Architecture RIBA Part 2 MArch (Hons)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Dundee

Program Overview

The MArch (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 2 at the University of Dundee is a two-year, studio-focused master’s designed for students who have already completed Part 1 and want to take the next step toward professional registration. It places you in Dundee’s vibrant design community, where you’ll strengthen your architectural design thinking, technical ability and creative identity through real projects and hands-on practice.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You’ll develop your architectural voice through studio design projects that connect site, use and materiality. Alongside this, modules in architectural humanities and space–form–structure help you deepen your skills in history, theory, drawing and model-making.

Year 2
Your studies progress into more advanced architecture and urban design, with a strong focus on integrating construction, context and user experience. The final architectural thesis gives you the freedom to lead a major self-directed design project that showcases your vision and prepares you for professional practice.

Focus areas

Architectural design, sustainability and technology, urban context, professional practice.

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to resolve complex architectural projects at building and urban scale, communicate ideas confidently across manual and digital media, and meet the professional standard required for RIBA Part 2.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Accredited by both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), meaning the degree counts as the official RIBA/ARB Part 2 qualification needed to advance toward becoming a registered architect in the UK.

Reputation

The University of Dundee is consistently recognised for the strength of its architecture teaching and student satisfaction, performing highly in UK rankings for architecture.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is at the heart of the MArch (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 2 at the University of Dundee. You won’t just talk about design theory — you’ll be working in studio from day one, developing your own architectural projects and learning the way real architects do: through designing, testing, making and presenting. The atmosphere is hands-on and collaborative, with tutors who are practising architects guiding you closely as your work evolves. You’ll combine manual and digital tools, take part in design crits, and experience learning that mirrors a professional studio environment.

And the opportunities to learn by doing are extensive:

You’ll work in dedicated architecture studios at Duncan of Jordanstone, with small-group tutorials and one-to-one support that help you develop your project like a real client brief.
You’ll explore materials and form in specialist model-making workshops, using both physical and digital tools to prototype and refine your ideas.
You’ll have opportunities for study visits to major architectural cities — past destinations have included London, Paris, Venice and Sydney — giving you first-hand exposure to global design culture.
You’ll collaborate with classmates on group projects that simulate the teamwork and communication expected in architecture practices.
You’ll benefit from the creative environment of the art school, where access to workshops and technical support encourages experimentation, craftsmanship and innovation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MArch (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 2 at the University of Dundee step confidently into the profession. Many go on to careers such as Architect, Urban Designer, Project Architect or Architectural Technologist, taking with them a strong portfolio and the technical depth that employers look for. The programme is designed not just to help you get your first role in practice, but to support you in developing a long-term, fulfilling career.

Here’s how Dundee helps you get there:

The University’s Careers Service offers tailored support for architecture students, including one-to-one guidance, employability workshops and access to micro-placements that allow you to gain experience before graduating.
Architecture graduates from Dundee are recognised for their professionalism and design ability, and many go on to work in well-known practices across the UK and internationally.
The degree is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), giving you the essential Part 2 accreditation required for professional registration in the UK.
Dundee’s strong graduate success rates reflect the practical strength of the programme and the employability of its students.

Further Academic Progression

After the MArch, most students continue to the Part 3 qualification to become fully registered architects, while others pursue higher research degrees such as an MPhil or PhD in architecture, urban studies or sustainable design if they want to move toward academic or specialist careers.