Architecture MArch

Postgraduate

Architects drawing of a new development in Coventry city centre.

Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to apply your creativity in architectural design and positively impact people and the planet.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Course code

AHT045

Start date

September 2025
January 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

This course is designed to celebrate the distinct nature of architecture as a discipline spanning the sciences and the arts.

This course aims to help you:

develop creative and imaginative architectural projects of diverse scale, complexity and type
advance your career towards becoming a professional architect
explore the interrelationship between buildings, the built environment and the principles of sustainable design
use the principles and theories of urban design for the planning of successful communities.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

This course is for you if you want to:

learn on a course that is informed by an advisory panel of practising architects, including lecturers with industry experience and guest lecturers, ensuring a strong and collaborative bond between your practice and our staff (staff and guest speakers are subject to change)
study in a holistic, integrated teaching and learning environment. Industry-standard facilities allow you to explore, create, collaborate and develop employer-valued skills
develop human values such as social interaction, wellbeing and accessibility, helping and supporting you to find a role for architecture in contemporary society
work on individual projects, and collaborative projects with other arts and engineering students on master’s courses within Coventry University.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Architects Registration Board (ARB)

This course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This means it meets the ARB’s requirements for Part 2 of the qualifications needed to become an architect in the UK.

Coventry University’s Architecture MArch is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects. Prescription is subject to the conditions of prescription being met and maintained, and to periodic review. The qualification is currently prescribed until 31 December 2028.

What you'll study

Explore the challenges of making and building across local and global environments.

Architecture MArch at Coventry University is taught as a liberal discipline that is technically, professionally, socially and environmentally sustainable. We place an emphasis on architecture as a social practice and a technical process which deliberately spans both science and the arts. We strive to provide an architectural education that is as complex as the field of architecture itself but taught in a way that challenges you to achieve your maximum potential.

Modules

Design, Process and Communication - 30 credits

This module addresses architectural design within the context of complex and evolving contemporary urban environments. Architecture is considered a transformative act among the many forces that shape cities and landscapes. Starting with the detailed analysis of a particular urban context, the module focuses on issues of master planning, urban design and regeneration. Hypotheses are then tested through the design of a building, group of buildings, or other urban intervention, allowing you to explore and articulate your own position.

Compulsory

Comprehensive Design - 40 credits

Architectural design requires the ability to creatively synthesise and integrate a diverse range of knowledge and skills. The attributes of a skilful designer are only acquired through regular practice. This module provides opportunities for such development, while also allowing you to explore and evolve your own personal design approaches. The portfolio from this module should include a broad range of work demonstrating your ability to create an integrated architectural solution. You will be asked to develop the design of a specific building not only in terms of its spatial and conceptual qualities but also in terms of the structural, constructional and environmental strategies that underpin its execution.

Compulsory

Construction Technology and Environmental Design - 20 credits

This module underpins and supports both the ‘Comprehensive Design’ and ‘Design Thesis’ modules. It will include lectures and seminars on a range of specialist subjects from fire engineering to façade design. It will be based on case studies and you can expect to be researching constructed buildings. The purpose of this is to explore how the material and tectonic realisation of a design inform, and are informed by, the ideas behind the design process. The case studies will investigate the technical resolution of the selected buildings with the aims of the design team in mind (including relation to site, programme and theoretical positioning).

Compulsory

Cultural Context - 20 credits

Providing a theoretical underpinning to the course, you’ll engage in a range of lectures, case studies, seminars and guided readings, covering a broad range of current architectural debates and research. You will be introduced to the tools with which to carry out critical enquiry and undertake advanced individual and group research in your chosen area of specialisation in subsequent semesters.

Compulsory

Integrated Project - 10 credits

The module covers the application of collaborative and communication skills within a professional environment. The project will involve group work, requiring a degree of original research and the integration of technical, and economic aspects via evaluative criteria. You can expect to learn how to apply professional judgment and employ a range of integrated tools.

Compulsory

In your second year, you will explore the complexities of architecture itself. Our teaching reflects the nature of contemporary architecture as an international field of creative inquiry and the course incorporates exploration, collaboration and the critical analysis of inputs from differing sources.

Modules

Research for Design - 20 credits

Design Thesis - 60 credits

Address the development of the core skills expected of an architectural student. This is your opportunity to explore the in-depth aspects of architecture that are of particular interest to you. Having successfully identified, researched and declared a thematic and intellectual framework to underpin your design thesis, you will develop a convincing design proposition with a high level of resolution and presentation. Throughout the module, you will carry out detailed investigations into the theoretical, contextual and technological issues relating to your design thesis project.

Compulsory

Professional Practice and Management - 10 credits

The module covers professionalism and codes of behaviour, as well as the skills relating to setting up of private practice, commercial development and the management of a professional practice in the built environment sector. The legal aspects of professional practice will be studied, and the relevant knowledge of appropriate law will be developed and applied, in the context of architectural practice.

Compulsory

Critical Investigations - 30 credits

Embracing the diversity of architectural research, this module offers you the opportunity to carry out a detailed investigation into a specific area of research that is of interest to you. This may take the form of an academic dissertation pursuing a personal and independent line of inquiry, or it may be an investigation linked to ongoing research projects within the university.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical studio sessions.

Teaching and learning hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching and learning hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours will vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions, including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent learning

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent learning which will make up the required study hours per module. You will be undertaking a variety of activities, learning through guided background research, planning and preparation, studio activity, creative practice and making, reviewing what you have learned and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress towards the end of your studies, you will spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which may vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

studio-based projects
group work
dissertations
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above in architecture with exemption from Part 1 of the RIBA Examinations (or its equivalent as formally recognised by the RIBA/ARB).

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Portfolio

You must provide a convincing portfolio of relevant architectural design work. This must be presented at interview or submitted by post/online.

An honours degree 2:2 or above in architecture with exemption from Part 1 of the RIBA Examinations (or its equivalent as formally recognised by the RIBA/ARB).

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

You must provide a convincing portfolio of relevant architectural design work. This must be presented at interview or submitted by post/online.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall (with at least 6.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,466 per year	Not available
EU	£7,466 per year with EU Support Bursary £12,400 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£12,400 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

As well as using our dedicated architecture studio, you will have the opportunity to join workshops, allowing you to explore different processes and ensuring that you can be individual in your creative practice. We also have experienced technical demonstrators who deliver inductions to support you in your studies.

Clay studio

In our clay studio⁴, your ideas become realised by using technological software and clay. Here you can create whatever you imagine, whether that’s an animated character, a sleek car design or theatre props.

Printing Studio

We have print pressers dating back to when we first started as Coventry School of Art and Design back in 1843. This studio consists of two studio spaces for all printing needs from screen printing to etching⁴.

student working in Architectural technical studio

Architectural Technology Studio

This multi-function space⁴ acts both as a teaching and tutorial room. It houses 40 hi-spec computers which include Revit, Sketchup and AutoCAD. An informal area is available for group discussions, tutorials and making models.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This course is designed to advance your career towards becoming a professional architect. On successful graduation, you should be equipped with the intellectual, creative and practical skills to meet the needs of related professions and the wider construction industry.

Careers could include working as:

architect
urban designer
architectural technologist
interior and spatial designer
building surveyor
town planner
commercial, residential or planning surveyor
buildings inspector
conservation officer
landscape architect.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work in multiple architecture practices, in the UK and worldwide.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Full-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.