MArch Architecture and Urbanism

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MArch Architecture and Urbanism gives you the chance to explore architecture and city design at an advanced level, where creativity meets real-world social and environmental challenges. It’s an ideal fit if you want to shape better, more sustainable places and develop the depth of thinking and professional ability needed to progress toward architectural registration or urban design practice.

Curriculum Structure

Early stage of the course — You begin by strengthening your architectural and urban design approach through studio-based learning. Modules like Sustainable Urban Futures and Emerging Research in Architecture help you understand the future of cities, social needs, and environmental responsibility, while refining your design decision-making.
Later stage of the course — You undertake a major thesis or research-based design project that pushes you to develop a bold, informed architectural or urban proposal. This is your opportunity to specialise — whether in sustainability, community-driven development, circular construction, or a theme that reflects your personal architectural interests.

Focus Areas

Urban design, sustainable architecture, research-driven design, community and housing, circular construction, future-focused urban development.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to design buildings and urban environments that respond to cultural, environmental and social needs, apply sustainable and circular-economy methods, and communicate complex architectural ideas through research-led design.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for Part II — a key step toward becoming a registered architect in the UK. It also holds Candidate Course Status with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), supporting a clear pathway toward professional qualification.

Reputation & Employability

The University of Hertfordshire’s architecture programmes are closely connected with industry and taught in high-quality studios and digital workshops, helping graduates feel job-ready from day one. Alumni go on to roles within architectural practices, urban design consultancies, regeneration and city development projects, and sustainability-focused design teams — reflecting the relevance and demand for the skills gained here.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this MArch special is how much of your learning happens through doing. You’ll spend your time designing, testing and exploring ideas in studios and workshops that feel close to real architectural practice, using the same digital and fabrication tools that are shaping the industry today. It’s a course built around creativity, experimentation and professional readiness — so by the time you graduate, you’ll be confident working beyond the sketchbook and into applied architectural and urban design.

Here’s how that experience comes to life:

Architecture Studio + Digital & 3D Workshop + Computer Labs — dedicated spaces equipped for 3D printing, rapid prototyping, CNC cutting and laser cutting, so you can turn your design concepts into physical or digital models and study material behaviour, form and structure.
Computational design and digital fabrication skills — the programme teaches you how to use advanced digital tools and workflows that are increasingly central to contemporary architectural and urban design practice.
Studio-based urban and housing projects — modules like Architecture and Urbanism Studio 1 and 2 give you the chance to tackle realistic design briefs, such as masterplanning and housing proposals, responding to environmental, social and spatial needs.
Study visits and site visits — the School of Creative Arts organises trips to UK and international cities so you can observe architectural and urban conditions directly, strengthening your understanding of context and design culture.
Professional mentorship and industry links — through structured mentoring with practising architects, you gain insight into workplace expectations, build confidence and expand your professional network even before graduation.

These experiences ensure that what you learn stays grounded in the real work of architects and urban designers — giving you both technical skill and professional maturity by the end of the programme.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MArch Architecture and Urbanism step into the industry with a strong blend of creative design, technical ability and a real understanding of how cities and communities work. Whether you see yourself designing buildings, shaping neighbourhoods or driving sustainable development, this qualification gives you the confidence and professional edge to do so. Many graduates move into roles such as Architect, Urban Designer, Project or Construction Manager, or Heritage and Conservation Consultant, depending on their interests and expertise.

To support your next steps, the university provides:

Outstanding career support through the Careers and Employment Service, including help with CV and portfolio development, interview prep, networking events and access to job opportunities.
A strong employability focus — the course has been developed to improve career prospects in architecture and the built-environment sectors, especially within sustainability and regeneration.
Professional recognition that pays off long-term — the programme satisfies key professional requirements for architecture in the UK, helping you progress confidently toward full registration.
Trusted graduate outcomes — alumni secure roles in architectural practices, urban design and planning consultancies, regeneration organisations and public sector design and planning teams, with some choosing to establish their own practice.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies after the MArch, you can progress into doctoral-level research — such as a PhD or a Doctorate in Design — focusing on themes like sustainable architecture, urban regeneration, heritage and conservation, or advanced building technologies. This opens doors to high-level consultancy, academic careers, research-driven practice and leadership roles within the architecture and built-environment sector.