Architecture MArch
School of Architecture and Landscape,
Faculty of Social Sciences
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Start date
September 2025 -
Duration
2 years -
Attendance
Full-time
Explore this course:
Apply now for 2025 entry or register your interest to find out about postgraduate study and events at the University of Sheffield.

Course description
The degree is currently validated by the RIBA at Part 2 and prescribed by ARB. Your study will be mainly studio-based, with design projects each year. To gain your RIBA Part 2 qualification you’ll produce at least one comprehensive design project and a dissertation.
Through our innovative Live Projects you can work with local, regional and international groups on real-life challenges. You could be building, designing urban masterplans or designing in detail.
Studios
Our MArch programmes are based around a series of thematic studios which develop out of the studio leaders’ own research interests.
Summer exhibition
Our architecture summer exhibition showcases the outstanding achievements, talent and work undertaken by our students over the past year. Employers are in attendance which provides a fantastic opportunity for students to network and enhance their visibility.
Take a virtual walk through 2024’s exhibition
Accreditation
Validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at Part 2 and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Modules
First year core modules:
- Design 1
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The module is the first of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues. The different studios each have their own teaching patterns and assessment methods.
15 credits - Design 2
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The module is the second of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio system' with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.
30 credits - Live Project 1
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This is a core module for 5th Year MArch students and MArch Collaborative Practice students. Students work in Live Project groups with a range of clients including local community groups, charities, health organisations and regional authorities. Live Projects include design/build, master planning, building feasibility studies, sustainability strategies, online resources and participation toolkits. In every case, the project is real, happening in real time with real people. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, team building, briefing, client liaison, community engagement and project management. The projects in these modules are entirely group based, with students working mostly in teams of 13-15 people. The Y5 Live Project module is closely integrated with the Management, Practice and Law Y5 module ALA309.
15 credits - Architectural Research Methods
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The module is an introduction to a broad range of research methods in architecture. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of students in a department of architecture that encourages an interdisciplinary, integrated and ethical approach to research. It also introduces students to the idea of design as a research method and encourages them to start to develop their own praxis through their ongoing coursework, particularly through the dissertation and design manifesto modules. Lecture content is delivered via the Theory Forum - an international conference hosted annually by Sheffield School of Architecture, focusing each year on a theme of contemporary relevance for architectural theory and practice. It provides an intense introduction to the theory, history and contemporary discourse around the theme, through engaging with national and international researchers. Students are asked to write an academic essay in which they describe, compare and critique the methods used by two of the presentations or papers at the Theory Forum.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 1
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A course in environmental design technologies and techniques developed around a sustainable framework. The course is grouped around broad environmental and natural themes to encourage an integrated and holistic approach to technology within the design process.
10 credits - Management and Practice 1
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This module introduces students to aspects of briefing and team-working within an architectural project, together with an overview of factors related to the running of an architectural practice. Built around lectures and seminars, the 3-day module is designed to provide candidates with entrepreneurial skills and develop their understanding of multi professional collaborative working to help them in in dealing with both clients and users and the implications of a multidisciplinary teamworking. The focus of the module is on understanding, managing and improving the briefing process.
10 credits - Dissertation 1
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The MArch postgraduate dissertation is a critical written study on an architectural subject chosen by the student. It is seen as an opportunity to investigate an aspect of architecture in which the student is interested and would like to explore in more depth. The dissertation may involve original research and contribute to the subject area through reasoning and critical analysis. The dissertation is undertaken with expert advice from the staff. Students work under the guidance of individual tutors starting in the first semester of the 5th year.
15 credits
Second year core modules:
- Design 3
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The module is the third of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop student skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.
15 credits - Design 4
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This module is the fourth of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.
30 credits - Live Project 2
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This is a core module for 6th Year MArch students, MArch Collaborative Practice and MALA students. Students work in Live Project groups with a range of clients including local community groups, charities, health organisations and regional authorities. Live Projects include design/build, masterplanning, building feasibility studies, sustainability strategies, online resources and participation toolkits. In every case, the project is real, happening in real time with real people. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop student’s skills in design, team building, briefing, client liaison, community engagement and project management. The projects in these modules are entirely group based, with students working mostly in teams of 13-15 people.
15 credits - Design Manifesto
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The Design Manifesto is a part of the Y6 thesis project and is integral to the development of Y6 studio design work (i.e. Design 3 and 4, ALA411 and ALA401).
15 credits
The Design Manifesto presents the processes, decision-making and ambitions that have informed the development of the thesis project to date and will continue to inform and define the development of the project.
Although the spatial design may be at a preliminary stage, the manifesto should engage with both spatial design and research in order to envisage a provocation or clear ambition for the development of the thesis project. - Environment and Technology 2
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This module is a course of advanced construction, environmental design and technology. It includes the preparation for and completion of an integrated technology report on a major 6th year design project.
15 credits - Management and Practice 2
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The module is designed through comparative analysis in a seminar and a workshop format, and will focus on innovative building procurement and project funding. A range of procurement routes will be discussed, including collaborative procurement (PPC2000 contract, NEC Partnering contract, NHS Estates procure 21, PFI, Supply Chain Management and collaboration, MoD Prime Contracting), self building and cooperatives. Dispute resolution mechanisms - Adjudication, Arbitration and Mediation - inherent within some of these procurement systems discussed will also be covered. The module will also discuss broader economic issues with regards, in particular, to social enterprising.
15 credits - Dissertation 2
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The MArch postgraduate dissertation is a critical written study on an architectural subject chosen by the student. It is seen as an opportunity to investigate an aspect of architecture in which the student is interested and would like to explore in more depth. The dissertation may involve original research and contribute to the subject area through reasoning and critical analysis. The dissertation is undertaken with expert advice from the staff. Students work under the guidance of individual tutors starting in the first semester of the 5th year.
15 credits
Optional modules:
- Materials for Low Impact Buildings
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This module engages through lectures and seminars with a range of materials for low impact buildings which may include load-bearing and frame construction using straw bales, rammed earth, adobe, cob, compressed earth blocks, hemp-lime blocks, earth renders and plasters, timber techniques. The aim is to give students in depth theoretical knowledge about the environmental performance, practical applications and historical use of materials for low impact buildings through lectures and seminars.
15 credits - Power, Space, Society
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The unit focuses on socio-political, economical, ideological and cultural factors shaping and influencing buildings and cities. In a tradition of critical theory, this module analyses hidden aspects of built environment causing social exclusion / inclusion and oppression / emancipation. Through lectures and group seminars, the module will provide an introduction to critical analyses of built environment in a global context. Each session is organised around a particular issue analysed in diverse contexts.
15 credits - Conservation and Regeneration Principles and Approaches
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This module introduces a range of theoretical and practical approaches to architectural design interventions in the historic built environment. It will explore conceptual and philosophical debates within architectural conservation and heritage studies, addressing the conflicting and complementary approaches that have historically been employed. You will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of conservation and built heritage issues and to evaluate the role of architectural conservation in historical rural and urban regeneration.
15 credits - Histories and Theories of Urban Design
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This unit provides an introduction to the diverse concepts, theories and practices of urban design, illustrated by examples and case studies from different historical, political, geographical and environmental periods and areas. Using theoretical lenses, rather than a chronological approach, the course explores how similar urban forms have been used and reused, reinterpreted, adapted and challenged by different social, economic and political groups in different localities across different geographies and scales to meet differing needs, behaviours and rituals. The emphasis is on developing a situated and grounded understanding of urban design.
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
Interested in postgraduate taught study? Register your interest in studying at Sheffield or attend an event throughout the year to find out what makes studying at here special.
Duration
2 years full-time
Teaching
Our design teaching is studio based with several research-led options. Programmes run by specialist staff link together lectures, studio work and research. The courses have similar structures. Each module is assessed individually by coursework. Course handbooks are available on our website with further information on modules and assessment procedures.
Assessment
Each module is assessed individually by coursework.
Student profiles
The freedom to pursue and nurture my own skills and areas of interest is something that was important to me when making my decision to study MArch at Sheffield. The course offers a well-rounded and grounded learning experience, by encouraging originality and creativity that is relevant towards current social issues. Live Projects have been one of the most enjoyable parts of the course. The connection between education and the real world has been invaluable in preparing me for my future career in architecture.
Ashley Mayes
BA and MArch Architecture
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 BA Architecture degree from a RIBA/ARB-approved institution with nine months in practice.
We will ask to see your design portfolio. Guidance on how to apply
If you don't have RIBA Part 1 and you're offered a place it will be your responsibility to gain Part 1. You can do this while you're here on your MArch course. Find out more about this on the ARB website.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Fees and funding
MArch programmes are charged at the undergraduate rate and are considered as undergraduate for the purposes of funding and loan eligibility.
Alumni discount
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
MArch programmes are RIBA Part 2 postgraduate level programmes.
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application form. It's a quick and easy process.
The deadline for applications is Saturday 30 August 2025.
Contact
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.