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MArch Degree

Develop your approach to architecture with one of the highest rated architecture courses in the U.K

MArch Part One

Year 3 architectural crit in one of our studio spaces.

Entry Requirements

  • SQA Higher AABB/ABBBB
  • GCE A-Level BBB/ABC (excluding General Studies)
  • ILC Higher AABB/ABBBB
  • IB Diploma 32 Points (including 6,5,5 at Higher level)
  • Essential Subjects
  • English (SQA Higher, AS, ILC Higher or IB Higher at Grade B)
  • Maths or Physics (Standard Grade at 3, Int 2 at C, GCSE at C, ILC Ordinary at C or IB Subsidiary at Grade 4)
Apply Now Visit University admissions

Key Facts

Our students come from all over the world to join us in Dundee on our Master in Architecture programme, which encourages each and every student to develop an individual position - an identity - within the complex and evolving profession of Architecture.

You Will Study

Students at Dundee explore a variety of architectural design projects in all levels of the course. These range from simple shelters to the complexity of urban regeneration and take students to various locations in the UK and abroad.

The Architectural Design Studio is supported by taught courses in Architectural Humanities (history and theory), Architectural technology and environment, Architectural communications (graphics and written), and management, practice, and law.

Teaching Environment

Our large studios, dedicated to architecture, encourage mutual support encouragement and camaraderie, allowing our first years to work next to second, third, and fourth years. At all levels our course is taught primarily through studio design projects working with a studio design tutor. Each year group has 65-70 students split in to tutor groups of around 12-14 students, which ensures that we have small group or one to one tutorials.

Professional Recognition

Most of our students joining us are looking to qualify as architects. In order to qualify as an architect in the UK students must complete five years full time study, plus a minimum of 24 months in practice.

Our MArch is structured as a five year undergraduate masters programme. The first three years lead to a BA Arch award which carries exemption from ARB/RIBA Part One and the final two years lead to the completion of the MArch which carries exemption from ARB/RIBA Part Two. Read more about MArch Part 2

Career Opportunities

Our students are highly sought after in architectural practices within the UK and throughout the world and we are listed as one of the top schools of architecture in the UK for graduate prospects (Times University Rankings 2010, Complete University Guide 2011.) On completion of year 3 most of our students will work in an architectural practice for one year before returning to us to complete their studies in years 4 and 5. Find out what our students think of the MArch Degree.

Location

Architecture is situated in the Matthew Building on the University of Dundee city campus. For more information on the city campus, visit the University campus guide.

How to Apply

Applications are normally made via UCAS. Candidates that we wish to consider will be invited to attend interview with a portfolio of work. For candidates living out-with the UK we will request a digital folio to be e-mailed to us. Find out more information on creating a portfolio.

MArch Part Two (level four entry)

Students studying their model in the Architecture, Matthew building, University of Dundee.

Key Facts

In Part Two Architecture at Dundee offers the opportunity to develop an individual position through the development of self-selected design research projects.

You Will Study

Students at Year four work within a structured and supported studio to build an extensive design portfolio. Projects at this level consider the design of complex buildings from inception to resolution; and as social, economic and cultural entities. Alongside their projects students explore ideas of theory and practice through self-selecting 'design research units'.

At Year five students choose to work within one of a number of Thesis units which are structured around staff expertise and research interests. They develop individual, self-directed projects which explore areas of contemporary architectural theory and/or practice.

Teaching Environment

Year four students are based within our large "main studio", this ensures each tutorial group benefits from dedicated group space in addition to continuous access to drawing boards, modelling tables etc. Year 5 students are allocated individual unit studios.

Tutorial groups in Year four work on the same basis as those in Part One, approximately 12-14 students working directly with an individual tutor, the independent design research units consist of 7-9 students. Units in Year five are also usually around 12 students, but they work with two members of staff to ensure students are always exposed to a vibrant creative discourse. Units available this session include:

  • Macro/Micro (Neil Burford and Joe Thurrot) which is concerned with the theory, design and development of affordable, high quality, high performance housing in Scottish Urban and Rural Environments with a goal to achieving more sustainable low carbon communities.
  • Urbanism (Graeme Hutton and Lorens Holm) which uses the city as a framework to consider projects which range from the development of individual buildings and sites, to more speculative and strategic ideas.
  • Rationalist Traces (Charles Rattray and Thomas Deckker) The unit makes objects and designs for buildings in order to record observations and attract ideas; the results contribute to a dialectic on rational architecture.
  • Material (Helen O'Connor and Fergus Purdie) which works in direct engagement with material and landform, thinking through making, and the boundary between architecture and fine art disciplines

Professional Recognition

Most of our students joining us want to qualify as architects. In order to qualify as an architect in the UK students must complete 5 years full time study, plus a minimum of 24 months in practice.

Our MArch is structured as a five year undergraduate masters programme. The first three years lead to a BA Arch award which carries exemption from ARB/RIBA Part One and the final two years lead to the completion of the MArch which carries exemption from ARB/RIBA Part Two.

Career Opportunities

Our students are highly sought after in architectural practices within the UK and throughout the world and we are listed as one of the top schools of architecture in the UK for graduate prospects (Times University Rankings 2010, Complete University Guide 2011). On completion of year 3 most of our students will work in an architectural practice for one year before returning to us to complete their studies in years 4 and 5. Find out what our students think of the MArch Degree.

Location

Our architecture studios are located in the Matthew Building with the large 'main studio' housing years one to four, individual unit studios for year five and also our dedicated CAD suite, crit space and specialist library.

Entry Requirements

  • ARB/RIBA Part 1 Qualification or equivalent degree in Architecture, normally at 2.1 or equivalent.
  • Applicants will normally also have completed a period of relevant professional practice experience
Apply Now Visit University admissions

What Our Students Say

Photograph of Charlotte Torck
  • Charlotte Torck
  • MArch Year Three student

I chose to study in Dundee for a number of different reasons. Dundee is a student city with an exciting student life. It is a small city but has everything you need.

My name is Charlotte and I am in the third year of my architectural studies. I am French but I have lived abroad for most of my life, and was at school doing A-levels in Shanghai before studying in Dundee.

The campus is situated near to the city centre and is walking distance to everything. The course itself seemed to be varied and interesting, comprising mostly of design projects both individual and group, with some more conceptual and creative and others more technology orientated. Dundee also seemed to suit my aspirations to become an architect. The aspect which attracted me the most was the welcoming and creative working environment and the studio culture. The studio is shared between first to fourth years with a real sense of community and solidarity between all years, a chance to exchange and share ideas and see what work other years are doing.

The staff of the architecture school are approachable, helpful and encouraging and we have the benefit of having individual tutorials. Our lectures are diverse and often given by lecturers who are experts in their fields.

Photograph of Lewis Benmore
  • Lewis Benmore
  • MArch Year Five student

When applying for University, Dundee scored highly in the league tables. It was a good opportunity for me to move away from home and experience Scotland.

After working in London for my Part 1 placement year I decided to return to Dundee, as the change of pace and the convenience of the city makes it an ideal place to study. The University Campus is located within the city centre giving access to all the facilities you might need. There is just enough to see and do whether you want a night out or want to explore the countryside, Glenshee ski resort being only 40 minutes away. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh are within easy access if you need to escape for the day.

Architecture is an intense and rewarding course allowing you to explore different interests and develop varied skills that can be applied to numerous careers.

At Dundee the studio culture is central to the learning experience on both an academic and social level, creating dialogue between students. The student society 'ADAS' organise regular lectures and social events throughout the year.

There are easy to access facilities that suit all needs including a well-stocked library in the school, and access to a large workshop and a CAD suite with plotters and a laser cutter. Being part of the art college gives an opportunity to explore other interests including access to photography darkrooms and print making studios.

Throughout Part One at Dundee projects prepare you for working in a placement, from presentation skills to building regulations and in particular working as part of a large team. During my Part 1 placement year I worked for Eric Parry architects in London on a residential project at the Athletes Village for the Olympics. This gave me excellent experience working in a large team seeing the project from initial concept through to tender, then returning to the project the following summer to work on site and gain more experience of detail design.

Photograph of Eoghan Hoare
  • Eoghan Hoare
  • MArch Year Three student

As a person who is extremely interested in both design and construction, Architecture at the University of Dundee was an obvious choice for me.

The studio environment promotes a large degree of self learning. This means that, to some extent, you can focus your education to suit your interests which at this stage in my studies is a huge bonus as I can channel my interests and prepare myself for a career of significance to me.

Dundee school of architecture promotes hands on education (learning by doing), which has provided me with the skills to work in a variety of different fields. This is reflected in my work experience to date.

After second year I worked in a graphic design practice in Tokyo. During my year out I worked for Gumuchdjian architects, a reputable design based firm in London for eight months. I then spent four months working for an organisation called Arkitrek based in Sabah, Borneo. This is a company established by a former Dundee student of architecture. Here I developed project management skills and further enhanced my design skills with a emphasis towards sustainability and responsive design in underprivileged rural communities. None of this would have been possible without the diverse education and support I have received from my tutors. The facilities here are fantastic, there is something for everyone. I tend to spend at least a couple of days a week in the workshop making all sorts depending on the project. As for Dundee as a place to live; It's big enough to wander and small enough to know passers by on the street. Dundee is a great place to be a student.

Photograph of Shuaibin Wang
  • Shuaibin Wang
  • MArch Year Four student

University of Dundee Architecture offers direct entry to RIBA Part 2, that is really the most efficient way to get a professional certificate and a chance to start a career.

My name is Shuaibin Wang, I come from China, Wuhan, Hubei Province. I previously studied at the Wuhan University of Technology in China. I came to study Architecture at the University of Dundee so I would be able to enjoy the beautiful environment in Scotland. Scotland offers commodities at reasonable prices and has a excellent reputation for warm hearted people. On Christmas Eve I gained experience of the kindness of local Scottish students when they invited me to spend Christmas Eve with them. This was a highlight of my time studying Architecture at Dundee.

We have a great student flat at the University of Dundee. Architecture at Dundee has excellent studio facilities, cheerful tutorials, and patient tutors.

Enquiries

Architecture
College of Arts & Social Science
University of Dundee,
7th Floor, Matthew Building, 13 Perth Road
Dundee
DD1 4HT
UK
MArch Degree
Our students come from all over the world to join us in Dundee on our Master in Architecture programme, which encourages each and every student to develop an individual position - an identity - within the complex and evolving profession of Architecture.
More on MArch Degree →
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The School of the Environment offers Scholarships of £1500 per year to overseas applicants for its MA and BSc programmes. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, and will be deducted from the University fee invoice for 2011-12.
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