MArch Master of Architecture

24 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

The Master of Architecture (MArch) at the University of Liverpool is a two-year, studio-focused program that combines creative design, research, and technical skills to prepare you for a professional career in architecture. It’s ideal for students who already hold an undergraduate architecture degree and want to deepen their design expertise while earning a RIBA- and ARB-accredited qualification.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
You’ll build a strong foundation in architectural design and theory through studio projects and modules covering urban design, sustainability, construction, and professional practice. Key modules include Design Theory and Culture, Urban Survey and Strategy, and Practice Management & Contract Law.

Year Two
The second year focuses on independent projects, including a major thesis design, a sustainability report, and a dissertation. You’ll also have the option to explore Research by Design or take an exchange semester, allowing you to broaden your architectural perspective and refine your portfolio.

Focus Areas

Urban design, sustainable architecture, research by design, technical detailing, professional practice

Learning Outcomes

You’ll gain the ability to critically evaluate the social, environmental, and cultural impact of architecture, develop innovative and technically sound designs, and communicate your ideas effectively through multiple media.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

RIBA-validated and ARB-prescribed, fulfilling the UK’s Part 2 architecture qualification requirements.

Reputation & Employability

Liverpool’s School of Architecture is highly respected in the UK and globally, producing graduates who go on to work in both leading international firms and specialist practices, as well as in research and academia.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Liverpool, the MArch is all about learning by doing. From day one, you’ll be designing, experimenting, and prototyping in purpose-built studios, turning ideas into real-world architectural solutions. The School of Architecture provides a mix of high-tech digital labs, making facilities, and supportive spaces so you can explore both creative and technical aspects of design.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience and develop hands-on skills:

Work in the Gordon Stephenson Workshop, using analogue machines to build physical models and test materials.
Use the Print Media Design Suite with 3D printers, large-format plotters, and finishing tools for everything from scale models to presentation graphics.
Access the Laser Cutting Suite and CNC-routing facilities to fabricate complex components for your projects.
Enjoy 24/7 studio access and dedicated model storage, perfect for extended work on thesis or design reviews.
Take advantage of IT and AV labs with specialist software for representation, simulation, and design development.
Receive hands-on guidance from skilled technicians who support you with making, machining, and digital fabrication.
Present your work in an inspirational gallery space, helping you reflect on your process and get feedback from peers and faculty.
Participate in collaborative group design reviews and crits, learning to refine ideas in a professional studio environment.

This combination of studios, labs, workshops, and collaborative opportunities ensures that by the end of the program, you’ll have both the technical and creative skills needed to succeed as a professional architect.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Liverpool’s MArch often move into a variety of roles, such as architects, urban designers, sustainability consultants, or design researchers. Thanks to the program’s professional accreditation and strong industry connections, many join leading studios and consultancies, while others explore specialist areas like conservation, design innovation, or academia.

Liverpool supports you in your career journey in several ways:

The Careers & Employability Service offers one-on-one career coaching, tailored advice, and access to employer networks in architecture and the built environment.
Alumni have a strong record of employment in both internationally renowned offices and smaller specialist practices, as well as in research roles.
The MArch is RIBA Part II and ARB accredited, giving your qualification long-term professional value for licensure and international recognition.
Continuous employability support ensures you are well-prepared for the job market, helping you translate your design skills into professional opportunities.
The School of Architecture’s modern facilities, including collaborative studios and digital design labs, enhance learning and equip you with practical skills sought by employers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MArch, you could pursue postgraduate research such as a PhD or MPhil in Architecture, working with advanced digital fabrication facilities, lighting labs, and design-research initiatives to develop specialist expertise.