invited to an interview.
Interview
Following the review of your application and portfolio, we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process. These applicants will be invited to interview, either in person or by skype.
The interview typically lasts approximately 20 minutes. As part of the interview you will be asked to choose and present one of your projects from your portfolio.
How we notify you of the outcome of your application
You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Portal.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU fee
£8,415 per year (2020/21). Please note that fees for second year of study will be subject to inflationary increase.
£500 per annum discount for all students who have completed a PG Dip/Cert or an undergraduate course including Grad Dip/Cert, at UAL.
You can pay course tuition fees in instalments for this course.
International fee
£19,620 per year (2020/21).
£500 per annum discount for all students who have completed a PG Dip/Cert or an undergraduate course including Grad Dip/Cert, at UAL.
You can pay course tuition fees in instalments for this course.
Additional costs
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.
Accommodation
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
Progression discount
UAL alumni can receive a 20% tuition fee discount on a taught Masters course at UAL. Visit the progression discount page to find out more.
Careers and alumni
M ARCH: Architecture prepares graduates for employment in architectural practice, urban design, planning, development, and public consultation. In addition, the course provides a solid grounding for continued academic development toward research and PhD study.
Drawing upon extensive industry links within the Spatial Practices Programme, the Course seeks to offer students a unique learning opportunity to engage with live projects and real clients, developing innovative approaches to public engagement and a radical reconsideration of architectural practice.
"In 10 years we probably will not call ourselves an architecture practice, it will be something else entirely" (Architect, Small London-based practice)
From "The Future for Architects", Building Futures, RIBA, 2010.
Change is inevitable and being prepared for change is a challenge. M ARCH: Architecture encourages students to take a radical approach to architectural practice; seeking ways in which the architect of the future can work across the industry and beyond. The course is predicated on the reality that the practice of architecture is changing. There are increasing pressures on the profession from shifts in the way that projects are developed, as well as the changes to the global economy. How will we practice in the future?
"The invasion of the architect's role shouldn't be seen as a threat but as a natural change that can be exploited - we must find our new opportunities and education should shift to accommodate that." (Architect, Large global practice) From "The Future for Architects", Building Futures, RIBA, 2010.