MArch/PgDip Architectural Design (International)
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Accreditation: LAM/PAM, RIBA Part 2
- Study mode and duration: MArch: 24 months full-time
PgDip: 21 months full-time Study abroad: opportunity to student abroad (subject to Visa conditions)
Travel: study trip opportunities in both the UK and overseas
Study with us
This course is aimed at students from Malaysia as it is validated and recognised by LAM/ PAM Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia/ Board of Architects Malaysia.
- two-year course for international students from Malaysia who are looking for a challenging programme of study that meets the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 educational criteria
- develop skills in advanced design, analysis and critique
- validated by RIBA at Part 2
- develop projects related to your own interests in contemporary architecture
- be part of a collaborative and creative studio community
Why this course?
This course is specifically aimed at students from Malaysia as it is validated and recognised by LAM/ PAM Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia/ Board of Architects Malaysia. The course also has RIBA Part 2 exemption, however does not provide exemption from ARB Part examinations.
The course runs parallel to the MArch/ Pg Diploma in Advanced Architectural Design. It shares the same curriculum so you will join students on this course in an exciting and challenging environment.
You’ll develop skills in advanced design, analysis and architectural critique designing complex buildings in a variety of contexts and addressing social, cultural and environmental issues.
The course demands a high level of design ability and self-motivation.
What you’ll study
Year 1
The first year of study is centred on consolidating your architectural design skills.
You’ll be introduced to the idea of architecture as a responsive solution to fundamental social issues.
You'll take a subject class in an area of expertise aligned to the research in the department and research and produce a dissertation on a topic of personal interest related to design.
Year 2
You’ll undertake a significant architectural project on which you're required to take a standpoint on contemporary architectural issues. This is developed through a theme that reflects your own interests and creative ambitions and is supported by subject classes.
You’ll also attend a taught course in professional studies and a series of guest lectures.
Students progressing from the Diploma to Masters undertake an additional semester of study to pursue an aspect of the thesis project to a greater level of detail.
Study trips provide opportunities for intensive examinations of the culture and built fabric in a variety of urban and rural locations both in the UK and overseas. Recent trips include Barcelona, Rome, Paris and Venice and the less familiar Gdansk, Toledo and Monte Caruso.
Study abroad
You’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, subject to academic performance. The department has the most expansive international exchange programme in the UK. We've agreements with 22 institutions across Europe, Canada, the Far East and South America.
Facilities
Studios
We have two design studios; one is a drop-in studio where you can be part of our collaborative and creative studio community, the other is dedicated to design teaching.
Library
In addition to the main University library, we have our own, on-site, reference library. Our collection is developed in direct response to the teaching delivered in the department.
Workshop
A full range of hand and portable power tools are available (complete with instruction).
We offer plotter printing, scanning and laser cutting services.
Find out more about the full range of facilities we have on offer.
Student competitions
We’ve an extensive programme of student awards provided by professional bodies, including:
- The RIAS Silver Medal: the premier Scottish award for student achievement
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President's Medals
- The City of Glasgow- Eimear Kelt- Silver Medal: awarded annually by a panel of professional judges on behalf of Glasgow City Council. This is for the best project submitted by a student either at the Glasgow School of Art or the Department of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde
Our students have been successful in many prestigious competitions including:
- ARCHIPRIX
- Building Design ‘Top 6’ UK
- APS
- RSA Awards
- A+DS
- SEDA
Visit our excellence and awards page to find out more.
Guest lectures
We run an exciting programme of guest lectures and recent speakers include:
- Joan Callis, Benedetta Tagliabue EMBT, Architects to the Scottish Parliament
- Prof Neil Spiller, Professor of Architecture and Digital Theory
- Gordon Benson, Benson and Forsyth, Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Ireland
'Live-Builds' such as in the International Workshop class were unforgettable. It was my first hands-on project in years. The fact that it was community-based made it more memorable.
Architectural Design (International) student
Compulsory classes
Design Studies 4A – To Care (Part 1)
The studio projects task your ability to source, research, analyse, and demonstrate an understanding of a specific urban building typology.
The first part of the project concerns both the identification of, and brief formation for, a selected building typology which you as an architect consider essential for a representation of the people of Govan. This will be formulated in conjunction with the strategic design(s) of the main voluminous space (primary space) within the building and one’s approach(es) to and from it.
Design Studies 4B – To Care (Part 2)
This new typology should be derived from one of 4 strategic research areas: City, Society, Technology or Environment.
The project concludes with the design of a significant urban building typology; developed from your brief, which incorporates the primary space and considered approach strategies devised in Semester 1.
Cultural Studies 4
Elective classes
Special Study Project 4
You'll choose from series of classes taught by staff, and related to areas of expertise, in:
- ecology
- sustainability and built environment
- architectural publications
- Pocket City
- urban design
- health and the city
- virtual reality applications for AEC (architecture/engineering/construction industries)
Compulsory classes
Design Studies
Cultural Studies 5
This class aims to consolidate and develop your knowledge in key thematic areas - contemporary architectural history and theory, urban design and culture, technology and environment and new forms of media and communication. It's organised around lectures and workshops to map out ideas, thinkers and projects from a variety of disciplines that have a direct bearing on the production and use of buildings and cities.
You're introduced to a field of knowledge that is drawn from the social sciences, architectural and construction history, political science, cultural studies, economic and critical theory.
Professional Studies 5
Elective classes
Special Study Project 5
Mentoring and Architectural Pedagogy
The History & Theory of Architectural Conservation
The Theory of Architectural Conservation
Urban Design History
Urban Theory
Urban Landscape Design
Sustainability
International Workshop
Cultural and Behavioural Factors in Architecture and Urbanism
Building Information Management
Theory of Conservation
Architectural & Construction History
Dissertation
Dissertation Project
Students on the Masters stream (MArch and MSc) are required to complete a substantial piece of research, which can include a design with or a written investigation of an area/topic of interest.
This piece of work is generally carried out over a summer semester and is an opportunity for you to explore an issue of relevance to the course through engagement with its cultural, technical, and/or professional context. The work must demonstrate academic rigour.
Portfolio
ARB/RIBA PART 2 Portfolio: (AAD and MADi)
Over the two years of the programme you're expected to compile a comprehensive academic portfolio which will include all design projects undertaken over the two years of study as well as the outputs of any subject classes.
Your own academic work should be accompanied by the project briefs and all feedback documentation received. The portfolio should be complied in a digital format offering a clear structure and navigation.
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Chat now!Learning & teaching
The course is made up of studio design work, lectures, special projects and workshops.
The focus of study is on design project work including the analysis, synthesis and appraisal of design ideas. You'll then show your understanding of these ideas through drawings, physical and digital models, written and graphic work.
Each part of the course allows you to explore and develop projects related to your own interests in contemporary architecture.
Assessment
Full-time students are examined over Years 1 and 2 on all aspects of the course.
The MArch degree normally requires further assessment over the summer semester. This will be on an aspect of the diploma project that is explored to a greater level of detail.
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements/experience | Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree in Architecture, or equivalent agreed academic standard. This course is specifically aimed at students from Malaysia as it is validated and recognised by LAM/ PAM Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia/ Board of Architects Malaysia Students with a degree in architecture from an UK/EU university or other international institution should apply for the MArch Advanced Architectural Design. An academic portfolio will be required containing all relevant design work from your previous course of study to provide a broad range of work to evidence your depth of skillset. While work from practice placement or experience can be included, the balance of the portfolio should be towards examples of academic work. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements | If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.
The best highlight so far has been the university trip to Germany with the faculty
MSc Architectural Design (International) student
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland | £10,800 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £10,800 |
| International | £23,850 |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
| Additional costs |
International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarships
If you're an international applicant applying for a full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 15% reduction of your fees, which will typically be up to £4,240. In addition to this, we also have a limited number of Dean’s International Excellence Awards for our postgraduate taught applicants. These scholarships are worth £5,000 and £8,000 and will be offered to exceptional applicants at postgraduate taught level only. Applicants need to only submit one application and will be considered for all levels of postgraduate taught scholarships.
Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee-paying students holding an offer of study for a full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time postgraduate taught course at Strathclyde in the coming academic year (2024-25), this can be in September 2024 or January 2025.
The deadline for applications for the Dean’s International Excellence Award is 28 June 2024.
Faculty of Engineering Scholarships for International StudentsCareers
We work closely with the University's Careers Service. They offer advice and guidance on career planning and looking for and applying for jobs. In addition they administer and publicise graduate and work experience opportunities.
Career opportunities for Architecture graduates range from working in large multidisciplinary practices to smaller specialist firms.
Many of our graduates are employed by highly respected practices throughout the world, while others have set up their own businesses.
The department has a growing reputation for developing entrepreneurial graduates who go on to make their mark in the sector independently in practices such as Page and Park, Tog Studio and Lateral North.
How much will I earn?
If you become an architect you can expect a starting salary of £15,000 to £20,000 after Part 1 (first degree qualification).*
Typical salaries after Part 2 (second degree or diploma) range from £20,000 to £26,000.*
The range of typical salaries after Part 3 (final exam leading to registration as an architect) or for those with experience rises to £26,000 to £35,000.*
Where are they now?
95% of our BSc Architecture graduates find graduate level jobs, are in further study, six months after they graduate.*
Our graduates have gone on to do many different roles within the area of architecture.
Job titles include:
- Architect
- Architectural assistant
- Assistant rural surveyor
- Computer Graphics/Web Designer
- Computer Games Designer
- Journalist
- Model Maker/ physical & virtual
- Part 2 architectural assistant
- Part 3 architectural design
- Project Manager
- Practical conservation worker
- Researcher
- Teacher
- Theatre/Stage Set Designer
Employers include:
- Arup
- BSP Architects
- Carbonlite Design and Build
- Colin Armstrong Associates
- Covell Matthews Architects
- Cubitt Ltd
- Emilio Ambasz
- Foster and Partners
- Hayes Macfarlane
- HLM
- HTA Architects
- Northumberland Wildlife Trust
- Page/Park Architects
- Peter Eisenman
- URS Corporation
- Rafael Moneo
- Richard Meier
- Rick Mather
- Ted Cillinan
- Tolmie Ltd
- WS Atkins
- Zaha Hadid
*Based on the results of the national Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
Apply
During the application process, you're required to upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we'll not be able to process your application:
- certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications
- if still studying, provide individual semester mark sheets to date
- certified degree certificate for all qualifications
- provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
- if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for, and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
- a design portfolio, showcasing examples of your recent work
- a personal statement
- a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
- a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
- names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees
- provide, for academic assessment by the Course Director, a detailed personal statement illustrating your motivation and suitability for admission to the chosen programme
- provide, for academic assessment by the Course Director, a digital portfolio showcasing a broad range of recent project and studio work, demonstrating your creativity and design aptitude, practical abilities and expertise. The portfolio should be contained within a single file in PDF format and compressed to a max. file size of 5 MB
Please note this course is specifically aimed at students from Malaysia as it is validated and recognised by LAM/ PAM Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia/ Board of Architects Malaysia.
Start date: Sep 2024
Architectural Design (International) Taylor's University
Start date: Sep 2024
Architectural Design (International)
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Have you considered?
We've a range of postgraduate taught and Masters courses similar to this one which may also be of interest.