MArch Architecture and Urbanism

Why choose Herts?

Professional Accreditation: This programme has prescribed qualification by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part II, for the purpose of Architects registration in the UK.
Expert Teaching: Our academic staff have won national and international teaching and design awards and bring extensive global experience to enhance your learning.
Fantastic Facilities: Students have access to our Architecture Studio, Digital and 3D Workshop and Computer Labs for 3D printing, rapid prototyping, laser cutters, CNC machines, and Apple Suite.

To access this programme, applicants are normally expected to hold a minimum of a Upper Second-class Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification in Architecture or related discipline of an equivalent standard. Related disciplines include degrees in spatial design practices, history and theory, social and cultural studies, geography, human centre-design and building, construction and engineering.

We advise applicants hold a BA(Hons) in Architecture or equivalent, ARB prescribed Part I, however this is not a compulsory access requirement.

Selection is based on a portfolio interview. Applicants may be required to provide further information of previous studies or design experience.

Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are particularly welcomed from a variety of backgrounds with previous work experience in design.

Entrance is not usually permitted directly at Year 2. Exceptions will be considered on case-by-case scenario, evaluating previous qualifications and relevant work experience.

Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Academic attainment
Satisfactory academic reference
Personal statement or letter of application
Alternative or additional experience within architecture and design or appropriate subject areas.

In addition to fulfilling the general entry requirements of the University, applicants will normally be expected to attend an interview and provide evidence of previous architecture related design study through a portfolio, which demonstrates a range of art and design experience such as:

2D work such as drawing, painting, technical drawing, design, media experimentation, and photography
3D work evidenced by photography, models and prototypes
Software: Rhino, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
an awareness of the cultural, historical and professional contexts of architecture and the role of the architect in society and the design process.

All students are required to demonstrate suitable levels of English Language competence. This can be demonstrated through previous study in English though we often require specific performance by way of English assessments. All applicants must be able to prove a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Creative Arts
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years Part Time, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability
Careers

"As a graduate working in architecture, it’s essential to understand the context within which a building is situated to fully realise its design potential. I work with engineers, consultants and historians and I think being able to empathise and collaborate with industry is one of the key things I learned." Tom Wilson, Master of Architecture graduate, Holmes Miller Architects.

Upon graduation, you can work as an architect in private firms or government departments, or set up your own practice working on residential, commercial and institutional projects. You may also move into related careers such as industrial design, furniture design, interior design, landscape design, urban design, urban planning, facility management, project management and development, and conservation and heritage management.

Our graduates work for a wide range of specialist firms such as:

AD Architects

Bogle Architects

Finc Architects

Homles Miller

Louis de Soissons

McGregor White Architects

Simon Knight Architects

Many of our students also progress into research and academic careers. The ethos of the program emphasises the central role of research in the design studio. Students can take a research subject which may interest further studies such as a Doctorate in Design (DDes) or becoming a PhD candidate.

Alumni success stories

See what some of our previous graduates have gone on to achieve and how their time at the university helped shaped their careers.

Josip Pijević James J Igbafe

Work placement

RIBA PEDR Recording

Qualifying as an architect in the UK involves completing Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications and undertaking a minimum of 24 months’ professional practical experience. Graduates of this programme should record all practical experience using RIBA’s PEDR recording tool.

Whilst undertaking your experience in practice, our M.Arch programme will support and guide your learning throughout your studies. You’ll be provided with an employment mentor and Professional Studies Advisor (PSA) inclusive to the general student support function throughout the programme. You’ll also be supported by our Careers and Employment team for four-years following graduation.

The mentorship and professional studies advisor initiative is available to all students who graduate from the M.Arch (Part 2) with ambition to complete Part 3. This personalised support structure is also available to graduates of overseas courses who have obtained Part 1 and/or Part 2 through the Architects Registration Board's Prescribed Examination process.

Gain relevant work experience, become an ambassador!

You'll have opportunity to become become a M.Arch Student Ambassador! Join the team and get involved as a Student Ambassador for M.Arch supporting staff, peers and guests at design tutorials and reviews, software sessions, key events and gain valuable experience. You’ll make friends, gain skills and experience, and enjoy flexible, paid employment to fit around your studies.
- Paid position
- Enhance your CV
- Become a valuable member of the design team
- Improve communication and personal skills
- Reinforce your own study skills and knowledge of your subject
- Increase your confidence and motivation
- Increase your circle of friends
- Benefit from a sense of fulfilment and personal growth

Alumni Stories

Josip Pijević

Meet Josip. He was drawn to Herts because he wanted to grow his skillset, and was impressed by the University’s campus and location. He completed a postgraduate course at Herts too and is now looking to pursue further study.

Current job role	In employment and working towards further qualifications
Year of graduation	2019, 2022
Course of study	BA (Hons) Architecture, M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism

From undergrad to postgrad

The BA (Hons) Architecture course was still relatively new at Herts when Josip enrolled, and he saw it as an opportunity to grow his skillset and pursue a career in the profession. The campus facilities and the University’s proximity to London were also a plus for him.

Josip thoroughly enjoyed his undergraduate degree, in particular learning about sustainability, the use of AI in architecture, and human-centred design, all of which play a big part in the curriculum. He decided to complete his M.Arch at Herts too because of the quality of teaching he experienced during his undergraduate studies, and the opportunities M.Arch offered for Josip to help deliver undergraduate lectures and contribute to research.

As Josip says, ‘Herts is one of the few universities that offered an M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism course. It’s a great architecture programme, and the fact that it’s combined with urbanism helps you understand the wider context for any architecture project, from small-scale projects such as house extensions to larger ones like airports.

‘The tutors are amazing, and we had guest critics come from some of the top practices in the world, which allowed me to connect with professionals at an early stage. This opened doors for me, and I received a couple of job offers before I finished my M.Arch.’

Downtime

Josip lived close to campus during his studies, which he felt helped, particularly when the deadlines started rolling in. He says, ‘I would meet friends for a walk, go for food, or for a couple of games of table tennis. This was a lifesaver after a long study session and was certainly a highlight of final year for me.’

Josip’s advice

Josip’s advice for future and current students is to ‘do your very best’ at university and participate in as many extra-curricular activities as you can. Josip says, ‘This will allow you to connect with many interesting people and it will widen your knowledge of various subjects.

‘And always remember, your hard work will pay off in the end!’

Josip is now in employment and looking to get his Architecture Part Three qualification, which combined with his studies at Herts, will provide him with a strong foundation to achieve his future ambitions.

Alumni Stories

James J Igbafe

Meet James. James completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Herts and has since embarked on a career as an Architectural Designer.

Current job role	Architectural Designer / RIBA Part Two
Year of graduation	2017, 2021
Course of study	BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design, M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism

A picture of James J Igbafe at their desk

James first studied BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at Herts, graduating in 2017. He says, ‘The course was structured well and engaging. At the time, the University was introducing changes to their studios, which made the experience of studying there even better.’

Before he completed his bachelor’s degree, he was awarded Student of the Year by the School of Creative Arts for his commitment to learning, his willingness to help others succeed, and his positive attitude.

Balancing a master’s degree and full-time work

He describes returning to Herts to study M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism as a ‘no-brainer’. He was already in employment, and says it was easy to manage his academic work around a full-time job due to the structure of the course. He adds, ‘It was clear from the start what I’d get with the M.Arch course, and I knew from my bachelor’s degree that the University had the relevant resources. Not only that, but my tutors had also taught at other prestigious architecture institutions, so are well experienced.’

Valuable on-site experience

James says that the first year of his master’s was the most memorable, as he took part in group projects and visits to construction sites. He says, ‘These visits provided me with a greater understanding of what to expect in a professional and construction setting, building on what I had already learnt in industry. These opportunities also allowed me to explore my creativity, and I have used what I learnt at site visits during the concept development stages of my work.’

James visited a construction site for one of his site visits where a trade yard in Shoreditch, London, was being demolished to make room for a co-living/co-working building. He says, 'We were able to ask questions, conduct a thorough site analysis, and had the opportunity to further ask the accompanying tutor questions over a drink by the canal.'

James is working towards earning his chartered registered architect status with the RIBA/ARB by completing the Part Three Study in Architecture Postgraduate Diploma & Professional Practice.

His advice

James’ advice to current and future Herts students is to always continue learning. He says, ‘Never get comfortable. Well-rounded and knowledgeable graduates are attractive to employers. Challenge the ‘norm’ - be creative and enthusiastic about the work you produce.

‘Management skills are also key for future architects, as at some point you will run projects through from start to finish. Therefore, you need to learn how to prioritise your time and manage colleagues well.’

Professional Accreditations

Master of Architecture & Urbanism meets the requirements of ARB (Architect’s Registration Board) and undergoes a regular formal review process to ensure the quality and relevance of the program.

Completing an accredited degree means you enter the workforce with a stamp of quality on your CV. In a competitive market, an accredited degree is an assurance of quality to employers and an advantage for your career path. For us, it means we continually strive to improve the quality of the degree in order to retain accreditation. You’ll receive the most up-to-date and innovative educational experience with ongoing support throughout your studies.

About the course

Master of Architecture & Urbanism is grounded and future-focused, shaping students who care for people, place, materiality, and truth. If you’re motivated by social and ecological issues, this is the course for you. This programme enables students to explore potential as agents for change and challenges you to find an appropriate architecture that belongs.

M.Arch is driven by architectural and urban future developments, from the Garden City Movement to Smart Cities to Resilient Communities. The programme not only takes ideas from an alternative future vision to the uncontrolled and unhealthy growth of cities in a harmonious environment but also its radically innovative social and economic model of sustainable growth, land ownership and local community creation. Our location provides a local lens where we examine global issues such as urbanisation, the state of regional towns and megacities, ecological architectures, the future of the housing industry, and the architectures of resource transition.

This programme is designed to meet the needs of advanced graduates and young professionals aiming to become registered architects or urban designers.

Students engage with design problems and challenges, considering scenarios past, present and future, learning to develop architectural processes and propositions that consider ecologies and environments for the benefit of human and non-human users. We’re focused on creating inquisitive, agile, and skilled graduates, confident in playing key roles in transforming the architectural field.

Why choose this course?

Accreditation: This programme has been prescribed qualification by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part II, for the purpose of Architects registration in the UK.
Workplace Mentorship: Mentoring in the workplace is an established partnership between the students at the University of Hertfordshire and selected RIBA Charted Architectural Practices. For students, this is an opportunity to spend an extended time away from the studio and enter the workplace to gain experience and insight into the profession, site visits, build your CV and access practical advice.
Strong Industry Connections: Benefit from our excellent links with a range of architectural practice including Zaha Hadid, Foster+Partners, DAAB Design, BDP, Simon Knights Architects, Louis de Soissons, HolmesMiller, Labit, Seth White Architects, Pinchin Architects for talks, networking and work placement opportunities.
Dedicated academic and professional teaching staff who’ve won national and international teaching and design awards and have extensive experience around the world.
Access our fantastic facilities including Architecture Studio, Digital and 3D Workshop, and Computer Labs for 3D printing, rapid prototyping, laser cutters CNC machines, Apple Suite and ongoing support throughout the programme.
Student work is showcased and celebrated.

Benefit from excellent student to teacher ratio with our small class sizes.

What will I study?

This programme focuses on developing urban design strategies and architectural typologies that respond to and address the changing social, environmental, economic, and the technological landscape across the UK housing industry. The M.Arch will enable students to gain a critical understanding of the environment where local communities operate physically, culturally and socially and develop a multi-layered urban and architectural strategies. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the current debates surrounding resilient communities, sustainable growth, future, smart and digital cities, urban sprawl, Green Belts, infrastructure mobility and social diversity. The studio will engage students with critical thinking, collaborative work and constructive discussion, and students will be expected to demonstrate appropriate problem recognition, investigative, analytical, interpretative design and presentation skills.

The M.Arch programme will also immerse students in the latest trends and advances of computational design, digital fabrication and research in Architecture which will support those students interested in pursuing the Research, Development and Innovation (R&D+i) avenue both in academic or in-practice setting.

Study Visits

Study visits are organised by the studios and may include project site visits, excursions to exhibitions, lectures, debates, cultural events, or meetings with professionals. At least one visit is organised each year within the School which is open to all courses and stages. In recent years, groups have travelled around the UK, to London and Liverpool, to European destinations including Barcelona and Paris, as well as further afield to New York.

Learn from Leading Industry and Academic Experts

The M.Arch programme has been designed to open up global opportunities for your career and your life! Students get a grounded, but future-focus curriculum; but in addition, they get to learn from industry experts. Industry experts are right inside the design studio – all of our design tutors have real-life work experience in their fields.

This programme is designed to meet the needs of advanced graduates and young professionals aiming to become registered architects or urban designers.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Urban and Rural Theory Lab	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Urban Theory Lab module introduces key concepts and principles in urban design, urban living and the interplay between city, town, country and rural life. By taking full advantage of the studio's location as a laboratory for urban movements and intervention, students will analyse selected case studies through different perspectives including historic, social, economic, environmental, transportation, political and understand the urban environment where human beings operate physically, culturally and socially. This module will challenge students to engage with critical thinking, collaborative work and constructive discussion. Emerging out of a process of enquiry, students will develop critical observation, visual documentation, map reading, systematic urban analysis, basic urban intervention and visual, verbal and written communication skills. The skills will support students to effectively participate in Studio 1's urban strategy project and prepare for Studio 2.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Architecture and Urbanism Studio 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Architecture and Urbanism Studio 1 module focuses on developing urban design strategies that respond to and address the changing social, environmental, economic and the technological landscape across the UK housing industry. The semester brief will be to gain a critical understanding of the environment where local communities operate physically, culturally and socially and develop a multi-layered sustainable urban or rural masterplan strategy. Both the analysis and the proposal will prioritise conceptual, innovative and site-specific housing solutions for the future and tie in with the framework of the Garden City Movement theories. By the end of this module the students will also be familiar with the current debates surrounding resilient communities, sustainable growth, urban sprawl, Green Belts, infrastructure mobility and social diversity. The studio will engage students with critical thinking, collaborative work and constructive discussion, whilst demonstrate appropriate problem recognition, investigative, analytical, interpretative, design and presentation skills.
Architecture Studio 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Architecture Studio 2 module challenges students to continue developing their Studio 1 urban design strategies and conceptual proposals. The brief will be to thoroughly develop an innovative and site-specific housing solutions for the future. Students will continue to focus on emerging themes in housing design while critically interrogate alternative social, economic and environmental models of accommodation. It is also expected that considerable emphasis will be placed on a user-centric approach and human behaviour to the design of the domestic spaces. By the end of this module, students will also develop practical skills in designing project-based responses to sustainability, circularity, technological construction advances, materials exploration and strategic planning and policy issues. The project will integrate a site-specific placemaking strategies and will range from the physical location and sustainable design of new and/or retrofit housing, through to the dynamics of the housing market, and the contribution of housing strategies to the urban-rural revitalisation of key Hertfordshire locations.
Circular Construction Lab	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Circular Construction Lab module covers three related areas of investigation: innovative residential construction, advanced sustainable construction and circular construction practices. The module begins with a series of seminars introducing a number of key themes in housing construction, including building culture, offsite and onsite construction process, supply chain and economic properties. Following a period of exploration, the module challenges students to evaluate and explore MMC and DfMA as an alternative construction methodology to develop and detail their Studio 2 housing projects. Students will explore the latest advances of construction fabrication methods through a sustainable and circular perspective, with a particular emphasis and focus on Digitalisation, Manufacturing and Performance. The module supports students to understand and respond to the challenges of sustainability and net zero carbon design within the housing sector of changing approaches, strategies, practices and opportunities within the construction industry.
Emerging Research in Architecture	30 Credits	Compulsory
Emerging Research in Architecture is a theory and practice-based module which equips students with a range of research tools, techniques and practices to incorporate a data-driven approach in their decision-making process. Students will create a framework of knowledge that informs short projects (assignments of one, two or three weeks) as well as expanding the students' own Architecture Studio projects. The module provides an introduction to working with readings, academic research, data management and visualisations, simulations and generative design in order to articulate innovative and common research strategies around urban, peri-urban and rural analysis (Semester A) as well as housing design (Semester B). Emergent Research in Architecture will also immerse the students in the latest trends and advances of computational design, digital fabrication and research in Architecture which will support those students interested in pursuing the Research, Development and Innovation (R&D+i) avenue both in academic or in-practice setting.
Architecture Thesis	60 Credits	Compulsory
The Architecture Thesis is the final design studio practice of Master of Architecture & Urbanism. This module requires students to produce an original design proposition in response to a student-driven urban and architectural brief that integrates a specific research agenda, as well as a critical theme relevant to current architectural discourse. In the continued engagement with critical topics of our time, students further specialise their areas of design and research expertise culminating in an explicable, defensible, robust and well-resolved urban strategy in Semester A and architectural scheme in Semester B. Within the programmatic framework of the Architecture Thesis, students are enabled to develop individual design propositions and research approaches that demonstrate skills in critical evaluation, independent decision making and communication through multi-disciplinary collaboration and discussion with academics, industry practitioners, and researchers.
Architecture Research Dissertation	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Architecture Dissertation module supports students to undertake an academic piece of research into a defined topic or problem within architecture, broadly defined. The content of the module is designed to be student-led and each student will bring their identified interests to the sessions. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of appropriate social, cultural, economic, technical, historical, and/or aesthetic issues, with a clear link to the Architecture Thesis studio project. Furthermore, students will explore existing and new research methods, methodologies and critical theories as applied to architecture and urban design, aiming to develop and evaluate a theoretical position and develop skills to put forward arguments for this position. The research will result in a Harvard style written dissertation of 8,000-10,000 words in length, or its equivalent as a combination of creative work with a written element.
Sustainable Urban Futures	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Sustainable Urban Futures module supports the Architectural Thesis module. It enables students to demonstrate their understanding of the complex environmental and sustainable aspects for the synthesis of design solutions addressing key societal issues. Through this, students should demonstrate innovative thinking and application of design and sustainability principles, strategies and generation of design propositions critically addressing current and future society problems identified in the Architectural Thesis module. Through a series of lectures, case studies and critical thinking exercises covering a range of societal issues, students will analyse the appropriateness of the design scheme in context with the wider urban built environment landscape. By the end of this module the students will hypothesise, test and refine architectural and urban design solutions that synthesis project contexts and constraints including; Climate Literacy; Building Performance Analysis meeting zero carbon performance; while assessing, experimenting and utilising low-energy embodied carbon solutions and their impact on overall urban sustainability.
Professional Practice & Management (PP&M)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Professional Practice and Management (PP&M) module is designed to help students improve their knowledge, understanding, aptitude, and skills in architectural professional practice and management. The module covers issues of professional ethics relating to service and practice management; introduces students to relevant contract law, building contracts and the agreement between client and architect and the variety of opportunities and uncertainties faced by the architect in practice. Students are supported to develop the core legal, regulatory, ethical and practice management frameworks within which architecture is practiced. The module is designed and structured to lay the foundation for 'life-long learning' in the architectural profession, with the primary goal of allowing students to demonstrate competence in professional practice. ARB will also provide students with useful information in the form of a seminar on the personal responsibility required to prepare for architect qualification.

Key staff

Fiona Sheppard
Louis de Soissons

Gosia Starzynska
RCA PhD Candidate
Find out more about Gosia Starzynska

Prof. Lubo Jankovic
Director of Centre for Future Societies Research
Find out more about Prof. Lubo Jankovic

Miguel Vidal
Studio Leader and Labit
Find out more about Miguel Vidal

Monica Cherry
Programme Leader M Arch
Find out more about Monica Cherry

Simon Knight
Hertfordshire Architects Association – HAA
Find out more about Simon Knight

Tom Benson
MIT Senseable City Lab Researcher
Find out more about Tom Benson

Tom Jarman
MAE Architects
Find out more about Tom Jarman

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MArch Architecture and Urbanism	Download

Programme specifications
MArch Architecture and Urbanism	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £2055 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £2055 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
PhD Scholarships

PhD applications are invited by Centre for Future Societies Research for three fully funded PhD studentships at the University of Hertfordshire.

These research studentships will be part of the University Alliance (UA) Doctoral Training Alliance in Future Societies. The studentships are offered on a full-time basis for three years from September (subject to satisfactory progress) and provide a minimum bursary of £15,609 per annum, including a full tuition fee waiver for three years. Awards increase each year, typically with inflation.

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Part Time)

Book an open event

Apply now

MArch Architecture and Urbanism

Why choose Herts?

Careers

Alumni success stories

Work placement

Alumni Stories

Meet Josip. He was drawn to Herts because he wanted to grow his skillset, and was impressed by the University’s campus and location. He completed a postgraduate course at Herts too and is now looking to pursue further study.

From undergrad to postgrad

Downtime

Josip’s advice

Alumni Stories

Meet James. James completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Herts and has since embarked on a career as an Architectural Designer.

Balancing a master’s degree and full-time work

Valuable on-site experience

His advice

Professional Accreditations

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Learn from Leading Industry and Academic Experts

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025