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MArch

Architecture

Architects and the designers of our surroundings are the driving force behind the design and development of our built environment. Whether they are designing new buildings, giving a new lease of life to existing ones, developing urban spaces, landscapes or contemporary interiors, architects have a profound influence on all our lives.

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Key information

Start
September
Location
Canterbury
Study mode
2 years full-time
Typical offer
2.2 or above in Architecture
All entry requirements

Overview

Kent’s Master of Architecture (MArch) programme is a two-year (known as Stage 4 and Stage 5) full-time undergraduate professional programme focused on architectural design. It forms the second part of the UK’s traditional five-year continuum of professional undergraduate education in architecture leading, for graduates with the required exemptions from professional examinations, toward registration in the UK as an ‘Architect’.

Kent’s MArch architecture programme is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and the award is prescribed by the Architects' Registration Board (ARB) as giving exemption from Part 2 of their professional examinations. The MArch well-positions its graduates to continue after the degree to a Part 3 programme in architecture and professional practice.

About Kent School of Architecture (KSAP)

Research at Kent School of Architecture and Planning achieves excellence in both the history and theory of architecture and in sustainable urban, peri-urban and environmental design. School staff have design expertise and specialist knowledge; they are at the forefront of current architectural issues, including sustainability, technology, professional practice and research. Our staff are active at academic and professional conferences, both nationally and internationally, and appear and publish in local and national media. The School promotes innovative and interdisciplinary research, emphasising sustainable design.

Much of the project work involved in the Kent School of Architecture and Planning is located on 'live' sites in the local region, using real clients and engaging challenging issues. Students in all stages of the school have been introduced to real urban and architectural design challenges in Lille, Margate, Folkestone, Dover, Rye, Chatham and, of course, Canterbury. Much of this work involves liaising with external bodies, such as architects, planners, council and development groups.

The course

What you'll study

The following modules are what students will typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

How you'll study

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

Entry requirements

2.2 or above in Architecture

A minimum of a second class honours degree in architecture - with a demonstrated strength in design portfolio - from a UK university, or an overseas qualification with a grade or GPA of an equivalent standard.

Applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of their design work once their application has been received. Although it is not a requirement, professional work experience taken after completing your undergraduate degree is also expected.

The University will consider applications from students with a wide range of qualifications. Prospective applicants with alternative qualifications should contact study@kent.ac.uk for advice prior to application. Note that it is not possible to offer places to all students who meet our typical offer/minimum requirement.

All students graduating from the MArch programme receive their award with ARB and RIBA Part 2 exemption. Further information is available from the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Fees and funding

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for this course are:

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for UK postgraduate research courses have not yet been set by the Research Councils UK. This is ordinarily announced in March. As a guide only, the full-time tuition fee for new and returning UK postgraduate research courses for 2025/26 is £5,006.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about student accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

 Scholarships and funding info.

International scholarships

Unlock your potential with scholarships up to £5,000

Research

Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.

Your future

Our Master’s programmes have been devised to enhance your prospects in a competitive world. KSAP enjoys a high employment rate for recent MArch graduates, with large percentages securing jobs in major London design practices, among them Grimshaw Architects and Terry Farrell and Partners. Practices are attracted to our graduates due to the portfolio of diverse modules that consider a range of issues. Other students have gone on to work for major public agencies and universities.

95% of Kent Architecture students found employment or went onto further study within 6 months of graduating in 2013. Additionally, Kent was ranked 5th in the UK for Architecture graduating students' employment prospects in the 2015 Complete University Guide.

Transferable skills training

Studying at KSAP will equip you for a successful career in architecture. In addition to your professional skills, you will also develop a wide range of transferable skills in areas such as communication, team-working, problem-solving and computer literacy.

Professional recognition

Kent’s MArch architecture programme is validated by RIBA, and the award is prescribed by the ARB as giving exemption from Part 2 of their professional examinations.

Postgraduates earn

£6,000
more per year than graduates (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2021).

A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over

£300,000
Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK

Ready to apply?

Our application system (Kent Vision) allows you to save and return to your application at any time.

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