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Master of Architecture
Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Engineering - GeneralMain Subject Area
Program overview
Main Subject
Engineering - General
Degree
MArch
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Our two-year Master of Architecture will enhance your appreciation of architecture as a design-led discipline, provide enlightenment on the latest technological advances and application of innovative solutions to global challenges in the built environment
Our Master of Architecture (MArch) Part 2 is a two-year programme centred on the concept and applications of sustainable design. It addresses the current and future challenges of the built environment, particularly within the urban fabric, and will enhance your appreciation of architecture as a design-led discipline. Taught within state-of-the-art facilities for designing at our beautiful Edinburgh campus, you’ll benefit from collaboration with other design-led disciplines at Heriot-Watt, be enlightened on the latest technological advances, and develop appropriate innovative solutions to a range of architectural global challenges. The programme attracts individuals possessing the Architect Registration Board (ARB) part 1 and/or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 but it is not necessary to have this to apply. As a graduate, you’ll be suitably prepared to work professionally in the dynamic built environment industry.
During your studies you’ll:
Our expertise
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active architects, architectural engineers, civil and structural engineers, construction professionals, industry-leaders, and academics.
96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh.
Our Master of Architecture programme is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Institute for Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE) which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS). EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. The institute’s academic team conduct high-value and high-impact research on fields covering sustainability, digital innovation, design, and management of the built environment.
This School is also part of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, a leading body recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The Centre is one of only four such centres established at United Kingdom universities that jointly form a national network to demonstrate and exchange best practice in teaching and research for the sustainable built environment.
Your learning environment
You’ll have access to our specialist equipment, computing software, design and project facilities, and benefit from a vibrant, diverse and innovation-led setting in order to succeed in becoming a global changemaker.
Outside of the classroom, you can get involved with the Heriot-Watt Student Union and there are lots of ways to do so including participating in student groups, becoming a student representative or a school officer, and joining societies. There are even some engineering societies you may wish to join in order to meet likeminded people, network, and gain insights into career prospects:
Customise your learning
During this two-year programme, you’ll take 240 credits.
You’ll take two architectural projects in the first year. Design Project 1 is a 30-credit studio-based course which will expose you to a complex and mid-sized architectural enquiry. You’ll build on learned skills in Design Project 2, another 30-credit course. These design projects will support your learning through assessing the developing praxis of architectural design, underpinned by research and theory, as an authentic response to a multifaceted urban enquiry.
During the first year, you’ll also take four 15-credit courses in Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings, Research Methods, Urban Design Theory, and Urban Design for Health and Wellbeing. The latter two programmes are part of a joint academic collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
During the second year, you’ll refine your architectural knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to deliver highly sophisticated and professionally communicated design solutions through taking Design Thesis 1 (30 credits) and Design Thesis 2 (60 credits). To complete the second year, you’ll demonstrate and apply your scholarship and inquiry skills to a self-identified area of interest in the wider architectural cultural context through the 30-credit Research Investigation course.
All courses are mandatory.
Industry
We work closely with industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. Guest speakers from industry are regularly invited offering networking opportunities. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.
Program overview
Main Subject
Engineering - General
Degree
MArch
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Our two-year Master of Architecture will enhance your appreciation of architecture as a design-led discipline, provide enlightenment on the latest technological advances and application of innovative solutions to global challenges in the built environment
Our Master of Architecture (MArch) Part 2 is a two-year programme centred on the concept and applications of sustainable design. It addresses the current and future challenges of the built environment, particularly within the urban fabric, and will enhance your appreciation of architecture as a design-led discipline. Taught within state-of-the-art facilities for designing at our beautiful Edinburgh campus, you’ll benefit from collaboration with other design-led disciplines at Heriot-Watt, be enlightened on the latest technological advances, and develop appropriate innovative solutions to a range of architectural global challenges. The programme attracts individuals possessing the Architect Registration Board (ARB) part 1 and/or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 but it is not necessary to have this to apply. As a graduate, you’ll be suitably prepared to work professionally in the dynamic built environment industry.
During your studies you’ll:
Our expertise
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active architects, architectural engineers, civil and structural engineers, construction professionals, industry-leaders, and academics.
96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh.
Our Master of Architecture programme is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Institute for Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE) which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS). EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. The institute’s academic team conduct high-value and high-impact research on fields covering sustainability, digital innovation, design, and management of the built environment.
This School is also part of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, a leading body recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The Centre is one of only four such centres established at United Kingdom universities that jointly form a national network to demonstrate and exchange best practice in teaching and research for the sustainable built environment.
Your learning environment
You’ll have access to our specialist equipment, computing software, design and project facilities, and benefit from a vibrant, diverse and innovation-led setting in order to succeed in becoming a global changemaker.
Outside of the classroom, you can get involved with the Heriot-Watt Student Union and there are lots of ways to do so including participating in student groups, becoming a student representative or a school officer, and joining societies. There are even some engineering societies you may wish to join in order to meet likeminded people, network, and gain insights into career prospects:
Customise your learning
During this two-year programme, you’ll take 240 credits.
You’ll take two architectural projects in the first year. Design Project 1 is a 30-credit studio-based course which will expose you to a complex and mid-sized architectural enquiry. You’ll build on learned skills in Design Project 2, another 30-credit course. These design projects will support your learning through assessing the developing praxis of architectural design, underpinned by research and theory, as an authentic response to a multifaceted urban enquiry.
During the first year, you’ll also take four 15-credit courses in Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings, Research Methods, Urban Design Theory, and Urban Design for Health and Wellbeing. The latter two programmes are part of a joint academic collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
During the second year, you’ll refine your architectural knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to deliver highly sophisticated and professionally communicated design solutions through taking Design Thesis 1 (30 credits) and Design Thesis 2 (60 credits). To complete the second year, you’ll demonstrate and apply your scholarship and inquiry skills to a self-identified area of interest in the wider architectural cultural context through the 30-credit Research Investigation course.
All courses are mandatory.
Industry
We work closely with industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. Guest speakers from industry are regularly invited offering networking opportunities. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.
Tuition fee and scholarships
Scholarships
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
In this guide you will find:
Where to look for scholarship opportunities
How to apply to scholarships relevant to you
A list of available scholarships around the world
A scholarship application checklist
More programs from the university
Bachelor UG
Master PG
MBA
PHD
From top 10 rankings to opportunities to study abroad, there are many reasons to choose Heriot-Watt. Here are just a few of them.
A rich heritage
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821 we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world.
Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.
We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.
A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 235th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), and almost 90% of our research outputs are classed as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021). View our rankings.
Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.
Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.
Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.
Arts and Humanities (6)
BA (Hons) Communication Design
BA (Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art)
BA (Hons) Fashion
BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Promotion
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
BSc (Hons) Fashion Technology
MA (Hons) Applied Modern Languages and Translating
MA (Hons) BSL and Applied Language Studies
MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies)
MA (Hons) Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating)
MA (Hons) Modern Languages for Business Management
MA (Hons) Modern Languages, Communication and Culture
Business and Management (6)
BBA (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration
MA (Hons) Accountancy
MA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance
MA (Hons) Business and Finance
MA (Hons) Economics
MA (Hons) Economics and Business Management
MA (Hons) Economics and Finance
MA (Hons) Finance
MA (Hons) International Business Management
MA (Hons) Marketing
Engineering and Technology (6)
BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BEng (Hons) Engineering
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering
BEng (Hons) Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems
BEng (Hons) Structural Engineering
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Programming)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)
BSc (Hons) Computer Systems
BSc (Hons) Computer Systems (Games Programming)
BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
BSc (Hons) Games Development and Production
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
MEng Aerospace Engineering
MEng Architectural Engineering
MEng Civil Engineering
MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
MEng Mechanical Engineering
MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering
MEng Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems
MEng Software Engineering
MEng Structural Engineering
MEng Chemical Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology)
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Human Health)
BSc (Hons) Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Economics
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Marketing
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management
MBiol Biology
Natural Sciences (6)
BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science
BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling
BSc (Hons) Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Financial Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Geography
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
BSc (Hons) Mathematical Physics
BSc (Hons) Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences
BSc (Hons) Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Finance
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with French
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with German
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Spanish
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Statistics
BSc (Hons) Physics
MA (Hons) Geography, Society and Environment
MChem Chemistry
MMath Mathematics
MPhys Physics
Social Sciences and Management (6)
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science
Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.
We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.
Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland.
The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019. This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university. The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.
REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.
Arts and Humanities (6)
MA Digital Design and Innovation
MA Fashion and Textiles Design
MA Interior Architecture and Design
MPhil Textile Design and Clothing Manufacture
MSc Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting
MSc Design Management
MSc Fashion and Textiles Management
MSc Interpreting
MSc Interpreting and Translating
MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI)
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development
MSc Translating
MSc Urban Strategies and Design
Business and Management (6)
Business Analytics and Consultancy with Advanced Practice
Digital Marketing with Advanced Practice
International Business Management with Advanced Practice
MSc Accountancy
MSc Business Analytics (online)
MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy
MSc Business Strategy, Leadership and Change
MSc Business and Organisational Psychology (online)
MSc Construction Project Management (online)
MSc Digital Marketing
MSc Economics with Data Analytics
MSc Economics, Banking and Finance
MSc Energy and Economics
MSc Finance
MSc Finance and Management
MSc Financial Management (online)
MSc International Accounting and Finance
MSc International Banking and Finance
MSc International Business Management
MSc International Marketing
MSc International Marketing with Consumer Psychology
MSc International Master in Industrial Management (IMIM)
MSc Investment Management
MSc Operations Management
MSc Strategic Project Management
MSc Sustainable Finance with Fintech
Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accelerated)
Engineering and Technology (6)
MDes Games Design and Development
MSc Advanced Computer Science
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Application
MSc Advanced Structural Engineering
MSc Advanced Structural Engineering (online)
MSc Artificial Intelligence
MSc Building Services Engineering (online)
MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management (online)
MSc Civil Engineering with Industry Placement (2 years)
MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying
MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying (online)
MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying with Industry Placement (2 years)
MSc Computational Data Science
MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security
MSc Computing (2 years)
MSc Construction Project Management
MSc Construction Project Management with Industry Placement (2 years)
MSc Data Science
MSc Energy
MSc Energy (online)
MSc Food Process Engineering
MSc Global Sustainability Engineering
MSc Global Sustainability Engineering with Industrial Application (2 year)
MSc Imaging, Vision and High Performance Computing
MSc Information Technology (Business)
MSc Information Technology (Software Systems)
MSc Mature Field Management
MSc Mature Field Management (online)
MSc Mature Field Management (online)
MSc Network Security
MSc Petroleum Engineering
MSc Petroleum Engineering (online)
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
MSc Robotics
MSc Robotics with Industrial Application
MSc Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering (online)
MSc Software Engineering
Master of Architecture
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
MPhil Psychology
MSc Applied Psychology
MSc Business Psychology
MSc Business Psychology with Coaching
MSc Business Psychology with Human Resource Management
MSc Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication
MSc Sport Psychology
MSc Toxicology
Natural Sciences (6)
MSc Actuarial Management
MSc Actuarial Management with Data Science
MSc Actuarial Science
MSc Actuarial Science and Management
MSc Analytical Science for the Biosciences Industries
MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences
MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling
MSc Brewing and Distilling
MSc Brewing and Distilling with Entrepreneurship
MSc Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment
MSc Computational Mathematics and Data Analysis
MSc Energy with Entrepreneurship
MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy
MSc International Marine Science
MSc International Marine Science (online)
MSc International Marine Science (online)
MSc Marine Renewable Energy
MSc Marine Renewable Energy (online)
MSc Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine
MSc Mathematics
MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition
MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition (online)
MSc Reservoir Evaluation and Management
MSc Subsurface Energy Systems
Social Sciences and Management (6)
MSc Brewing and Distilling (online)
MSc Human Resource Management (HRM)
MSc Intercultural Business Communication
MSc International Sport Management
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
MSc Mathematics of Sustainable Finance
MSc Real Estate
MSc Real Estate (online)
MSc Safety and Risk Management (online)
MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development (online)
MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics (Online)
Online/Distance MBA (1)
MBA Essentials (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Business Analytics (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Finance (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Strategy (online)
Master of Business Administration (online)
Arts and Humanities (6)
PhD Textile Design and Clothing Manufacture
Business and Management (6)
DBA Business Administration
PhD Accounting
PhD Economics
PhD Finance
PhD Marketing
PhD Strategy, Operations and Leadership
Engineering and Technology (6)
PhD Construction Management and Innovation
PhD Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
PhD Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering
PhD Psychology
Natural Sciences (6)
PhD Institute of Chemical Sciences
PhD Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences
PhD Mathematics
PhD Sustainability and Carbon Management
Social Sciences and Management (6)
PhD Intercultural Research
PhD Logistics