MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) at the University of Plymouth is a forward-thinking, two-year master’s for students who want to shape the future of the built environment through socially and environmentally responsible design. It suits people who enjoy studio-led learning, research, and working on real-world challenges in cities and communities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You start by working on live studio projects that explore urban regeneration and community-focused design. Along the way, you build your professional knowledge, strengthen your research abilities, and learn how to integrate sustainable and technical systems into your design work.

Year 2
The final year is about developing your own architectural identity. You take the lead on an independent major design project, combining creativity with research, sustainability and real-world context — resulting in a portfolio that reflects who you are as a designer.

Focus areas

Sustainable architecture, urban regeneration, research-led design, social and cultural impact, community engagement, environmental technologies.

Learning outcomes

Graduates leave confident in designing socially inclusive and environmentally responsible buildings, applying advanced technical and professional knowledge, leading independent research, and communicating a clear architectural design philosophy through real and live project work.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Fully accredited — RIBA validated and ARB prescribed at Part 2, meaning it directly supports the pathway to becoming a registered and chartered architect.

Reputation (Employability)

The MArch at Plymouth consistently receives strong student satisfaction ratings, and most graduates quickly transition into employment across architecture practices in the UK and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MArch at the University of Plymouth is designed for students who learn best by doing. From your first week, you’ll be working on live design challenges in professional studios, experimenting with materials, and developing prototypes that connect your ideas to real architectural problems. You’ll collaborate with classmates, architects, engineers and designers in an open, creative studio culture that feels very close to real practice.

To make sure you’re building practical, career-ready skills, you’ll get hands-on access to:

Professional architecture studios in the Roland Levinsky Building, with your own dedicated workspace available seven days a week
Digital Fabrication Laboratory with CNC milling, 3D printing, laser cutting and scanning for prototyping and model-making
Specialist workshops for woodwork, metalwork, plaster casting and traditional model building
Mac and PC labs equipped with professional software, including CAD, BIM and environmental-simulation tools
Extensive library and research databases supporting design theory, history and technical research
Live studio projects connected to community groups, urban regeneration and public-space issues, mirroring work you’ll encounter in practice

These facilities and learning experiences ensure you’re not just studying architecture — you’re already working like an architect in training.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Plymouth’s MArch are well-prepared for careers across the built-environment sector. Many go on to work as architects, urban designers, project managers or sustainability specialists, often stepping directly into respected architectural practices. The RIBA/ARB Part 2 accreditation also gives you the professional standing needed to progress toward chartership and long-term career recognition.

To support your transition into industry, the university provides clear advantages:

Access to the Careers Service, which continues to support you even after graduation with tailored guidance, portfolio and CV support, mock interviews, employer events and alumni networking opportunities
Strong graduate employment outcomes, with most students securing professional roles soon after completing the programme
Opportunities to build industry contacts through live projects with real clients, city councils and community organisations
Long-term value of accreditation, with full RIBA validation and ARB prescription at Part 2 — a crucial requirement on the pathway to becoming a chartered architect

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MArch, you can continue to a Part 3 programme to qualify fully as a registered architect, or pursue research-based study such as MRes or PhD in architecture, urban design or related fields if you want to specialise further or explore an academic or research-focused career.