March Architectural Design International

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This degree is designed for international students who want to push their creative abilities and strengthen their professional design identity. Over two years, you’ll explore how architecture shapes communities and respond to real-world cultural, social and environmental needs — all while building an impressive portfolio that signals you’re ready for the global industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll take part in design studios where you experiment, test ideas and develop your architectural “voice.” Alongside this, you’ll deepen your understanding of architectural culture and theory, and shape your own direction through a self-led study project.

Year 2
Your focus shifts toward a major design project that represents who you are as an emerging architect. You can tailor your studies through specialist topics such as sustainability, urban design or digital design tools, helping you sharpen the skills that matter most to your career goals.

Focus Areas

Advanced design studio work, global architecture perspectives, sustainability, professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate with the confidence to communicate big design ideas, deliver complex projects, and present a portfolio that showcases your architectural strengths and ambitions.

Professional Alignment

Meets the educational criteria for RIBA Part 2 and also recognised by the Malaysian architectural accreditation board (LAM/PAM).

Reputation

Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture is consistently ranked among leading UK architecture schools and is highly regarded by employers for its practical and design-driven approach.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Strathclyde, the MArch Architectural Design (International) is built around hands-on learning. You won’t just study architecture — you’ll constantly practise it. From the first week, you’ll be based in dedicated design studios where you sketch, test ideas, build models, and exchange feedback with tutors and classmates in a lively creative environment. You’ll also have full access to the department’s workshop, digital tools and reference library, so every concept you develop can be explored, refined and realised.

And because the programme has a strong global perspective, you’ll learn through real architectural situations — site visits, study trips and international workshops that help you understand how culture, place and design intersect.

Here’s how that experience takes shape:

Collaborative design studio projects built around themes like social and environmental care.
Full workshop access with tools for model-making, plus laser cutting, scanning and large-format printing.
Study trips and international workshops integrated into the course to broaden your design perspective.
A dedicated architecture reference library with resources tailored to studio and research needs.
Guest lectures and professional-practice seminars in the second year to prepare you for entering the industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MArch Architectural Design (International) step into the industry with a portfolio and professional skill set that employers really recognise. Many go on to roles such as Architectural Designer, Urban Designer, Sustainability Consultant, or Design Studio Lead, applying the design thinking and cultural awareness they developed throughout the degree.

And the university backs you strongly when it comes to career progression:

Strathclyde’s Careers Service provides one-to-one support, portfolio feedback and access to the university’s online job-vacancy hub, which connects students directly with employers.
Around 92% of Strathclyde graduates are in employment or further study within six months, with average starting salaries in the £27,000–£30,000 range.
The programme is accredited at RIBA Part 2 and also recognised by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia/PAM, giving your qualification strong long-term professional value and international relevance.
The university maintains strong industry partnerships across the UK and internationally, giving graduates a network of architectural and design practices to step into after completion.

Further Academic Progression:
After this master’s, you could choose to progress into a PhD in architecture or urban design, or specialise even further through postgraduate certificates in areas such as architectural conservation or heritage studies — opening pathways toward research, academic careers, and senior leadership roles in practice.