Architecture
MArch
Key facts
Start dates
September 2023 / September 2024
Location
Course length
Full time: MArch: 12 months; PGDip: 9 months
Department
Overview
Learn to develop your own design methods with our Master of Architecture (MArch).
Our approach to teaching is based on a set of values which redefine the function of architecture in terms of the human relationships that underlie society. And how people really live, relate to each other and use the physical context of their environment.
You will develop basic skills which relate to the expanded world of architecture. In particular photography, film-making and devising narratives.
You will build on your imagination, individuality, and inspiration. And develop an experiential understanding of the world.
In looking for new approaches to problems you will gain qualities such as:
- independence
- originality
- verbal fluency
- breadth of interest
- impulsiveness
- expansiveness.
Our students are regularly recognised in national and international prizes and awards. They go on to work for many of the best-known practices in the country.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
The course is intended for students who have completed their professional role-orientated education and wish to undertake speculative design-based research.
Thus it is expected that applicants from the field of architecture will already possess an accredited graduate diploma or postgraduate degree in architecture (UK), a professional master's in architecture (US), or the international equivalent.
Admission to the course will normally be open to applicants who fulfil one of the following:
- hold a good undergraduate honours degree, min 2.2 (or international equivalent), in Architecture or a discipline relevant to Architecture
- have an appropriate professional background and experience of designing architecture, or an alternative design discipline with strong similarities
The course also welcomes applicants from other design fields: e.g Product Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Interior Design. Such applicants should possess strong undergraduate degree achievement.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
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.
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.
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.
Application process
We advise applying in advance to secure places, and allow sufficient time for applications to be reviewed.
There is no formal application deadline (recruitment closes when teaching capacity is reached).
Applicants should also factor any time needed to meet offer conditions, arrange accommodation, and obtain a UK Student visa (if applicable).
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
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.
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 (£) |
|---|---|
| A3 printed portfolio black box | £15 |
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 |
Although there is provision to show work digitally and many submissions are digital only, the portfolio elements of the course do require some printing. Printing in the School of Architecture Print Room is charged at no profit and there is no charge for laser cutting beyond your own material costs. |
£100-1000 |
Optional costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| 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 £8 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Learning and assessment
Your learning is based on a programme of individual discussions and workshops with your tutors. Studio research will be complemented by a series of challenging talks from visiting academics and practitioners.
Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You will work individually and in groups, exploring a new kind of architecture. Methods of exploration include techniques associated with the film industry, such as:
- collage making
- optical composites
- physical models
- drawings, both by hand and computer.
Your tutor will help you to find areas of interest and you will develop an individual approach to the:
- brief
- programme
- and the realisation of a project.
Teaching is mostly design-studio based, with project-based learning in a studio environment. You will also take part in a series of lectures, reviews, tutorials and site visits.
Field trips
Whilst there is no official international field trip, you are encouraged to visit areas of interest that are relevant to your thesis, and to visit exhibitions and galleries. You should budget in the region of £100 for trips such as these.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
The assessment on the taught modules is 100% coursework and include:
- design presentations
- seminar papers
- essays.
Studio critiques by an invited jury provide formative feedback.
For your dissertation you can produce:
- a project
- artefact or portfolio in a variety of media
- written work.
Research
The Oxford Brookes School of Architecture is a major player in international research in the fields of architecture and the built environment. The school includes the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) as its primary research vehicle.
On gaining the MA, if you are interested in continuing to the PhD programme, we will encourage you to do so.
For more information please visit Research in Architecture.
Related courses
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.