Advanced Architectural Design
MArch
Start dates: September 2025 / September 2026
Full time: MArch: 12 months; PGDip: 9 months
Location: Headington
Department(s): School of Architecture
Overview
Explore the future of architecture with a community that celebrates innovation, integrity, and the bold pursuit of new possibilities.
If you're seeking a professionally accredited course for ARB and RIBA pt II or LAM, explore our MArchD course.
Why Oxford Brookes University?
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Critical Experimentation
Nurture your ability to think and work experimentally, fostering creative autonomy and intellectual resilience.
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Research through Design
Advance your ideas through hands-on experimentation and critical design research.
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Collaborative Studio
Learn in a collaborative, studio-based setting where rigorous debate and open dialogue drive each project.
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Diverse portfolio
You’ll graduate with a body of design work relevant to different disciplines, demonstrating work that stands out from conventional portfolios.
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Location & Environment
Based in the historic city of Oxford, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, inspiring libraries and the vibrant intellectual culture that defines Oxford Brookes University.
Course details
Course structure
Emphasis is placed on design work rather than written assignments. You‘ll create dynamic methods of communication and idea generation through art practice techniques, digital visualisations and physical modelling. Our modules integrate guided practice, ensuring that you receive comprehensive support for impactful learning. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and creativity throughout the course, you’ll be well-prepared for your final design research project.
The programme culminates with an exhibition offering an immersive experience for guests and the public, allowing you to share your vision and achievements.
Research
On gaining the MArch, if you are interested in continuing to the PhD programme, we will encourage you to do so.
For more information please visit Research in Architecture.
Careers
Whatever you decide to do next, you’ll have an impressive portfolio to show potential employers. You’ll be able to show you’re capable of developing fresh ideas and understanding different research methods.
Related courses
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Thus it is expected that applicants from the field of architecture will already possess an accredited graduate diploma or postgraduate degree in architecture (UK), a professional master's in architecture (US), or the international equivalent.
Admission to the course will normally be open to applicants who fulfil one of the following:
- hold a good undergraduate honours degree, min 2.2 (or international equivalent), in Architecture or a discipline relevant to Architecture
- have an appropriate professional background and experience of designing architecture, or an alternative design discipline with strong similarities
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
International qualifications and equivalences
How to apply
Application process
There is no formal application deadline (recruitment closes when teaching capacity is reached).
Applicants should also factor any time needed to meet offer conditions, arrange accommodation, and obtain a UK Student visa (if applicable).
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Compulsory costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
An emphasis on physical experimentation means that you may incur costs to purchase materials. Although access to our workshops is free, you need to source your own materials |
£150-300 |
Although there is provision to show work digitally and many submissions are digital only, the portfolio elements of the course do require some printing. Printing in the School of Architecture Print Room is charged at no profit and there is no charge for laser cutting beyond your own material costs. |
£100-1000 |
Optional costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
UK field trip |
Typically £150-400 |
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. |
From £30 |
| You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book |
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) |
£94-265 per week |
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) |
£122-180 per week |
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. |
Typically £0-200 |
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey. |
From £10 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.