MA Architecture and Urbanism

Open days  are run by Manchester Metropolitan University.

For information on how to apply, visit the Manchester School of Architecture website .

MA Architecture and Urbanism invites you to shape the future of our cities and tackle the biggest challenges facing urban environments today. Combining in-depth research with studio-based design, the course addresses how cultural, economic, and environmental forces influence contemporary cities and places. You will produce written, drawn and modelled work rooted in historical urban theory and directed towards creating sustainable, future-focused cities.

Designed for both aspiring researchers and industry professionals, the course supports diverse career goals and specialised interests. Shape your own direction through the exploration of specific research interests and studio design practice. Our urban laboratories provide space to investigate solutions to urban challenges through various lenses - for example landscape, contextualism, prototype, and housing.

You will benefit from the specialist workshops at both Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester to explore model-making, fabrication, and realisation of your ideas.

You will have opportunities to enhance your specialist knowledge and get career ready by connecting with Manchester School of Architecture’s network of industry leaders and alumni. This course will expose you to the global perspectives and experiences of experts in urbanism including planners, architects, historians, artists and environmental consultants.

This course is ideal preparation for careers in professional or academic roles associated with sustainable urban and architectural design. Graduates go on to shape the built environment at every level in architectural practice, academic research, urban design, policy, consultancy, and construction.

The programme is part of Manchester School of Architecture, an internationally recognised leader in architectural and urban design education which is jointly delivered and awarded by Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester.

Additional information

You will join a one-year programme that builds progressively in depth and complexity. In the first semester, you will develop a strong foundation in the principles of architecture and urbanism, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to critically investigate cities as both physical and cultural constructs. During the second semester, you will begin to establish your own position through a written research project and design-based inquiry. In the final semester, you will complete an independent Design Synthesis Project, conducting original research, gathering and interpreting data, and formulating an advanced architectural and urban design proposition that culminates in the presentation and contextualisation of your thesis.

Throughout the programme, you will be supported by academic staff who are experts in architecture and urbanism, ensuring your work is informed by the latest debates in cities making as well as the realities of architectural application. MA Architecture and Urbanism is a joint award certified by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. It is not professionally accredited. Graduates of the programme receive a degree certificate that includes each institution's crest and title. You will also benefit from the combined resources of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, with access to specialist workshops, digital facilities, libraries, and wider student support services.

The course places a strong emphasis on real-world urban engagement. You will work alongside industry professionals, participate in live architectural and urban design projects, and investigate subject themes in situ through urban living laboratories. Studio learning encourages both individual expertise in architecture and urbanism and collaborative exchange, creating a diverse and interconnected community of students united by shared interests in the future of cities.

• Manchester as a living urban laboratory - Gain hands-on experience through site visits and in-situ analysis, using Manchester’s complex urban landscape as a real-world laboratory for understanding urban conditions and spatial dynamics.
• Globally engaged, locally grounded - This is a globally connected course where students’ thesis work is regularly shared through conferences, exhibitions, competitions, and publications. You will develop the resilience to turn the challenges of a changing world into opportunities for bold urban transformation.
• A diverse learning community - You will join a vibrant, international cohort with backgrounds in architecture, landscape, and related fields. The programme celebrates this diversity by offering pathways that support your individual interests and professional ambitions.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

• a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
• a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Study

Full-time - 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement 75% independent study

Assessment

Full-time - 100% coursework; 0% practical 0% examination study

My time at Manchester School of Architecture was full on, rewarding, exhilarating and exhausting! Experiencing the participative design process first-hand has put me in good stead for working in practice.

Christopher Jaume, MA Architecture and Urbanism Alumni

Read more about Christopher's experience

Supporting creative vision, innovation and research

Architecture students at MSA benefit from the facilities and resources of both The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Two nationally recognised libraries, a wide range of workshops and materials stories are just a few examples of what is available.

Providing space for innovation

Our contemporary studios are located in the purpose built Manchester School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University, with panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

Enabling your creative vision

Whether you’re creating a presentation model, experimenting with materials or devising a conceptual way to show your ideas, our facilities at Manchester School of Architecture will enable you to fulfil your ambitious creative visions.

For more information, visit the Manchester School of Architecture facilities webpage .

Graduates have gone on to work with leading architectural, urbanism and town planning practices both nationally and internationally. An increasing number of graduates enrol on further research degrees at doctoral level.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you will have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .