Design for Manufacture MArch

15 Months On Campus Masters Program

University College London

Program Overview

The Design for Manufacture MArch at UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture is a 15-month, hands-on master’s that blends architectural design with advanced manufacturing and digital fabrication. It’s perfect for students with a strong design or making background who want to explore robotics, material innovation, and cutting-edge construction techniques.

Curriculum Structure

The program is structured around cluster-led projects, where small groups of students develop research-driven design agendas. Early modules focus on design fundamentals and material experimentation, while hands-on workshops teach robotic fabrication, CNC milling, 3D scanning, and laser cutting. In the final stage, you complete a Design Thesis, developing and prototyping your own architectural research project.

Focus Areas

Robotic fabrication, CNC milling, 3D scanning, digital craft, material innovation, automation, prototyping, cluster-led research.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll learn to combine design and digital fabrication, prototype full-scale architectural components, conduct independent design research, and collaborate effectively in cluster-led projects.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MArch is not a traditional ARB/RIBA Part 2 but prepares you for careers in advanced architectural fabrication, digital construction, and research-driven design practices.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

The Bartlett School of Architecture is ranked #1 globally for Architecture & Built Environment, and graduates often work in architecture firms, digital construction companies, robotics startups, and research labs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this MArch, you won’t just design on paper — you’ll make, test, and prototype. From the start, you’ll work with real fabrication tools in high-tech labs, combining digital design with full-scale physical production. Cluster-led projects mean you collaborate closely with peers and tutors, experimenting with robotics, advanced materials, and innovative construction techniques.

Some key hands-on opportunities include:

Robotics & Automation: Access to robotic systems for programming and physical fabrication.
Digital & Analogue Fabrication: Work with CNC milling machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, waterjet cutting, and 3D scanning.
Cluster-led projects: Small design clusters led by tutors guide your research, experimentation, and final thesis.
Research & Thesis: Develop your own design-research question, prototype your ideas, and produce a comprehensive design thesis report.
Exhibition & Conference: Present your final work at high-profile exhibitions and conferences at the Here East campus.
Interdisciplinary environment: Collaborate with experts from architecture, engineering, materials, and computer science in a space designed for innovation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Design for Manufacture MArch leave UCL with a unique mix of design, engineering, and making skills. Many go on to careers as computational designers, robotic fabrication specialists, innovation leads in construction tech, or design researchers, while others join forward-thinking architecture firms, research labs, or manufacturing companies.

UCL supports your career growth in several ways:

Career support: Access to UCL Careers and Bartlett’s specialist services, including events, workshops, portfolio feedback, and one-on-one mentoring.
Employment outcomes: A high proportion of graduates are working or continuing studies within a year of finishing.
Industry partnerships: Strong connections with firms like Arup, Buro Happold, Foster + Partners, Laing O’Rourke, Price & Myers, and ScanLAB Projects provide real-world insight and networking opportunities.
Professional value: While not a traditional ARB/RIBA Part 2, the program equips you with advanced fabrication, automation, and material innovation skills that are in high demand.
Global reach: Alumni work across numerous countries and sectors, opening doors to international careers and research opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MArch, you can pursue a PhD in areas like computational design, robotics in architecture, or advanced materials. Alternatively, you might continue with specialized postgraduate diplomas or master’s programmes in sustainable manufacturing, architectural computation, or construction innovation, building on the technical and research skills developed during this degree.

Additional Information & Requirements

A minimum of a second-class UK degree in an appropriate subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard

A design/creative portfolio is also expected. Applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of their design work once their completed application has been received

The English language level for this course is: Level 1

IELTS: 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component), TOEFL iBT: 92 (Reading and writing more than 24, Speaking and listening more than 20)

Th program is STEM-relevant, since the curriculum is strongly grounded in engineering, manufacturing and digital-fabrication technologies

For India: Minimum bachelor’s degree: CGPA 2.7–6.5 (depending on scale) or 55% where GPA is not used

For USA: Bachelor's degree with a final CGPA of 3.0/4.0

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