Architecture Design MSc

Course overview

This programme will be available for entry in September 2025. Applications will open in October 2024.

Architecture is a profession, practice and research domain that reflects both the physical and non-physical attributes applied to the built environment to form a city's layered knowledge. Our Architecture Design MSc degree will examine these two aspects in an interdisciplinary and experimental manner, combining architecture and sustainability issues through critical debate and creative practice to aid your development as a designer of future cities and urban environments.

You'll be introduced to innovative research and global settings to expand your knowledge beyond the usual subject boundaries, connecting architectural expertise with other disciplines and domains, such as urban design through your research dissertation.

Taught by acclaimed teaching and research academics at the forefront of the subject, you’ll gain in-depth specialist knowledge and engage with active research in the School. Our close links with large practices also mean you’ll have chance to interact with potential employers.

Your background could be in architecture, geography, art, urban design, urban planning, landscape, heritage studies, conservation, interior design, urban management or similar. Whatever your background, this MSc will ignite your imagination and expand your horizons. What’s most important is that you thrive on critical thinking and have a willingness to move outside disciplinary comfort zones. The skills taught in this programme will support you to progress in a range of careers both in practice and in the professional academic sphere.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School and from the Architecture and Urbanism Research Group feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in architecture.
• Learn from a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical design and hands-on professional exposure, all set within a vibrant studio environment.
• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem and explores your specific interests and career ambitions.
• Access specialist facilities including digital software, a dedicated study suite for Masters students and design studio. The design studio provides panoramic views of Leeds and serves as a testing ground for exploring your innovative concepts and honing essential architectural abilities.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and professional experience, and who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research as part of research groups.

Course details

This degree covers two taught design studio modules, a thesis and lecture-based taught modules in a number of specialist subjects. You’ll conduct a critical analysis of cities' architecture and lead your projects to speculate and experiment. Experimental methods and approaches will enhance your critical skills and ability to become leaders in your field.

Additional modules will focus on current trends in architectural design and research. You'll work both in groups and on individual projects to explore more specific and advanced skills and tools in your areas of interest. You’ll also learn to apply these skills through a specialist project.

We promote the exploration of ideas and the collaboration with other students. The interdisciplinary nature of the course and the exchange of expertise among academics, professionals and students from various backgrounds make the MSc course a unique platform to explore architectural ideas in more depth and complexity and under extensive speculation. This will be an opportunity to support the development of methods to help with experimentation, reflection and critical debate.

Throughout the course, you’ll also get hands-on in the design studio, applying your theoretical learning in a practical setting through workshops.

All modules will you help develop research, conceptual and practical architectural design skills alongside tools to lay the foundations for the rest of the programme. You’ll learn through case studies, real-life practical exercises and work on briefs encompassing all specialisms offered.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Compulsory modules

Design 1: Architectural Design Strategies – 30 credits 

Immerse yourself in the principles, methodologies and practices of urban design. The studio format encourages hands-on exploration and critical thinking as you engage in real-world urban design projects. This module serves as a stepping stone for you to develop the necessary skills and design-thinking mindset for advanced studies in urban design.

Design 2: Architectural Design – 30 credits

Learn the knowledge and application of sustainable criteria in the built environment with a holistic approach towards a world view of sustainability. In the context of climate emergency, energy and global challenges, the module seeks to foster an awareness of building resilience with a particular emphasis on building performance and occupant comfort. You’ll cover sustainable architectural design approaches towards developing a professional and critical stance.

Architecture and Sustainable Developments – 15 credits

This module will be delivered as a series of 4 full-day blocks of teaching activities, in addition to two days of assignment workshops. Each block is dedicated to specific topics. Assignment workshops will be held after two teaching blocks and will focus on applying the taught content in a practical context. Teaching combines a series of lectures, seminars, case study showcase. Several external guests will also contribute to delivery and discussions.

Sustainable Environment Design – 15 credits

Learn the knowledge and application of sustainable criteria in the built environment towards a world view of sustainability. In the context of climate emergency, energy and global challenges, the module seeks to foster an awareness of building resilience, economic, social and environmental sustainability with a particular emphasis on building performance and end user. Youl’l develop critical sustainable standpoints and approaches via investigating the previous and existing practices preparing for future challenges.

Theories of Architecture and Urban Design – 15 credits

You'll be provided with an advanced exploration of urban design principles and practices on a global scale. This module delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by diverse cultural, social and environmental contexts. It aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex urban issues, emphasising the integration of local identity with global best practices.

Research Methods and Skills Training – 15 credits

Research is an essential element of the MSc degree. The module introduces you to the challenges involved in designing, implementing and disseminating a research project. You’ll also build the skills needed for architectural research to inform design, encouraging you to consider how your investigations contribute to the academic knowledge in your field.

Research Thesis – 60 credits

The dissertation provides the opportunity for in-depth research and analysis. You’ll develop and apply research and design skills in a specific area of architecture. You’ll select a relevant topic to study in-depth and produce a 20,000-word research thesis. Topics proposals are open and broad to align with the teaching team’s expertise.

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll be taught by staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines.

Teaching in this programme is informed by a mix of lecture-based and practical design studio modules. Participating in group tutorials and engaging in peer review will enhance your ability to articulate your thoughts and appreciate the perspectives of others. Our digital facilities at Leeds provides an ideal environment for nurturing your identity as a designer.

We deliver an intense studio programme and diverse lectures and seminars. You’ll develop your research agenda and test ideas by experimenting with architectural proposals. We expect you to ground your proposals in current discourses and thoroughly consider the real-life factors influencing your materialisation.

You'll also engage in critical and intensive research using qualitative and quantitative approaches in architecture and urbanism. You’ll receive professional and specialised tutoring in developing design ideas, using case study analysis, discussing the cultural and methodical aspects and applying latest technological advancement in the field.

Specialist facilities

The School offers excellent facilities and technical support for developing your design projects and creative skills.

We have an expansive open-plan design studio that provides panoramic views of Leeds. This is the primary location where you will be spending most of your time. The design studio spaces foster a spirit of collaboration, and it also hosts an architectural model making space. Our computer labs are equipped with cutting-edge digital software, including Revit (Building Information Modelling), Computer Aided Design, and Adobe Creative Suite (graphic communication) software. We have a range of dedicated spaces where students can work independently. We also have a number of practical workshops and specialist digital facilities available at HELIX, and the XLab for Immersive Technologies and 3D workshop.

Programme team

The programme leader, Prof Gehan Selim, is the Hoffman Wood Chair in Architecture. She is the Deputy Director at Leeds Social Sciences Institute. Her research covers interdisciplinary methods bridging between Architecture, Memory and Heritage, Post-Conflict Urbanism and Urban Politics; Design and Co-production Methods, Community Engagement.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

All modules will be assessed using coursework through design reviews, face-to-face group discussion, essays, oral presentations, reports and group work.

Assessment methods are used to map your acquisition of core knowledge and understanding, subject-specific skills, cognitive and transferable skills.

The assessment strategies apply to all the elements of learning in this programme and are driven by three main principles:

• to build on your curiosity to boost your engagement
• to help you make progress with your personal study
• to provide meaningful feedback in a timely manner.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in architecture, or related subjects such as architectural engineering or urban design.

Portfolio Requirements

Submission of a creative portfolio that demonstrates your design skills is mandatory for acceptance into the MSc program in Architecture Design. The portfolio serves as a reflection of your individuality, visualisation abilities, passion, and aspirations. Portfolios will be reviewed by a member of the Architecture academics.

Contents Specifications

The portfolio should include:

1. A statement summarising your interest in the field of architecture or related subject.
2. At least 3 or more projects you have developed, with one project as the lead. You must include your latest up to date project.
3. Samples of your best design and creative work in the form of Design projects (brief description of objectives, conceptual drawings, design process, completed projects).
4. You could additionally provide publications emerging from research projects.
5. Indicate your role and responsibilities for projects completed within wider teams.
6. Each project must include the year of study, role/contribution, or date when the project was completed.

Organise your portfolio by arranging pages in a logical sequence, complete with a table of contents, detailed information sheets for each project and explanatory text to provide background. Ensure that the portfolio cover displays your complete name and contact details. Keep the portfolio concise with a maximum of 20 pages (4 pages per project) and ensure the file size does not exceed 20 MB. Submit your portfolio in PDF format exclusively.

International applicants

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

This programme will be available for entry in October 2025. Applications will open in October 2024.

This course is taught by

School of Civil Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Additional cost information

You may wish to buy your own design and model making supplies. There also may be other costs relating to optional field trips which are yet to be confirmed.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

The knowledge and skills you’ll build from this programme will strongly support progression to more senior research roles and career progression within the design discipline in both academic and in professional practice.

In practice, on completion of this programme, you could progress into a range of job roles, including:

• Senior Architect
• Landscape/Urban Planner
• Restoration Architect
• Industrial Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Production Designer
• Quality Assurance Architect
• Entrepreneur
• Research Assistant
• Lecturer in Higher Education

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles. 
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about career support.