The MArch (RIBA Part 2) at Birmingham School of Architecture is a progressive Master's level programme within one of the UK’s foremost creative academic institutions, located (from September 2013) in new, multidisciplinary studio and workshop spaces in Birmingham’s Eastside.
The programme has a dynamic transnational student community and offers both full- and part-time study options, contributing to high levels of graduate employment. Studio sits at the centre of a student-led, integrated programme of study underpinned by a knowledge and understanding of theories and practices related to architecture, urbanism and associated fields of study.
Led by an experienced and committed tutor team, cross level ‘units’ allow students to select from multiple theoretical, contextual and methodological trajectories that build on the School’s diverse research hubs. The programme is ambitious and outward facing, exploring and constructing innovative modes of architectural education and practice including the ‘Teaching Practice’ and ‘CO.LAB Collaborative Practice’ initiatives, developing professional, creative and technically able graduates, resulting in a confident, highly motivated student community.
Key Facts
- The course aims to go beyond the professional body criteria, providing the dynamic and stimulating learning experience to address your individual ambitions and career path
- Provides projects that encourage deep learning and professional competency
- Provides a flexible framework of modules which allow ‘one-off’/spontaneous opportunities such as design competitions or research projects.
Why Choose Us?
- Birmingham School of Architecture has a pedigree of over one hundred years of responding creatively to the challenges and opportunities in professional architecture.
- Many candidates have degrees from other UK schools of architecture, resulting in a dynamic body of high-calibre students.
- Visiting tutors come from local practice and we involve other notable practitioners, such as eminent architects, visiting professors and world-renowned consultants.
- Birmingham Institute of Art and Design is ranked 14 out of 87 universities in the Guardian League Table.
Download the Course Programme Specification
Entry Requirements
- Applicants will normally be expected to hold at least a second class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline (Architecture with RIBA Part 1 exemption. See conditions for those without Part 1 in notes below *). However, applicants will be considered for entry if they do not have the standard entry qualifications, but can provide evidence of necessary knowledge and skills to successfully enter and complete the course.
- Evidence of satisfactory completion of at least nine months of practical training is normally required for acceptance on the full-time course.
- In the part-time mode, your practical training experience may be counted during the first year of attendance if you have studied your BA part-time. If you are part-time you should be employed by an architectural practice.
- A diverse portfolio demonstrating academic and professional experience along with a critical self appraisal
- All students whose first language is not English will require IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent)
* In exceptional circumstances, applications from students without RIBA Part 1 will be considered subject to prior equivalent academic and practical experience. Please note, where applicants do not hold RIBA Part 1 and complete and pass the ARB prescribed Part 2 qualification, they will still need to hold an ARB prescribed qualification at Part 1 level (plus an ARB prescribed qualification at Part 3 level together with the required period of practical training) before they can be admitted to the ARB Register.
Application Details
Please apply direct to BIAD via our Admissions office. For more information please contact BIAD Admissions Office. Tel: 0121 331 5150 / Email biad.admissions@bcu.ac.uk
On receipt of your application form, your application will be considered and you may be called for interview. After interview, if you are considered suitable for the course you will receive an offer of a place. Application forms are available from BIAD Admissions or can be downloaded here:
Application form for postgraduate courses
Fees and Finance
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Fees for students from the UK or EU countries?
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| Start | Mode | Duration | Award | Fees |
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| Sep 2013 | FT | 2 years | MArch | £3,465 |
| Sep 2013 | PT | 3 years | MArch | See below |
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Fees for students from non-EU countries?
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| Start | Mode | Duration | Award | Fees |
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| Sep 2013 | FT | 2 years | MArch | £10,500 |
The University reserves the right to increase fees broadly in line with increases in inflation, or to reflect changes in government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Part Time Fee:
Year 1: £1,620.00
Year 2: £1,620.00
Year 3: £3,240.00
Further information
For information on fees please contact BIAD Admissions. Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5150. Email: biad.admissions@bcu.ac.uk
Financial Support for Home Students
Full-time architecture students who started Part 1 before 1 September 2012
Please visit the RIBA website for information about financial support.
University Approach to Employability
Our close links with business and the professions mean that our courses are always relevant, up-to-date and meet the exact needs of the current marketplace. Wherever possible, we involve employers in planning the curriculum, while many of our lecturers come from and maintain their links with industry, ensuring they are up to speed with the latest developments.
Employability will be an integral outcome of your studies.
Employment Opportunities
The course is stage two of the professional development programme to becoming an architect. The course is recognised by ARB and RIBA for exemption from Part II examination.
Further Studies
For further information on courses Tel: +44(0)121 331 5595 or go direct to the courses section of the website.
Course Structure
Principally taught through a research by design approach to studio, the programme integrates creative, academic, technical and professional studies, exploring and constructing innovative modes of architectural education and practice. Led by an experienced and committed tutor team, cross level studio units allow students to select from multiple theoretical, contextual and methodological trajectories that build on the School’s diverse research hubs.
‘Teaching Practice’ studio tutorials locate students in a real practice environment as an extension to the core studio days. Project sites are located across the UK and Europe, this years students undertaking fieldwork in Reykjavik, Istanbul, Amsterdam and Barcelona, with further opportunities to join the annual New York study visit.
The programme is underpinned by knowledge and understanding of theories and practices related to architecture, urbanism and associated fields of study through research and theory, culminating in a thesis project and associated dissertation or negotiated special study. Students develop professional and technical capabilities through the support of unit specific consultant teams who offer specialist tuition in construction, structures, cost and environmental design.
The School of Architecture has strong alumni and connections to the city’s creative and professional networks both through visiting tutors and critics and through the ‘CO.LAB’ live projects. These outward facing projects directly engage students with the dynamic context of the city often outside of their discipline area, contributing to the development of transferable skills. Many students are employed in Birmingham City University’s ‘Opportunities’ programme in mentoring undergraduate students, assisting in our digital workshop, collaborating with staff in research projects and creating architectural events and publications. This contributes to a confident, highly motivated student community.
Course Modules
Postgraduate Certificate:
Critical Urbanism
Elective
Research and Theory
Postgraduate Diploma:
Architectural Synergies
Management Practice and Law: Theory
Master’s Project:
Architectural Speculations part 1
Architectural Speculations part 2
Architectural Speculations: Tectonics
Management Practice and Law: Applied
Dissertation
Assessment Methods
A dissertation or research paper is required on a theme related to the course. Project themes are negotiated with tutors.
Enquiries
Prospective students from the UK or EU
- Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to a range of questions about our courses and studying here.
- If you need further help, you can contact the Course Enquiries Team online by using the Course Enquiry Form.
- Alternatively, call us on +44 (0)121 331 7880.
Prospective students from non-EU countries
- International enquirers from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form.
- Alternatively, call us +44 (0)121 331 6714.