Architecture University of Dundee

Overview

The Architecture (MArch) programme is offered by the University of Dundee.

This 5 year programme is professionally accredited by the ARB/RIBA for part 1 and part 2.

The first three years (part 1) are designed to build basic knowledge and skills in Design, Communications, Architectural History/Theory and Sustainable Technology. Each year culminates in a major integrated design project which draws these parallel threads together.

The final two years (part 2) offer more opportunities to choose a programme of study which suits your emerging interests as a maturing designer. At level 4 you will choose an integrated design project from a series of offered options, and also select a ‘design research’ theme which leads into final year unit studios. These studios give you the opportunity to develop individual thesis projects which specialise in the aspects of architecture that most interest you.

Students at part 2 also have the opportunity to choose MArch with Urban Planning – this route leads to qualification as a chartered town planner as well as a registered architect.

The cornerstone of our teaching is our vibrant studio culture. While we are part of a university, we’re also situated in an art college which means we benefit from both excellent facilities and a highly creative atmosphere. Design tutorials and the majority of learning takes place in the architecture studio where you’ll be encouraged to work in a ‘hands-on’ way developing and testing your ideas through drawings, models and prototypes. You’ll work in small studio groups and on a one-to-one basis with experienced tutors, who are often also practicing architects, providing a supportive learning environment which fosters a spirit of independent enquiry and individual enterprise.  

We treat our surrounding city and landscape as a ‘live-lab’, asking you to engage with real places and real design problems from the outset. We focus on designing buildings and environments which respond to the needs of people, creating innovative architecture, spaces and places that are grounded in an understanding of culture and context. 

We welcome applications for direct entry to part 2 (level 4) from students who already hold a part 1 (or equivalent) qualification in architecture.

Employability

Graduates and students of Dundee have traditionally had an excellent reputation within the profession for being valuable and respected members of top practices in the UK and throughout the world.

For those wishing to qualify as architects the minimum period of study is 5 years in a ARB/RIBA recognised institution and also a minimum of 24 months practical training in practice, most commonly in an architect's practice.

Dundee has in recent years offered students an option to use the summer vacation period to gain a minimum of 3 months practical training in practice to count towards the first 12 months training for the RIBA professional requirements. At this stage students can also take the opportunity to gain experience in practices not just in the UK but also abroad.

Our graduates are highly regarded by the profession as skilled and confident individuals.

Your first three years of study qualify you as ARB/RIBA part 1 equivalent graduates, the final two years are accredited as equivalent to ARB/RIBA part 2.

Should you choose the MArch with Urban Planning option you’ll graduate with a qualification which also leads to RTPI chartered status.

Registration as an Architect in the UK requires completion of a minimum 24 months experience in architectural practice (the majority of students complete 12 months between years 3 and 4, and 12 months after year 5) and to subsequently sit a ‘part 3’ professional examination.

Our courses are designed to build your communication and team-working skills, and to expose you to ‘real world’ scenarios where you’ll engage directly with clients, communities and professional consultants, preparingyou for a successful career in practice.

Accreditation

• This course is accredited by Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)