MArch Architecture and Urbanism

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: K101
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Additional requirements

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
120	BBB Creative subjects such as Art, Media or Design.	DDM	Accounting; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal Care Management; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Craft and Design; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design Production, Design and Development; Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Education and Early Years; Engineering. Manufacturing Processing and Control; Finance; Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Marketing; Media, Broadcast and Production; Onsite Construction; Science	Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at merit	120 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include Visual Arts at SL or HL (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

Interview: Interview required.

Portfolio: Portfolio required

IELTS: All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band or equivalent.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

To become a registered architect, you need to complete Part 1, 2, and 3 of your studies. This degree programme is Part 1 and Part 2 prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Validated by the RIBA.

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 the University will continually strive to improve the quality of the degree to retain accreditation. You will receive the most up-to-date and innovative educational experience with ongoing support throughout your studies.

Why choose this course?

Four-year integrated master’s degree
1st in the UK for Best Design Education Institution (World Brand Design Society, 2024-25)
14th in the UK for student satisfaction (NSS 2026)

With access to studio space, digital design tools, model-making facilities, specialist software, 3D printers, laser cutters and large-format output facilities, you’ll have the resources to test ideas, communicate proposals and bring your architectural projects to life.You will learn in an environment highly valued by our students, with 91% student satisfaction for learning resources (National Student Survey, 2026).

As you progress you will take on increasingly complex projects and have more freedom to develop your own ideas. You’ll explore the reuse and retrofit of existing buildings, research architectural and urban issues in greater depth and develop your own multiscalar architecture approach that combines urban strategy with building design. Alongside your studies, you’ll gain an understanding of the professional, ethical and practical responsibilities of working in architecture, helping you prepare for the next stage of your career.

You’ll also have opportunities to take your ideas beyond the studio and engage with architectural professionals while you study. From RIBA and Hertfordshire Association of Architects (HAA) guest lectures and RIBA Future Architects to student mentoring, study visits, summer schools, live projects and architectural competitions, you can learn from others in the field and see how architectural ideas translate into practice. Each year, students are nominated for the RIBA President’s Medals, while other opportunities include the RIBA East Student Awards, AJ awards and HAA awards.

What's the course about?

Our MArch Architecture and Urbanism degree is an integrated masters where you will explore how architecture can shape the places where people live, work, and connect. You’ll bring your ideas to life through projects in urban, suburban and rural settings, considering issues such as housing, urban growth, climate resilience and sustainable development.

With opportunities to learn through practical projects, you’ll develop creative and technical skills through studio-based learning, supported by teaching in design, technology and sustainability, history and theory, research and professional practice. You’ll work with everything from hand drawing and physical model-making to CAD, BIM, 3D modelling and digital fabrication. You’ll start building the knowledge and confidence to shape your own future in architecture and the built environment.

What will I study?

This integrated master's degree is made up of compulsory modules, with design studio accounting for 50% of the credits in each year. You’ll study through a combination of studio sessions, lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, technical demonstrations, reviews, site visits, fieldwork, and independent study.

You will be assessed entirely through coursework, with both individual and group work included across the programme.

In your first year, you will build a solid foundation in architectural design, technology, and sustainability. You will explore architectural precedents and develop your design skills through projects including a large private house. You will learn how to communicate your ideas through hand and technical drawing alongside physical model making and developing skills in CAD. You’ll also be introduced to structures, materials, construction, and environmental design, as well as the history and theory of architecture.

In your second year, you’ll develop your design skills through more complex projects, including a public building and a housing scheme in an urban context. You’ll explore how buildings respond to their surroundings, looking at issues such as planning, building regulations, fire and life safety, environmental performance and cost. You’ll further develop your skills in CAD, BIM, 3D modelling and digital fabrication, while exploring the history of people, buildings and cities, by utilising Hertfordshire's living legacy of innovation and experimentation in city-making through cities like Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City to the post-war New Towns of Stevenage and Hatfield.

In your third year, you’ll start to take a more critical and independent approach to architecture. You’ll explore how existing buildings can be adapted and reused through a dedicated retrofit project, recognising reuse as one of the most effective sustainable approaches in architecture. You will consider all aspects of a building's condition, history, and community value alongside future proofing and environmental performance. You will also explore architecture and urbanism at a larger scale, develop your research skills and learn about professional practice. You will be introduced to ideas around the circular economy and whole life environmental design.

In your final year, you will bring together the knowledge and skills you’ve developed throughout the course into a self-directed architecture thesis. You will develop your own brief, starting with an urban strategy before developing an architectural scheme in greater detail. Alongside this design project, you’ll complete a research dissertation and explore professional practice and management, and sustainable urban design, including climate resilience and low-energy, low-carbon design.

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, doctors, scientists, artists, and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes. 

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Design Studio 1.1: Design Principles	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to architectural design through the study of architectural masterpieces. Through the study, reproduction, and proposed alteration of these iconic pieces of architecture, students are introduced to the importance of aesthetics, context, brief and programme within the architectural design process. Students are encouraged to question and consider the importance that architecture plays in daily life and examine the power of spatial experience through their studio projects. This module allows students to understand and explore means of representing observations, explorations and proposals, and to become familiarised with architectural communication conventions.
Introduction to Technology and Sustainability	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the students to the technological and environmental aspects of architecture: structure, material properties and behaviours, sustainability and environmental design. This module is the first opportunity for the students to investigate the role of the history end evolution of technology in shaping the built environment. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students will understand the history and evolution of the technological and environmental aspects of architecture till nowadays.
Design Skills 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module allows students to develop basic design skills such as hand drafting, CAD and other media, to assist in the visual communication and presentation of design ideas. Moreover, the module equips students with the tools to represent design concepts in 3D through physical modelling using various materials, and through using industry-standard basic software packages. 2D and 3D hand drafting, digital development and representation are explored through various methodologies in a series of given tasks. Assignments are designed to support the Design Studio modules and assist students in developing their communication skills and design process.
Design Studio 1.2: Private House	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores, through a single-family dwelling, the basic design process and the role of the context in architecture for the consistent and logical development of a design proposal. Equally the students will be introduced to the importance to address a specific brief and considering a social response, that which constitutes culture and society. This module allows students to understand and explore means of representing observations, explorations and proposals. The students will elucidate the proposed strategy, programme, context, and position through their final submissions.
Design Technology and Sustainability 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is dedicated to developing a basic application of building technology aspects to the Design Studio 1.2 project. Students will be enabled to investigate for the first time the critical roles that building technology plays in the realisation of the design and execution of buildings. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students will develop a portfolio of technical drawings, diagrams and reports showing the basic integration of technology and sustainability into their design schemes.
History and Theory of Architecture 1: Introduction	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the history and theories of Architecture intended as a vital component of innovative design. Students will be introduced to architectural history outside of the Western canon with a balanced representation in terms of gender, race and cultural context. Teaching and learning will support the Design Studio learning and will take the form of lectures, practical and theoretical seminars, visits and workshops. The module will enable students to begin to locate their design practice within a wider contextual, cultural and professional framework. To complement discipline-specific studies, this module aims to provide students with a repertoire of study skills of research, critical analysis and communication including academic conventions

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Design Studio 2.1: Public Building	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the design of public buildings. It considers the relationship between people and buildings and how users perceive, understand and experience the built environment. Exploring buildings in relation to the context, aesthetics, structures and technology students will investigate the impact of their designs on people and the associated cultural meaning. The module addresses user needs, accessibility, scale, hierarchy and structure. Projects will typically be set within an urban context and focus on the design of a public building. Students are required to draw out conceptual ideas from a study of specific historical, social and physical aspects of the given area and develop their work to produce a design in response to a brief. The module consolidates learning from previous studies and extends students' knowledge and skill through the development of their own public building design proposals.
Design Technology and Sustainability 2.1	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is dedicated to developing an advanced understanding of building technology aspects relating to Architectural Projects, with a particular focus on the structural scheme, construction details and the associated building envelope parameters. Students are supposed to explore the economic aspects of building components and investigate their relationship with the whole. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students are supposed to develop a portfolio of technical drawings, diagrams and reports showing the understanding of the structure, material properties, environmental and sustainable design strategies and their integration into the design studio. Teaching activities could typically include case studies involving research and presentations of lectures/seminars delivered on a range of technological/constructional topics and specialist building performance analysis chosen to introduce the findings to peer groups.
Design Skills 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to develop advanced design skills and explore the integration of digital editing, CAD, BIM and 3D modelling in their design process. Students will be expected to produce and present architectural drawings with different media, and have full control of file management, including large project files and folder management. This module prepares students with the confidence to create and manage files for 2D and 3D printing and plan files for digital fabrication. Students will be enabled to use professional printing devices, including plotters, 3D printers, CNC routers and laser cutters Students will consider and implement various methods of drafting, notation, annotation and documentation using the conventional, computer or other related methodologies.
History and Theory 2 of Architecture - People, Buildings and Cities	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module allows students to see the history and theories of architecture at the wider urban scale as a vital tool to further innovative and well-informed design practice. With a specific focus on people, buildings and cities, students will be introduced to architectural history outside of the Western canon with a balanced representation in terms of gender, race and cultural context. Students will consider a range of theoretical positions that inform recent and contemporary design practices at the urban scale. Key areas include the various cultural perspectives that have shaped design practice, including innovation, technology and sustainability. The module will build upon the repertoire of study skills of research, critical analysis and communication established at Level 4. Teaching and learning will be integrated into studio modules and will take the form of lectures, practical and theoretical seminars, visits and workshops
Design Technology and Sustainability 2.2	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is dedicated to developing an advanced understanding of building technology aspects relating to the Design Studio project, with a particular focus on the impact of building technology on placemaking and urban scale developments. The sustainability and environmental parameters of the buildings are investigated in a more comprehensive way using industry-standard software packages. Students are introduced to building regulations, planning and legal requirements using their Design Studio project proposed scheme as a case study. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students will develop a portfolio of technical drawings, diagrams and reports showing the understanding of the structure, material properties, environmental and sustainable design strategies and their integration into the design studio. Teaching activities could typically include case studies involving research and presentations of lectures/seminars delivered on a range of technological/constructional topics and specialist building performance analysis chosen to introduce the findings to peer groups.
Design Studio 2.2: Housing and Urban Context	45 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores societal aspects of architecture, the relationship between people, the city, and housing, and how users perceive and experience the built environment. Exploring urban context provides students with an understanding of the impact of their designs on existing places and communities. Students investigate the make-up of urban fabric, its networks and spaces, their place in context, and their cultural meaning. The module addresses user needs, scale and hierarchy, networks, accessibility, urban permeability and resilience. The sustainable housing projects are located within the urban context and focus on the analysis of an existing town. Students are required to draw out conceptual ideas from a study of specific historical, social and physical aspects of the given area and develop their work to produce a design in response to a brief. The module consolidates learning from previous studies and extends students' knowledge through the development of a housing proposal.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)	0 Credits	Compulsory
The optional 'Sandwich' placement year may be undertaken between the levels 5 and 6. Students undertake the placement within a commercial, public or not for profit setting that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience related to the creative and cultural industries.
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
A Study Abroad year is an optional additional year that increases the length of the Honours degree award to a four−year full− time degree. The additional year comprises an agreed programme of study in a partner institution abroad with whom the University of Hertfordshire has an institutional agreement.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Design Studio 4: Architecture Thesis	60 Credits	Compulsory
The Architecture Thesis is the final design studio practice of the MArch of Architecture and 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.
Professional Practice and Management	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.
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.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and closer to home in Europe.

You can choose to study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. This extends your degree by a year rather than replacing one of the four academic years.

Find out more about study abroad opportunities.
Work placement

Take your first steps into the world of architecture before you graduate.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a chance to take an additional placement year between the second and third years.

It’s an opportunity to gain experience of architectural practice, the construction industry and professional working environments while developing your skills and professional networks.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

Find out more about work placements.
What if I need support?

You’ll be supported throughout your studies by a personal tutor and by regular contact with your studio tutors. Much of the course is taught in small groups, helping you build a close working relationship with staff and peers, and receive ongoing feedback on your design development, research and academic progress
If you need additional support during your time with us, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both of our Learning Resource Centres run drop-in study skills sessions.

What's next for my career?
An architecture and urbanism degree can open up many different paths in the built environment, from designing buildings and shaping urban spaces to finding new uses for existing places.

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.

Architecture and urbanism graduates typically secure employment in the following roles:
- architectural assistant and architect, after completing the required practice qualification and practical training
- urban design and planning
- landscape design
- interior architecture and design
- retail design
- conservation and heritage
- sustainability and retrofit consultancy
- project management
- property development and real estate
- digital design and architectural visualisation
- BIM and digital design
- research, teaching or further doctoral study
Your degree will also help you develop the creative thinking, research, visual communication and collaboration skills needed to tackle complex challenges. Whether you want to specialise in a particular area, explore a related field or eventually establish your own practice, you’ll have a foundation to build on.

Our recent graduates have gone on to work at practices including AHMM, TP Bennett, Saunders Architects, DMWR Architects, 1050 Architects and others.

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.
Architecture and Urbanism graduates typically secure employment in the following roles:
- architectural assistant and architect, after completing the required practice qualification and practical training
- urban design and planning
- landscape design
- interior architecture and design
- retail design
- conservation and heritage
- sustainability and retrofit consultancy
- project management
- property development and real estate
- digital design and architectural visualisation
- BIM and digital design
- research, teaching or further doctoral study
You will also develop transferable skills valuable beyond the built environment, including creative problem-solving, critical thinking, research, visual communication, project management, and collaboration skills that can be applied across a wide range of careers.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work at practices including AHMM, TP Bennett, Saunders Architects, DMWR Architects, 1050 Architects and others.
Key staff

Dr Beniamino Polimeni (PhD, MPhil, ARB, ACIAT, SFHEA)
Senior Lecturer
Bryan Ruiz (BA (Hons), MSc, MArch, MRI, Affiliate BIID)
Lecturer
Dr Luigi Pintacuda (PhD, RIBA, ARB, SFHEA)
Head of Architecture and Design
Dr Mark Mukherjee Campbell (PhD)
Senior Lecturer
Monica Cherry (MArch, MPhil, DipArch, FHEA, ARB) 
Senior Lecturer
Nicola Few (BA(Hons), DipArch, RIBA, ARB)
Lecturer
Purvesh Bharadwaj (M.A Zero Carbon Design and Retrofit Architecture, B.Arch)
Lecturer
Dr Seyithan Özer (PhD)
Lecturer
Thomas Trail (BAS, M.Arch, Pg.Dip, Pg.Cert, RIBA, ARB, FHEA)
Senior Lecturer

Programme specifications
MArch Architecture and Urbanism (Integrated Masters) (Full Time, Semester A Intake)	Download
MArch Architecture and Urbanism (Integrated Masters) with Placement Year (Full Time, Semester A Intake)	Download
MArch Architecture and Urbanism (Integrated Masters) with a Year Abroad (Full Time, Semester A Intake)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 4 Years Sandwich, 5 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

How to apply?

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

Apply using the links below:

2027
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
01/09/2027 31/05/2028 3 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
01/09/2027 31/05/2028 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
Fees and funding
Fees 2027
UK Students
Full time
- £10050 for the 2027/2028 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £17970 for the 2027/2028 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £17970 for the 2027/2028 academic year
*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

Read more about additional fees in the Programme Specification.

Other financial support

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

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

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
01/09/2027	31/05/2028	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
01/09/2027	31/05/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

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MArch Architecture and Urbanism

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: K101

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

What will I study?

Your main campus is College Lane

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

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

2027

Fees 2027

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane 