Architecture, Master of (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch ARB Pt 2

The design studio is the heart of the MArch curriculum, and accounts for 160 credits of the programme. You will have the opportunity to explore different design approaches and develop your own specialism by choosing from a range of design studio options.

Each studio is led by a dedicated academic staff member whose expertise and research agenda frame the themes of investigation, and typically involves:

• a field trip to sites of national or international interest, or
• an in-depth and hands-on multi-day workshop with invited experts.

Many studios engage in elements of collaborative work, fostering creative and social exchanges among peers.

The MArch design studios operate through one of two curricular pathways, which you will choose when you arrive in Edinburgh.

Modular Pathway

Students on the Modular Pathway will develop two independent year-long design studio projects, completing a highly resolved thesis while also developing a portfolio typified by breadth of enquiry.

Modular studios are open to both 1st and 2nd year students, and offer opportunities for peer learning between cohorts.

###Integrated Pathway

Students on the Integrated Pathway will develop one design thesis project over the two years of the MArch programme, engaging with a wide range of architectural scales from the urban strategy to the construction detail, in a comprehensive project.

You can view examples of work completed in previous MArch studios through the collection of degree show catalogues available here:

MArch Degree Show Catalogues

The remaining 80 credits comprise four compulsory non-studio courses.

###Architectural Technology Research

Architectural Technology Research (ATR) supports you in innovative and creative research projects linking material and environmental approaches to the climate emergency.

It encourages practical and exploratory studies in technical themes of particular relevance to your selected studio and design project, working towards their seamless integration.

ATR is a 20-credit course, and it runs throughout Semester 1 with a series of lectures on contemporary architectural technology and environmental issues.

### Studies in Contemporary Architectural Theory

Structured through a series of thematic theory seminars, of which students follow one of particular interest or concern to them, Studies in Contemporary Architectural Theory (SCAT) develops an in-depth knowledge of contemporary architectural discourses, drawing on historical and interdisciplinary texts as necessary.

You will work in thematically organised groups, led by staff with specific expertise in the material. This allows for more active student participation, fosters the nuanced interpretation and debate of issues, and promotes a multi-perspectival approach.

SCAT is a 20-credit course, and it runs throughout Semester 2.

Architectural Management, Practice and Law

In the second year of the MArch programme, the 20-credit course Architectural Management, Practice and Law (AMPL) explores the urgencies affecting architectural practice, and introduces students to the political, ethical and social context within which architects work.

Through a series of lectures, workshops and drawing-based studies, it invites you to research and critically reflect upon three priorities for contemporary practice identified by the RIBA:

• Health and Life Safety
• Ethics and Social Purpose
• Climate

Design Report and Academic Portfolio

The Programme concludes with two plenary 10-credit courses which document and represent different aspects of your work.

The Design Report (DR) is a comprehensive document that describes in detail one of the projects completed during the programme, and offers an opportunity for you to reflect on the research and design development you have done, to position your work beyond the institution, and to take responsibility for your design decisions in relation to the associated social and environmental effects.

A companion piece, Academic Portfolio (AP2), is a curated representation and comprehensive record of the body of work developed during the programme. It demonstrates its relation to professional requirements and critically reflects upon, and celebrates, the breadth of enquiry undertaken.

Guest experts

Each year, we welcome a number of distinguished guests to the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). These international experts each deliver a free public lecture, in addition to engaging closely with staff and students through masterclasses, tutorials, discussions and crits.

Recent Geddes Visiting Fellows have included Gloria Cabral (Studio 4.4), Arne Vande Capelle and Gaspard Geerts (Rotor), Samia Henni, Flores & Prats, Katja Grillner, Hélène Binet, Anuradha Mathur & Dilip da Cunh, and Luis Callejas.

Recent George Simpson Visiting Professors have included Carme Pinós, Jan De Vylder & Inge Vinck, O’Donnell + Tuomey, Peter Salter, Wang Shu & Lu Wenyu (Amateur Architecture Studio), Stan Allen, and Michael Webb.

Recent David Skinner Memorial Lectures have been delivered by Brett Milligan, Teresa Moller, Jo Gibbons, Jaqueline Osty, Marti Franch, and Henri Bava.

In addition to programme-specific seminars in Architectural History & Theory, Conservation, and Landscape Architecture, ESALA also curates Frictions, the ESALA Public Lecture Series.

Frictions has had, in recent years, a specific focus on the climate emergency, interconnecting environmental pollution to the issues of colonisation, segregation, racism, forced migration, and to systems of injustice.

Recent guests have included Shahed Saleem, Hannah Le Roux, Daniel Barber, Ursula Biemann, Joseph Grima, Anupama Kundoo, Bellastock, Alison Killing, Hélène Frichot, Jane Hutton, Giorgos Kallis, Cooking Sections and Rania Ghosn.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

The outcomes of the programme fall into several categories, as follows:

Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate and/or work with:

• Knowledge that covers and integrates most, if not all, of the main areas of contemporary architectural practices – including their features, boundaries, terminology and conventions.
• A critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles of architectural research and practice.
• A critical understanding of, and engagement with, a range of specialised theories, concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding in one or more specialisms, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of developments in architectural research and practice.
• A critical awareness of current issues in architecture, urbanism and one or more specialism.
• Knowledge relating to processes of the construction and environmental tailoring of buildings.

Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

Apply knowledge, skills and understanding:

• In using a significant range of the principal professional skills, techniques, methods and/or materials associated with contemporary architectural research and practice.
• In applying a range of standard and specialised research and/or equivalent instruments and techniques of enquiry, including processes of research by design.
• In conceptualising, structuring and executing a significant project of research, investigation or development.
• To practice in a wide and often unpredictable variety of professional level contexts.
• In the use of appropriate structural, material and environmental strategies for the construction of complex buildings.
• In the development of strategies for sustainability at both an architectural and urban scale.

Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual utonomy

Ability to:

• Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis through a structured design enquiry that leads to an original and creative complex architectural proposition.
• Demonstrate originality and/or creativity, in the development of an individual approach to architectural practice.
• Identify, conceptualise and define new and abstract problems and issues.
• Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues.
• Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in relation to contemporary issues relating to architecture, the city and the environment.
• Deal with complex issues and make informed judgements in situations, in the absence of complete or consistent data/information.

Skills and abilities in communication

Use a wide range of routine skills and a range of advanced and specialised skills as appropriate to contemporary architectural practices such as the ability to:

• Use critically selected methods of representation to explore and develop a line of enquiry.
• Communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise.
• Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists.
• Use a wide range of ICT applications to support and enhance work at this level and adjust features to suit purpose.
• Undertake critical evaluations of a wide range of numerical and graphical data.

Skills and Abilities in Personal Effectiveness

• Exercise substantial economy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities.
• Take responsibility for own work and/or significant responsibility for the work of others.
• Take significant responsibility for a range of resources.
• Work in a peer relationship with specialist practitioners.
• Demonstrate leadership and/or initiative and make an identifiable contribution to change and development and/or new thinking.
• Practice in ways that draw on critical reflection on own and others’ roles and responsibilities.
• Manage complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on issues not addressed by current professional and/or ethical codes practices.

Technical/practical skills

The development of skills in relation to:

• Analogue and digital techniques of drawing.
• The fabrication of complex architectural and urban design models.
• The use of the materials workshop for the development of models and installation constructs.
• The critical use of digital modelling, rendering and 3D printing techniques.
• The curation and installation of exhibitions to display and communicate architectural projects.
• The design, formatting, editing and publishing of reports, pamphlets and essays.

Students in the Master of Architecture (MArch) gain excellent skills in the development and articulation of spatial, programmatic, material, structural and environmental architectural designs capable of nuanced responses to the complex challenges facing the built environment in the 21st century.

Our MArch degree forms the second stage in a process that will enable you to register and practice as a professional architect in the UK.

Field trips

Each Architectural Design studio typically involves a field trip to sites of national or international interest, or an in-depth and hands-on multi-day workshop with invited experts.

In both cases, the studios promote forms of situated research that ground design proposals into specific material, spatial, environmental, and social contexts.

Campus facilities

In the MArch studios, you will each have a dedicated desk, and enough space to develop, iterate and test work over time, and to elaborate situated ways of communicating and exhibiting their architectural design theses. We support a strong studio culture that promotes collaboration and peer-to-peer exchanges.

You will have access to a broad range of technical facilities, both at ESALA and within the Edinburgh College of Art, including computer and printing facilities; digital fabrication labs (CAD/CAM); casting rooms and printmaking suites; wood, metal, and glass workshops—all supported by specialised technical staff. You will have also access to the Architecture Library in Minto House, the Edinburgh College of Art Library, and the Main University of Edinburgh Library.

Lauriston campus redevelopment

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston campus | Edinburgh College of Art

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree in architecture prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 1 or equivalent standard demonstrated in your portfolio.

As part of the application process, you must submit a personal statement and CV.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. On the first page of the portfolio incorporate your name and UUN (if applicable) and include examples of your work on the following pages. You should read the application guidance before applying as there are particular guidelines on portfolio and reference requirements:

*Preparing your application

If you do not hold an ARB Part 1 qualification, you will need to obtain qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 level before being eligible for registration. For further details, please contact the ARB:

• Architects Registration Board

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in writing, and 6.0 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in writing, and 20 in all other components. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in writing, and 169 in all other components.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in writing, and 59 in all other components. We do not accept PTE Academic Online. *Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 7 in writing, and 6 in all other components.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

The programme is postgraduate taught but undergraduate funded.

Tuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money
  • taking out a loan
  • family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

• Edinburgh College of Art scholarships

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding