The Architecture MA offers a unique opportunity for graduates interested in the intersection of architectural design, theory and research, encouraging students to develop their own positions and identities as creative practitioners and thinkers. A range of thematic and contextual concerns are offered and explored through the course using unconventional and imaginative methods of design, research and representation. These include cultural identity, architecture and society, political architecture, contested landscapes and digital design. These diverse fields of inquiry and their impact on our cities are underpinned by integrating ‘other’ voices such as post-colonialism, critical theory, feminist theory and race studies. The course promotes methodological and representational innovation, with participants using techniques such as social mapping, interactive installations, film and conceptual modelling to stimulate projects towards high-levels of spatial, material and formal resolution.

A distinct and unique feature of the Architecture MA is its use of specialist pathways, namely Cultural Identity and Globalisation, Digital Media, and History and Theory. Students can elect to choose one of these routes through the programme – all of which incorporate option modules – graduating with the related named specialisation award, or else select their own combination of modules in order to graduate with the title MA Architecture. No matter how participants navigate their way through the course, it will inevitably be a dynamic journey of self-reflection and positioning to affirm interests and future practice concerns.

The course is delivered within a generous studio culture characterised by inclusion, creative experimentation and intellectual rigour. Participants work individually and in groups, and are directed by experienced and committed tutors who are experts in their respective fields. The course is further supported and enriched by a network of renowned visiting speakers and critics from practice and academia, as well as high-quality studio spaces and state-of-the-art fabrication facilities. 

The Architecture MA is part of a suite of Masters offered by the School of Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster, sharing dynamic design studio spaces. The School provides first-class shared facilities such as state-of-the-art digital design/fabrication equipment and a team of lecturers and researchers deeply immersed in the very latest developments in architectural design, theory, historical research, and technology.

The Architecture MA is intended to appeal to students and practitioners with an existing architectural degree qualification like BA, BSc, BArch, Dip Arch, March or in related cognate design disciplines who wish to continue advanced level of research with a strong design and theoretical output.

Graduates from the Architecture MA have a high-level of success in securing employment with architectural practices in the UK and overseas or launch their own architecture/design practices. Many continue on to further study (including PhD level) or to teach in schools of architecture. Whatever their destination after completing their studies, our graduates emerge with a strong sense of purpose and with a body of work which enhances their ability to access those parts practice they are most interested in.

If you would like to interrogate contemporary issues in architecture through innovative research and design with a fresh and sensitive approach, then this course is made for you.

The Architecture MA aims to further the education of design graduates who will find employment in architectural practice, or related disciplines. Our graduates have worked in architectural practices in the UK, or in their home countries. Some set up their own practice and some have picked up academic teaching posts.

The specialist pathway options offered are intended to provide students with further employability skills related to traditional architectural design, urban design and multidisciplinary practices. Our graduates have been the lead architectural expert on a multidisciplinary team, NGO’s Municipalities or government organisations in regeneration and reconstruction work as specialists in the field of urban design and urban renewal. Or experts in Digital media, web/media, graphics, creative design practice including exhibition design/curatorship.

The Architecture MA may also form a platform for continuing study with a career in academia or a specialist research subject. The course can prepare suitable applicants for the opportunity to study for MArch (RIBA Part 2) or a Doctorate/PhD degree Research by Design/Research by Practice.