MArch Architecture (Integrated)

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 relevant and appropriate solutions that 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 spatial design which focuses not only on “hard”, but also “soft”, infrastructure. That is, not only buildings, construction, transport and engineering, but also systems of social networks, cultural practices, human interaction, and health and well-being. 

The course shifts the focus of design from buildings as objects to the processes that bring them about and their impact upon social, cultural and ecological environments. This provides greater opportunity for holistic learning and the shift towards regenerative design practices. Regenerative design thinking is developed through adaptive reuse and retrofit strategies, alongside critical approaches to material resources, circular economies and low-carbon construction processes. Students are encouraged to explore innovative applications of bio-based materials and sustainable methods of making, assembly and reuse.

The course provides a rich learning environment and a range of learning  experiences for you to develop as a spatial practitioner. It will introduce you to a range of cognitive and practical skills, critical theories, ethical considerations and creative experiences.

Year 1  

Unit 1: Professional Cultures—Introduction to Architecture (Practicing Ethics) (ISHE)  
Unit 2: Design for Collective Action (Design)  
Unit 3: Materials, Environments and Structures (Technical Studies)  
Unit 4: Collective Spaces (Design)  
Unit 5: Fundamental Agencies (Contextual Studies)  
Unit 6: Collaborative Unit (Design)

First year introduces you to core skills and concepts. These will allow you to develop a critical understanding of spatial practice. You will focus on studio-based projects, both independent and cooperative, alongside workshops and lectures. You will approach design for human and non-human environments, exploring and representing different scales and typologies of spaces, buildings and places. You will gain an understanding of climate literacy and consider the ethical role of the architect and their duty of care.  
 

Year 2  

Unit 7: Design Concept and Spatial Design (Design)  
Unit 8: Critical Agencies (Contextual Studies)  
Unit 9: Practicing Climate (Climate Studies)  
Unit 10: Detailed Design (Design)  
Unit 11: Technical and Environmental Integration (Technical Studies)  

Second year provides further development of your conceptual thinking, interpretive and design skills. Material experimentation, technical skills, ethical and climate understanding, legislative knowledge, critical writing and presentation skills will enable greater resolution in your designs. You will deepen your understanding of the relationship of architecture to climate change. These foundational and cross-disciplinary skills will equip you with the collaborative tools necessary to transform future practice. 
Second year also focuses on your personal responses to design issues, the challenges of the climate and bio-diversity crises and the development of your unique voice as a spatial designer within these broader contexts.
 

Year 3  

Unit 12: Major Project (Design)
Unit 13: Accounts of Agency—Dissertation (Contextual Studies)
Unit 14: Major Project—Resolution (Design)
Unit 15: Strategic Technical Study (Technical Studies)
Unit 16: Situating Practice (Pre-integrated Project)

Third year brings together your skills, concepts, and knowledge into critically engaged major design project that synthesises social, cultural, ecological, ethical and environmentally sustainable strategies. This stage offers you the opportunity to reflect on your previous experience, develop professional skills and explore potential directions for your future career through a self-directed project, written dissertation and manifesto for future practice.
 

Year 4

Unit 17: Integrated Project
Unit 18: Critical and Collective Practices
Unit 19: Integrated Project—Synthesis
Unit 20: Negotiating Practices

Fourth year shifts the focus toward self-direction and the consolidation of an integrated body of work. You will situate your project within an expanded network and community of practitioners. You will build on your learning in previous years to develop a comprehensive and integrated spatial design project through an iterative process of design research and experimentation. The second half of the year focuses on refining the project and situating it within a rigorous professional and public context.

The integrated project is supported by the Critical and Collective Practices unit which develops skills for future practice and provides an opportunity to situate your integrated project in the context of practice. 

The year concludes with a reflective Academic Portfolio of Work integrating reflective journals and unit work produced across the course into a comprehensive body of work which is mapped against professional outcomes.

The Working Week  

The College buildings and Spatial Practices studios are vibrant and busy working environments where students learn together by being active and giving time to their studies. The course team will offer structured teaching and informal learning through events and projects. Students learn the best and are most productive when they are fully committed to their practice and to each other. You should expect to spend 40 hours per week on independent and collaborative practice and in teaching events such as workshops and discussions. 

Mode of study 

MArch Architecture (integrated) runs for 120 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into four levels over four academic years. Each year lasts 30 weeks. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study. 
CSM Academic Support is delivered by a team of academics and practitioners working alongside your course to help you progress and achieve your maximum potential as a student. Academic Support can help you to develop your skills in different areas, including critical thinking, research and writing, time management, presentations and working independently and collaboratively. These may be offered as part of your timetabled classes or as bookable tutorials and workshops.

Credit and award requirements 

The course is credit rated at 480 credits, with 120 credits at level 4 and 5, 60 credits at level 6, and 180 credits at level 7. On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Integrated Masters in Architecture (MArch) degree.  

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the stages for an integrated Masters are: Year 1 (Level 4), Year 2 (Level 5), Year 3 (Level 6 and 7) and Year 4 (Level 7). To progress to the next stage, all units of the preceding stage must normally be passed: 120 credits must be achieved in each stage. The classification of the award will be derived from the marks of units in Stages 2 and 3 or only Year 4, using a dual algorithm.   

If you are unable to continue the course, a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level 4 (or 120 credits), or a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) following the successful completion of level 5 (or 240 credits).  BA (Hons) Level 6/7 (exit award).

Professional, statutory and regulatory bodies 

This new integrated MA in Architecture is formed of the BA (Hons) Architecture at Central Saint Martins currently prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. 

CSM will be submitting a new application to the ARB to be prescribed for the full four-year integrated MA in Architecture (September  2026) and is subject to validation by RIBA Part 2 for the final graduating cohort.

http://www.architecture.com/  The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.  

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. 
 

Selection criteria

This course believes that the people who design the built environment should be as diverse a group as those who use it. As such, we welcome submissions from applicants from diverse backgrounds.

We select degree applicants according to your potential and current ability to:

• Work imaginatively and creatively in architecture and design.
• Engage with experimentation and invention.
• Show imagination and ambition in proposals for your work.

Demonstrate a range of skills and technical abilities:

• Demonstrate an engagement with 3D and architecture/spatial design.
• Demonstrate a basic ability to draw and model objects and spaces.
• Demonstrate a basic ability to discuss ideas verbally and through written work.

Provide evidence of intellectual enquiry within your work:

• Demonstrate relevant research.
• Reflect critically on your learning.

Demonstrate cultural awareness and/or contextual framework of your work:

• Identify global, historical and contemporary architecture and architects.
• Identify social, cultural and environmental influences on your work.

Articulate and communicate intentions clearly:

• Discuss your work in group situations.
• Present your work appropriately and effectively.

Demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the subject and the course:

• Develop your own ideas and address project briefs.
• Show willingness to collaborate.
• Reflect your knowledge of this course.

What we are looking for

We don't just look for a passion for architecture. We're seeking people who are open to new ideas, informed risk taking and challenge. We also want people who are willing to get involved in the different disciplines and practices of architectural and spatial design during their degree.