Architecture - MArch

This is an archived course for 2021 entry
2023 courses

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.

Overview

Our MArch architecture programme is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The award is also prescribed by the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB) as giving exemption from Part 2 of their professional examinations.

Graduates from the MArch programme can take the ARB/RIBA Part 3 examination after amassing a minimum of 24 months’ recorded office-based work experience, 12 months of which must be in the UK.

Our degree programme

This 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. For graduates with the required exemptions from professional examinations, this leads toward registration in the UK as an ‘Architect’.

You study modules covering design, technology, employability and cultural context. These place a prominent focus on your design skills, while also developing your understanding of sustainability, critical thinking and professional practice.

Teaching is delivered through a unit system and generally involves a hypothetical design project. You work with a mix of Stage 4 and 5 students and learn through an iterative process, facilitated by seminars, tutorials and peer-to-peer learning. Additional lecture and seminar modules cover technology, cultural context, dissertation and employability.


Term abroad

You have the chance to take a work placement or study abroad for a term in your second year. Previous study destinations have included:

  • Virginia Tech (US)
  • École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage de Lille.

Study resources

Our open-plan studios are at the creative heart of our teaching. It’s a place where our students can work on projects, share ideas and inspire each other.

The hi-tech Digital Crit space provides a more formal environment for sharing work and getting feedback. It is also used to present finished work in a group environment.

Overall, our facilities include:

  • modern design workshops
  • dedicated model workshops
  • laser-cutting facilities
  • computer studio and labs
  • Digital Crit spaces for presenting designs, including uTouch HD screens
  • an excellent library collection of books, journals and electronic resources.

Extra activities

Many of our students like to join the Kent Architectural Student Association (KASA). It is run by students and in previous years has organised:

  • social events
  • design competitions
  • talks from experts in architecture, graphic design, product design and art.

Kent School of Architecture and Planning also puts on special events that you are welcome to attend. These may include:

  • open lectures
  • research seminars
  • exhibitions
  • conferences and symposia.

Professional network

Kent School of Architecture and Planning has a wide professional network and invites guest speakers from inspirational practices such as:

  • Farrells
  • Carl Turner Architects
  • Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
  • Guy Hollaway Architects.
I love the University and I found the School to be a very close community. So, coming back for the MArch was a no-brainer really.

Jasmine Davey - Master of Architecture

Entry requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

To be eligible to study on the MArch programme, you will need an undergraduate degree in Architecture, 2:1 or first class classification (or equivalent GPA or grade), with a demonstrated strength in Design Portfolio. Successful applicant’s transcript should indicate a mark or grade in their final year of design, or final design project, in the 2.1 range (60% or above, or equivalent GPA or Grade).

Applicants will also need a minimum of six months' experience in architectural practice following completion of first degree.

Traditionally students entering the MArch with a first degree that gives exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 1 graduate with the award of MArch (with ARB and RIBA Part 2 exemption).

International entrants without ARB/RIBA Part 1 exemption (or with RIBA but not ARB Part 1 exemption) will also qualify for the same award.

Any student already following the MArch, without ARB Part 1, or without a first degree giving exemption from ARB Part 1, may apply directly to the ARB to take ARB Part 1 as an external candidate. This would involve paying a fee, submitting a portfolio, and attending an interview in London. Procedures are explained at the ARB website www.arb.org.uk/student Please note: we do not arrange this, and cannot guarantee success but will offer advice to students enrolled on the MArch in advance of their direct approach to ARB. 

This may be of advantage to students specifically seeking an MArch award with RIBA Pt 2 exemption, as successfully obtaining ARB Part 1 directly from ARB before graduation would graduate with the award of MArch (with ARB & RIBA Part 2 exemption). 

MArch graduates without ARB Pt 1 or a qualification giving exemption, will need to obtain both a recognised ARB Part 1 and Part 3 before they can apply to the ARB to be registered in the UK as ‘Architect’.

Please contact the School for further information, email: ksaadmissions@kent.ac.uk

  • medal-empty Access to HE Diploma

    N/A

  • medal-empty BTEC Nationals

    N/A

  • medal-empty International Foundation Programme

    N/A

International students should visit our International Student website for further specific information. International fee-paying students who require a Student visa cannot study part-time due to visa restrictions.

English Language Requirements

Please see our English language entry requirements web page.

If you need to improve your English language standard as a condition of your offer, you can attend one of our pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes before starting your degree programme. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.

Course structure

Duration: 2 years full-time

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

AR538 - Cultural Context

AR540 - Employability

AR546 - Technology 4

AR836  - Design 4A

AR837  - Design 4B

Stage 4

Optional modules may include

The module's objective is to promote independent and critical thinking as well as advancing research skills. The module focuses on methodologies of research in the context of the cultural discourse and architectural theory from the mid-twentieth century onwards. This module will constitute an introduction to research methodologies leading to an understanding of how different constituencies of society view contemporary culture. A series of lectures will introduce different research approaches and methods. The assignment will comprise an investigation into a particular methodology or approach as assigned.

Find out more about ARCH5380

.This module will have a taught lecture, seminar and tutorial format. Students use their parallel design module (or exceptionally a design project already completed in a previous MArch design module) as vehicle for a production of a detailed report in which they assess their design of a building as though it were a live project, in terms of appointment, procurement, planning permission, statutory permissions, fee biding, information scheduling, resourcing and cost etc.

Find out more about ARCH5400

The aim of the module is to promote a comprehensive understanding of sustainability in which cost factors and environmental impact are considered inextricably bound into its definition. The lecture course covers the following areas: architecture from a global perspective, research methodologies, sustainability criteria in construction and environmental design, benchmarking and legislation in technical design, integration of structure, services and passive environmental features, reviewing the performance of technical design solution, the passive house and its technical challenges, technology from socio-cultural and economic, financial and cost control perspectives.

Find out more about ARCH5460

This module involves a consideration of design at an urban scale and is taught through a Unit system with individual Unit briefs interpreting this specification. Each Unit brief will offer the opportunity to analyse and critically appraise new hypotheses through the speculation of complex design proposals, and consider context in terms of history, policy, legislation, environment, economics and community. Unit briefs for this module may develop themes in parallel with Design 5a, with which it is co-taught in Units, and may continue these themes into the following term's design module(s).

Find out more about ARCH8360

This module involves the design of a singular or multiple architectural propositions, and is taught through a Unit system with individual Unit briefs interpreting this specification. Each Unit brief will offer the opportunity to develop a conceptual and critical approach to complex architectural design proposals that is developed into a comprehensive and integrated design project. Unit briefs for this module may develop themes in parallel with Design 5b, with which it is co-taught in Units, and may continue these themes from the preceding term's design module.

Find out more about ARCH8370

Study Abroad - the MArch curriculum allows for the opportunity for students to seek study abroad opportunities in either the spring term of Stage 4 or autumn term of Stage 5. Whether through the Erasmus system (spring term Stage 4) or individual UoK Study Abroad partner institutes (spring term Stage 4, or autumn term Stage 5 - provided host-institute's autumn term or semester concludes before the commencement of the following UoK spring term), an architecture study abroad committee will make selections and recommendations for study abroad based on the merit of the applicant following submission of an application supported by a portfolio and transcripts.

During the placement students will be enrolled on this dedicated MArch Term Abroad module.

Spending a term as full-time student at an overseas university, students will follow teaching and tuition in architecture. The curriculum will vary according to the partner institutions. Additionally, students will usually be offered to take language classes and/or courses on the culture of the host country.

Find out more about ARCH8400

Stage 5

Compulsory modules currently include

This technology portfolio further develops how the concurrent and parallel design module (or exceptionally a design project already completed in a previous MArch design module) would be realised in terms of the technology and environmental considerations of the building programme. It further develops, demonstrates and integrates the building technologies and environmental control strategies underlying the design project. Each student is to produce a series of technical detail drawings from Scales 1:20 – 1: 5, together with a physical model of a key part of their building, for instance a section through the envelope at a corner, at a scale of 1:20 or as directed by the module convener. Students have to demonstrate a developed ability to critically evaluate and refine technical propositions through an iterative process. Additionally design drawings and models will be expected to demonstrate an advanced consideration for and provision of technology addressing the environmental exposure, temperature control, waterproofing, ventilation, circulation, structural support and integration, and sensibilities and sensitivities to appropriate building construction technologies. This will include an articulated attitude to the use of Material Tectonics. Students will need to summarise the iterative process and the final solution through clearly annotated drawings, sketches and models (both presentation and working models) appropriately.

Find out more about ARCH6470

This module involves a consideration of design at an urban scale and is taught through a Unit system with individual Unit briefs interpreting this specification. Each Unit brief will offer the opportunity to analyse and critically appraise new hypotheses through the speculation of complex design proposals, and consider context in terms of history, policy, legislation, environment, economics and community. Unit briefs for this module may develop themes in parallel with Design 4a, with which it is co-taught in Units, and may continue themes into the following term's design module(s).

Find out more about ARCH8380

This module involves the design of a singular or multiple architectural propositions, and is taught through a Unit system with individual Unit briefs interpreting this specification. Each Unit brief will offer the opportunity to develop a conceptual and critical approach to complex architectural design proposals that is developed into a comprehensive and integrated design project. Unit briefs for this module may develop themes in parallel with Design 4b, with which it is co-taught in Units, and may continue themes from the preceding term's design module(s).

Find out more about ARCH8390

Optional modules may include

One of the Stage 5 optional modules, this module aims to provide students with a formal programme in teaching architectural design and communication. Students will develop a good understanding of architectural pedagogy, first through practical experience in first year undergraduate studio teaching and second through research in higher education. The focus is on teaching and learning models specific to architecture, such as studio-based tutorials and design reviews. The module is taught through a combination of lectures/seminars, tutorials, and review sessions. Teaching and assessment of this module is divided into two components: 1) theory of architectural education 2) teaching practice. For the theory component students produce an academic essay based on a topic in architectural education. Through these essays students will explore a particular area of architectural education in greater depth. Students will choose a topic in consultation with the module convenor and will develop their research over the course of the term. Feedback is provided during seminars/tutorials and formative review sessions. During the reviews students will present their research and receive feedback from a panel of critics. The lectures/seminars will introduce students to (a) educational theories and models of architectural education (b) research methodologies in education and (c) practical pedagogical methods used in studio teaching. For the practical component, stage 5 students take on the role of Teaching Assistants in autumn and spring terms under the supervision of a dedicated studio tutor and the module convenor.

Find out more about ARCH6000

Students following this module focus their research question around making and assembling an artefact, as a piece of research-through-practice, together with a 3500 word written essay in combination with the submission of the artefact., which it will frame and discuss theoretically. The module comprises 10 half-hour bi-weekly tutorials to develop an individual, integrated written and artefactual investigation with an assigned tutor; students develop a research question related to architecture or another field of environmental/spatial design. Students are expected to develop their ability to gather and synthesize data, as well as to analyse it in a coherent and convincing manner. In addition, they are expected to situate their own investigation in the broader context of architectural history, culture, and discourse.

Find out more about ARCH6010

Students produce their dissertation over Autumn and Spring terms. Students are required to develop their communication and research skills to a high professional standard. The module comprises tutorials with an assigned tutor, directing students to develop a research question related to architecture or a related field of environmental/spatial design. Students are expected to develop their ability to gather and synthesize data, as well as to construct a coherent and convincing overall analysis. In addition, they are expected to situate their own investigation within the broader context of architectural history, culture, and discourse. Interdisciplinary investigations that further inform architectural thinking are encouraged.

Find out more about ARCH6020

Fees

The 2021/22 annual tuition fees for this programme are:

  • Home full-time £9,250
  • EU full-time £15,400
  • International full-time £20,500

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

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

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.

Additional costs

General additional costs

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

Funding

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

Search scholarships

RIBA offers a hardship fund for eligible students. 

Teaching and assessment

All students within a particular unit follow the same design project brief, while additional lecture and seminar modules support design through the teaching of technology, culture, dissertation and employability.

Assessment is by a variety of methods, including a portfolio of drawings, models and artefacts, written case study, essay, reflective blogs, oral presentation and dissertation.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

  • ensure that you achieve the standard of Part 2 of the professional qualifications through development of your knowledge, understanding and abilities
  • promote creativity and excellence in architectural design; from imaginative concepts to thoughtful project development and the integration of technology strategically and in detail
  • develop your knowledge of the professional context of architecture and ensure that you are aware of your professional responsibilities
  • develop your understanding of architecture within a broader cultural context
  • promote and support your independent self-learning and communication skills
  • accommodate a wide range of views and develop your specialised architectural interests
  • develop your understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research and promote originality in applying your knowledge
  • develop your initiative, responsibility and sound critical judgement in making decisions about complex architectural issues.
  • enable you to develop strategies for self-improvement and commitment to life skills and learning
  • support you in achieving your potential in all parts of the programme. 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

  • the application of academic discipline and a professional approach to MArch work
  • an appropriate philosophical approach which reveals an understanding of theory in a cultural context
  • the influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues
  • the histories and theories of architecture and urban design, the history of ideas, and the related disciplines of art, cultural studies and landscape studies and its application in critical debate
  • briefs and how to critically appraise them to ensure that the design response is appropriate to the site and context, and for reasons such as sustainability and budget
  • inter-relationships between people, buildings and the environment and an understanding of the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scales
  • regulatory requirements, including the needs of the disabled, health and safety legislation and building regulations and developmental control, that guide building construction
  • the contribution of other professionals in the design process showing an appropriate use of team working skills, recognising the importance of current methods in the construction industry
  • building technologies, environmental design, construction methods in relation to human well-being, welfare of future generations, the natural world and the consideration of a sustainable environment 
  • the impact on design of legislation, codes of practices and health and safety both during the construction and occupation of a project
  • how cost control mechanisms operate within the development of an architectural project
  • the basic principles of business management and factors related to running a design practice and how architects organise, administer and manage an architectural project, recognising current and emerging trends in the construction industry such as partnering, integrated project process, value engineering and risk management
  • the inter-relationships of individuals and organisations involved in the procurement and delivery of architectural projects, and how these are defined and effected through a variety of contractual organisational structures
  • the fundamental legal, professional and statutory requirements as they are relevant to building design and practice, with particular reference to matters relating to health and safety and universal design for access
  • the professional duties and responsibilities of architects, as defined and described in the Codes and Standards relating to their professional practice.

 

Intellectual skills

You develop intellectual skills in:

  • generating and systematically testing, analysing and appraising design options, and drawing conclusions which display methodological and theoretical rigour
  • independently defining and appraising ideas in relation to a design and to the work of others
  • critically appraising and forming considered judgements about spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of a design within the scope and scale of a wider environment
  • identifying and managing individual learning needs so as to prepare for and maintain professional standards commensurate with qualification
  • applying relevant research to the ideas, development and quality of the task
  • formulating a research proposal with its appropriate methodology.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in:

  • integrating knowledge of the social, political, economic and professional context that guides building construction
  • devising structural and constructional strategies for a complex building or group of buildings employing integrative knowledge of structural theories, constructional techniques and processes, the physical properties and characteristics of building materials and components and the environmental impact of specification choices, and the provision of building services
  • integrating knowledge of the principles and theories associated with visual, thermal and acoustic environments
  • integrating knowledge of climatic design and the relationship between climate, built form, construction, lifestyle, energy consumption and human well-being
  • using architectural representations having critically appraised the most appropriate techniques available.

Transferable skills

You will gain the following transferable skills:

  • using visual, verbal and written communication and appropriate media (including sketching, digital and electronic techniques) to represent analysis and critical appraisal of proposals of complex designs to professional and lay audiences
  • producing documentation and reports which are clear, analytical and logical covering a range of architectural issues of culture, theory and design
  • working as part of a team 
  • researching, speculating, appraising and drawing conclusions about a range of architectural issues
  • learning skills including the ability to plan and carry through a project programme
  • ability to be self-critical about the work and constructive in how to address and progress it
  • putting forward rational arguments and form independent views based on a critical approach to the field of study
  • reflecting on work progress and develop enhancement strategies.

Independent rankings

Architecture at Kent was ranked 16th in The Complete University Guide 2021 and The Times Good University Guide 2021.

Architecture at Kent was ranked 16th in The Times Good University Guide 2021 and 7th for graduate prospects in The Guardian University Guide 2021.

Architecture at Kent was ranked 1st for research intensity in The Complete University Guide 2021.

Careers

Many of our graduates go on to work in well-known architectural practices, such as:

  • Grimshaw Architects
  • Farrells
  • HLM Architects
  • HOK
  • Jestico + Whiles
  • Herzog & de Meuron

Our graduates have also followed careers in professions related to design, graphics and visualisation.

Help finding a job

Kent School of Architecture and Planning has links to professional practices and this network is very useful to students when looking for work in an architectural practice. You are encouraged to network at our events, and we run special sessions to help you with writing your CV.

The University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

  • apply for jobs
  • write a good CV
  • perform well in interviews.

Career path into architecture

Qualifying as a professional architect involves a specific route of study and work experience.

  • This MArch degree programme provides exemption from the RIBA/ARB Part 2 examinations.
  • Following the MArch, you continue to work in an architectural practice until you have a total of 24 months of professional experience (including the period of professional experience gained before entering the MArch programme).
  • You are then eligible to take Part 3 of the ARB/RIBA examinations, which lead to full professional registration as an architect.

Career-enhancing skills

You graduate with an excellent grounding in architectural knowledge and a range of professional skills in:

  • visual and verbal presentations
  • digital media
  • model-making
  • freehand drawing.

  To help you to appeal to employers, you also develop key transferable skills in:

  • computing
  • analysing data
  • writing well.

You can also gain extra skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.

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.

Apply for Architecture - MArch

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

Apply for Architecture ARB/RIBA Part 2 - MArch

Contact us

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United Kingdom/EU enquiries

T: +44 (0)1227 768896

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International student enquiries

Enquire online

T: +44 (0)1227 823254
E: internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk

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