Architecture: Integrated Master of Architecture (four-year accelerated degree) - MArch

More about this course

Our Integrated Master of Architecture (four-year accelerated degree) MArch combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into an intensive four-year degree. The accelerated timeframe allows you to graduate sooner while covering the same course content and modules as those who study the more traditional five-year route.

You'll develop your skills through studio-based design projects alongside modules in architectural technology, professional practice, sustainability, history, and theory. As your confidence grows, you'll tackle increasingly complex design briefs while learning how architecture responds to social, environmental, professional and technical challenges. 

Studying in central London gives you direct access to one of the world's leading architectural cities. You'll learn from practising architects and experienced academics, visit exhibitions and buildings, and benefit from connections with leading architectural practices through guest lectures, industry events and networking opportunities. 

Throughout the course you'll use professional facilities including model-making workshops, computer suites, laser cutters, CNC machinery, 3D printing and digital design studios, allowing you to test, develop and communicate your ideas. 

Our architecture students have had considerable success in the?Royal Institute of British Architects?(RIBA) President’s Medals. Our students have also been awarded the Fosters Travel Scholarship, the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects Drawing Prize and the Architects Journal Student Prize among others. 

In collaboration with our Metropolitan Architecture Student Society (MASS), the course offers a rich programme of lectures, events and socials, with opportunities to debate and discuss contemporary matters related to architecture.

During the four-year degree, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a supported year out in professional practice, which can contribute to your Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR). The PEDR is a digital log created by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is used by architecture graduates to record 24 months of practical work experience, which is mandatory to complete before taking the professional practice qualification required by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to become a registered architect.

On successful completion of the course, you'll be awarded an Integrated Master of Architecture (MArch).

Assessment

Our Integrated Master of Architecture (MArch) courses lead to a professional qualification, so you'll be assessed throughout your studies to ensure you develop the knowledge, skills, abilities and professional standards needed for a career in architecture.

Your design portfolio will be the focus of your assessments. Throughout the course, you'll build a portfolio of design projects and related work that showcases your creativity, technical skills, and development over time. While what you learn and how you’re assessed differs depending on the module, you’ll be encouraged to see your work as a connected body that reflects your overall progress.

Design modules are assessed through your portfolio, which is developed within your design studio. Your portfolio will include a range of drawings, models, visual presentations, written reflections and project work.

Most other modules are assessed through coursework. To progress through the course, you'll need to pass every module and each assessment component. The pass mark is 40% at undergraduate level and 50% at postgraduate level. If you leave the course early, this will not provide the professional accreditation required to qualify as an architect.

Professional accreditation

To become a registered architect in the UK, you must complete the qualifications and practical experience required by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) before applying for registration. 

This accelerated Integrated Master of Architecture (MArch) is subject to validation by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and accreditation by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). 

Subject to successful validation and accreditation, and successful completion of the integrated master's course, you'll graduate with the academic qualification required to progress towards registration as an architect in the UK.

Entry requirements

In addition to the?University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• a minimum of ABB in three A levels, including at least one from a relevant subject area such as art, humanities or social sciences subject (or a minimum of 128 UCAS points from an?equivalent Level 3 qualification in an art-related subject)
• English language and mathematics GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
• a portfolio of work, which will need to be submitted as part of your application (you may also be asked to attend an interview)

For details of what to include in your portfolio, please refer to our portfolio guidance for undergraduate courses.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this accelerated degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the standard five-year integrated master’s course or our Integrated Master of Architecture (including foundation year) (six years) MArch.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa (previously Tier 4) you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Qualification requirements for students applying from outside the UK

For international entry requirements, please visit your country-specific page for detailed information on accepted qualifications and grade requirements.

Modular structure

Where this course can take you

Graduates of this course will be equipped to thrive in a range of careers in the architectural profession and construction sector. Our course focuses on developing your employability through direct work experience, opportunities to work on live real-world projects, and contact with external partners and sector professionals. This career-focused approach has allowed our architecture graduates to take on exciting careers as architects, design consultants, architectural assistants, and project managers. 

Our architecture graduates have gone on to work at leading practices including SANAA (Tokyo), Herzog & De Meuron Architects, Zaha Hadid Architects, David Chipperfield Architects, Caruso St John, Tony Fretton Architects, Eric Parry Architects, Maccreanor Lavington, Adamson Associates Architects, Stephen Taylor Architects, Grimshaw and Partners, Foster and Partners, and Conran and Partners and many more.  

Graduating with this degree can also provide you with the core knowledge and skills needed to work in fields such as interior design, urban design, and planning. You'll leave with a high-quality portfolio of work, an understanding of relevant cultural and social issues, and the research, design, making and presentation skills valued in many design-related professions. 

If, after graduating from this degree, you wish to become a registered architect, you will need to complete the professional practice qualification required by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This includes a minimum of 24 months of practical experience. As part of this integrated master's degree, you can choose to take a Professional Experience Development Record (PEDR) year between Level 6 (undergraduate) and Level 7 (postgraduate). During this year, you will gain experience in architectural practice while receiving support from University tutors. This experience can contribute towards the practical experience required for registration as an architect in the UK.

Important information about the teaching location of this course

We currently have three locations in Holloway, Aldgate and Shoreditch. As we evolve as a University, we'll be reviewing the use of these spaces to ensure all our students have access to the facilities and study areas they need to succeed. This means the campus where this course is taught may change over time.

The experience of our students will always be our top priority and we'll notify applicants and students of any changes to their teaching location at the earliest opportunity.

Additional costs

Please note, in addition to the tuition fee, there may be additional costs for things such as equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips, or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee, and the fees set out above will be notified when the activity is being arranged.

Discover Uni – key statistics about this course

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When to apply

The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) accepts applications for full-time courses starting in September from one year before the start of the course. Our UCAS institution code is L68. 

If you will be applying direct to the University you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only be able to consider your application if there are places available on the course. 

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.