Architecture (Taught)

Acknowledging the rapidly changing social and professional contexts in which it is situated, the Master of Architecture is a distinctly future oriented course. It provides rigorous understanding of contemporary professional architecture practice; encourages students to combine this with their individual life-wide learning and experiences; and supports them in developing skills of future literacy, to become autonomous agents of positive change. Our graduates are capable and eager to define their own career path, equipped with capabilities to lead the development of the discipline, challenge the status quo, and to thrive in ever changing contexts.

Manchester School of Architecture is a unique partnership between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The course leverages the research and technical pedigrees of these two institutions to provide an unrivalled breadth and depth of world leading specialist academic, professional, technical, and teaching expertise. Additionally, the course makes use of the scale of the school to provide interdisciplinary teaching alongside related courses.

Teaching on the course takes a student centric approach, where student autonomy is highly valued, dedicated to helping you define your own trajectory from the day before you arrive to the days, and years, after you graduate.

During your studies you will be developing your understanding of the contemporary discipline, the contexts in which it is practiced and the pressing factors facing it and wider society. Design projects will focus on contemporary social issues such as the Climate Emergency, and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, supported by specialist contributions from experts in the field. The content of design briefs is continually reviewed to remain world leading and cutting edge.

The School’s heritage of working within the city enables regular and meaningful engagement with practices, clients, and other relevant groups throughout the course of your studies. The course maintains an exceptional employer reputation, which enables the course to provide students with opportunities to build their professional networks prior to graduation.

Features and Benefits

• As a Master of Architecture student at Manchester School of Architecture, you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. You will therefore benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suites, making and media workshops and much more. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive a joint award certificate which includes each institution’s crest and awarding body title.

• 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 (2025).

• Engaged and responsive design teaching, working with experts, research-active academic staff and leading design professionals.

• Choose from a diverse range of ateliers and expertise, to learn through a series of distinct and significant areas of focus with respect to the future of architecture in a wider cultural context.