MArchD Applied Design in Architecture (ARB and RIBA part 2)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The MArchD Applied Design in Architecture (ARB & RIBA Part 2) at Oxford Brookes is built for students who want to push their design identity while earning a professionally recognised Part 2 qualification. It suits someone who already has an architecture background and wants two years of immersive studio-based learning that leads directly toward professional practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll begin by sharpening your design thinking and professional awareness through studio modules like Design 1 / Agency and Design 1 / Praxis. Alongside this, you choose a Specialisation Studio — such as Sustainable Architecture, Digital Craft, Urban Design, Interior Architecture, or Humanitarian Architecture — to shape your year around the themes you’re passionate about.

Year 2
The second year revolves around your thesis project. Through modules like Architectural Design Thesis, Experiment and Praxis, you’ll take a concept from research to complete architectural proposal, integrating technology, sustainability, and representation at a professional standard.

Focus Areas

sustainable design, digital craft, urban design, interior architecture, humanitarian architecture

Learning Outcomes

a complete ARB/RIBA Part 2 portfolio, a strong design identity, and confidence to enter architectural practice

Professional Alignment

Accredited for ARB and RIBA Part 2 — meaning it directly contributes to the UK architect registration pathway.

Reputation & Employability

Oxford Brookes School of Architecture has a long-standing global reputation for design-led education and strong industry links that help students progress into practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is at the heart of the MArchD Applied Design in Architecture at Oxford Brookes. You won’t just study architecture — you’ll practise it every single day in studios that feel like real design workplaces. From physical model-making to VR environments and group critique sessions, you’ll constantly turn ideas into tested, visualised and built outcomes. The setting is hands-on, collaborative and full of creative energy, so you grow as a designer through real experience rather than only theory.

And that learning becomes real through opportunities like:

Working on both individual and group studio projects, taking designs from first sketch through full technical and representational development in dedicated 24/7 studio spaces.
Using specialist facilities including laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D printers and scanners, print labs, digital craft equipment and high-performance computer suites with industry-standard software.
Engaging with advanced digital tools such as VR, AI-assisted modelling and parametric design workflows to support experimentation and representation.
Taking part in optional field trips connected to your design studio theme — whether that’s sustainable architecture, urban regeneration, interior architecture or humanitarian design.
Learning directly from experienced architects and researchers with strong industry ties, giving you insight into real practice methods and professional expectations.
Accessing the architecture facilities inside the Abercrombie Building — including studios, workshops, research spaces and library resources — ensuring you have everything you need to support your design development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MArchD Applied Design in Architecture (ARB & RIBA Part 2) at Oxford Brookes do incredibly well in the profession. Many step straight into roles such as Architect, Urban Designer, Sustainable Design Consultant, or BIM/Digital Design Specialist, helped by a portfolio that reflects two years of focused, studio-based work and a qualification that employers instantly recognise.

And the university has a strong support system to help you turn your degree into a career:

Dedicated career mentoring, CV and portfolio support, and employer-focused events designed specifically for architecture students
A consistently strong employment and further-study rate for Part 2 architecture graduates
Excellent industry connections — architectural practices regularly engage with the School and recruit directly from Brookes
Accreditation from ARB and RIBA protects the long-term value of the degree and keeps you on the official pathway to becoming a registered architect
Graduates finish with a polished, practice-ready portfolio that showcases both creative thinking and technical ability, making them standout candidates in the job market

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this master’s, many students move on to PhD research in areas such as sustainable design, urban development, digital craft, construction technologies or architectural theory. This can lead to future careers in academia, research-driven practice or specialist consultancy.