Overview
This course has been redesigned for September 2025. For further details, please visit the MArch Advanced Architectural Design page.
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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Space to create
You’ll have a dedicated studio space to work, collaborate and produce your ideas and designs.
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International community
You’ll join an international cohort from a range of architectural backgrounds ready to share ideas and collaborate.
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Interactive workshops
We invite specialists such as photographers and artists to run sessions to challenge you to see from different perspectives.
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Diverse portfolio
You’ll graduate with a body of design work which is relevant to different disciplines, from filmmaking to set design, animation to art.
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Transformational possibilities
Study this course to extend your expertise, invigorate your practice or change direction. Many students join us as architects and move to careers in the creative industries.
Course details
Course structure
At Oxford Brookes, we’ll challenge you to explore and develop your practice with the support of your tutors. You’ll go beyond mere architectural development; we encourage the exploration of diverse concepts to challenge your mindset and enhance your ability to effectively convey ideas in an increasingly visual world.
Emphasis is placed on practical work rather than written assignments. You‘ll have the opportunity to create collages, construct composite pieces, build tangible models, and produce drawings. These activities contribute to the progress of your final project.
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 prepared for your final design project. This project can take the form of an artefact, film, installation, or a series of in-depth investigations. The program often culminates with an exhibition. The exhibition offers an immersive experience for guests and the public, allowing you to share your vision and achievements.
Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Research
The Oxford Brookes School of Architecture is a major player in international research in the fields of architecture and the built environment.
On gaining the MA, 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
Our graduates progress in different directions because of the way we’ve designed this course. Some return to their home country to start their own business while others start careers in new areas like set design. It’s a great stepping stone to completing a PhD too.
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 thinking of fresh ideas and understanding different research methods.
Related courses
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
The course is intended for students who have completed their professional role-orientated education and wish to undertake speculative design-based research.
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
The course also welcomes applicants from other design fields: e.g Product Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Interior Design. Such applicants should possess strong undergraduate degree achievement.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
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
This course has been redesigned for September 2025. For further details, please visit the MArch Advanced Architectural Design page.
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 (£) |
|---|---|
| A3 printed portfolio black box | £15 |
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 (£) |
|---|---|
| Development and Emergency Practice field trip, including flights, accommodation and daily food. | £1200 |
International Architectural Regeneration and Development runs a field trip to a European country flights and accommodation) |
£650 |
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.