Start dates: September 2025 / September 2026
Full time: 24 months
Location: Headington
School(s): School of Architecture
Overview
How can we build a more sustainable future? What should urban regeneration look like? Can architects respond to humanitarian crises?
From sustainable built environments, urban design, digital craft to humanitarian architecture, during the MArchD programme you will construct a substantial portfolio of design work that fulfils the requirements of ARB/RIBA Part II and LAM, and offers a design specialisation that has a transformative impact on your professional practice.
The School of Architecture at Oxford Brookes has an international reputation for research and teaching. You’ll be guided by academics and practitioners who’ve proved themselves at some of the country’s top practices or who are leading in their fields of research. You’ll benefit from our strong links with local and national practices who regularly visit and employ our graduates.
You’ll immerse yourself in an environment that actively encourages discourse, fosters innovation, and promotes practical experimentation, allowing you the freedom to explore and realise your design aspirations.
Why Oxford Brookes University?
-
Customise your concept
Within a framework of core modules, you can tailor your course to match your career ambitions and design interests with great staff to student ratios.
-
Expert-led studios
You’ll be guided by tutors and lecturers who are experts in their field. They’ll help you gain specialist skills in key areas of design practice and inspire you to produce your best work.
-
Advanced technology
Including VR, AI, prototyping and making spaces/workshops, high spec computers and the latest software. The school is more than just a physical structure - it is a space for exploration and creative discovery.
-
Sustainable learning
Driven by Research, creativity and curiosity, the School of Architecture brings leading edge thought in Low-Carbon Building, Vernacular Architecture, Place Culture and Identity and the Center for Development and Emergency Practice. Our research guides industry at the highest level.
-
A city to call home
Oxford has a rich student culture, and you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in study at the world-famous Bodleian, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Our studios are open 24/7 and are supported by an on-site print room with advanced 2D and 3D printing facilities, equipment and tech loan services.
-
Accreditation(s)
Architects Registration Board, Royal Institute of British Architects, Malaysian board of Architects
Course details
Research
The School of Architecture encompasses seven global pioneering Research Institutes, Centres, and Groups that span a wide range of disciplines - including architectural engineering, low carbon building, development and emergency practice, vernacular architecture, conservation, design, and AI. Our research endeavours are characterised by a multidisciplinary approach and hold significant global relevance. Collaborating closely with industry and communities, the School research yields practice-oriented outcomes. These robust partnerships contribute to shaping policies in architecture, sustainability, and humanitarian practice.
Our dedication to the seamless integration of research and teaching is manifested in the continuous transfer of knowledge from our research initiatives to the academic setting. This symbiotic relationship enhances the overall student experience and deepens their understanding of the subjects at hand. The collective impact of our research activities underscores our dedication to maintaining a dynamic and enriching educational environment at Oxford Brookes.
Careers
Our students are in high demand in the UK and internationally. Many go on to work in AJ100 companies, like Fosters, Zaha Hadid and Wilkinson Ayre. Some set up their own businesses, often pursuing careers that contribute to society and a more sustainable future.
The specialisations within the course prepare students for a rapidly changing industry where specialist skills are increasingly popular.
Some of our students have gone on to work in Film and Digital Design, while others have used their skills to work in disaster relief operations.
Watch our School of Architecture Employability video
Careers include:
- architectural and engineering practices
- research or sustainability consultancies
- development work
- creative professions
- academia.
Our Staff
Adam Holloway
Read more about AdamMr Toby Shew
I curate and manage eight postgraduate design studios for the RIBA part II course, ensuring a plurality of ideas and methodology in this professionally recognised course.
Read more about TobyRelated courses
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Admission to the programme will normally be open to applicants who fulfil either of the following requirements:
- hold an undergraduate degree (2:2 in UK system or international equivalent), in Architecture or in a discipline highly relevant to Architecture or
- possess an appropriate professional background and experience of designing architecture, or designing in a discipline that has a strong relationship or similarities to architecture.
All applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio for review (preferably in online format. If submitting a PDF, please compress to 10MB max for storage on the application system). For advice on what to include in your portfolio, watch this video which explains what we're looking for.
Information on portfolio specifications & how to submit it, will be emailed separately upon initial processing of an application.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
Selection process
All applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio for review. You can make your submission via Google Drive or similar and then share the link as part of your admission. We explain what we're looking for in this video about what to include in your portfolio.
Information on portfolio specifications and how to submit it, will be emailed separately upon initial processing of an application.
We are open to candidates who wish to change course using accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). Please contact the School of Architecture directly.
English language requirements
International applicants will be required to provide proof of English language ability via IELTS or equivalent.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
International applications
Successful completion of this course will provide you with ARB/RIBA Part II exemption along with LAM accreditation. Our cohort is truly international - you’ll meet students of architecture from all over the world.
We are open to candidates who wish to change course using accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). Please contact the School of Architecture directly.
Terms and conditions of enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
International qualifications and equivalences
How to apply
Application process
Please use the "apply now" link below. Once you have started your application, you will be asked to provide your portfolio, references and a personal statement. You will be invited to MArchD "Virtual Cafes" where you'll get to meet staff and students on the course who can answer any questions you might have about studying here, and also to in person open days. After you have completed your application, you will be invited to an interview to discuss your portfolio and architectural aspirations and agendas.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
For further information please see our 2025-26 tuition fees FAQs.
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Compulsory costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
An emphasis on physical experimentation means that you may incur costs to purchase materials. Although access to our workshops is free, you need to source your own materials |
£150-300 |
Optional costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Although there is provision to show work digitally, the portfolio elements of the course generally do require high quality printing | £100-200 |
| Development and Emergency Practice field trip, including flights, accommodation and daily food. | £1200 |
International Architectural Regeneration and Development runs a field trip to a European country flights and accommodation) |
£650 |
UK field trip |
Typically £150-400 |
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. |
From £30 |
| You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book |
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) |
£94-265 per week |
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) |
£122-180 per week |
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. |
Typically £0-200 |
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey. |
From £10 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.