MArch Architecture at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Two-year Master's accredited by the ARB and RIBA (Part 2) for students with a first degree in architecture who want to progress to qualification as a practising architect. It investigates the relationships between critical practice, design and research in architectural proposals, working with practising architects and academic staff.

Department: School of Natural and Built Environment | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: Academic Year 2027/28 (late September start) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Teaching is in thematic studio groups, each led by a pair of tutors with an external consultant. Core modules: MArch Studio 1 to 4, Humanities Dissertation, Technical Dissertation, Thesis Research and Professional Skills (30 credits each). Year 1 includes a compulsory self-funded field trip to a European city.

Career pathways

Route to ARB registration and RIBA chartered status via Part 3.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK degree: normally a 2:2 Honours degree in Architecture from an approved RIBA/ARB Part 1 course; normally 60% or above in the final year major design project; demonstrated critical awareness of the profession, typically through experience in practice; submission of a single PDF architectural design portfolio (maximum 5MB, 15 pages) and possible interview. Non-UK degree: equivalent to a 2:2 Honours in Architecture, normally 60% or equivalent in the final design project, personal statement, portfolio and possible interview; ARB assessment of the first degree as Part 1 needed for Part 3. A deposit is required to secure a place. Direct entry to year 2 possible for applicants with 1 year of MArch elsewhere (maximum 120 credits). International applicants: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (within the last 2 years), or equivalent. Apply by 30 June 2027 at the latest; applications after 30 June may not be accepted.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency; published 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 27,600 a year (2026/27). International/EU Other; published 2026/27 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time

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