Architecture

Architecture is a course offered by the innovative collaboration between two universities - Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester - forming the internationally renowned Manchester School of Architecture. You will become a student at both universities and your degree certificate will be endorsed by both institutions.

Manchester School of Architecture is characterised by excellence, ambition, boldness, inquisitiveness, innovation, social justice and responsibility. These facets generate a unique blend and balance between research led teaching, impressive and relevant research outputs, and extensive professional industry links, all of which encourage our students to cultivate their own unique approach to architecture and their careers thereafter.

The course is validated by the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA), which allows you to take the first step to becoming an architect. The course is also validated by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (Board of Architects Malaysia), meaning that if you wish to practice as an architect in Malaysia on completion of this course, you will be exempt from the professional LAM Part I examinations.

You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practice and research active lecturers, who provide a rich and stimulating environment in which to study architecture.

What's more, you will be inspired by the world famous city of Manchester - the industrial revolution birthplace turned 21st century metropolis - and its vibrant, contemporary and innovative architecture scene.

Manchester is a showcase for recent regeneration and historic context, much of which has been designed with the involvement of our current students and graduates.

The city recognises the value of high quality design, together with innovative and pragmatic approaches to resolving practical issues.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Top-Ranking - As a student at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), you’ll benefit from being part of an institution ranked fifth in the QS World Subject Rankings and second in the UK (2026).

• Benefit from two universities - MSA is a unique collaboration between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. You will benefit from facilities and resources across the two universities, having access to libraries, workshops and material stores at both.

• Experience local field trips - Gain a real-world understanding of your subject normally through local fieldwork.

• Gain accreditation - By completing the course, you will gain the RIBA Part 1 professional qualification, contributing to you becoming a fully qualified architect. The course is also validated by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (Board of Architects Malaysia).

• Join the UK's largest Architecture student society - Manchester Student Society of Architecture is the largest of its kind in the UK and enhances your experience of the school, giving you the opportunity to build valuable relationships with students in other years.

• Additional experiences - We welcome international guest architects, run workshops, offer extra tutorials and digital design sessions as well as help prepare you for the future with networking events and employability sessions.