Personalise your studies and tailor your expertise in advanced architectural design and research. This programme combines architectural skills and theory with a variety of specialist options that outline innovations and contemporary practice.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced architect, our MA in Advanced Architecture (formerly MA in Architecture) equips you with enhanced specialist skills and knowledge in architectural design.
This highly flexible programme provides a grounding in architectural design processes and research methods and offers a choice of specialist options. You can focus on enhancing your design and technical skills or alternatively pursue a research or design research path in preparation for future PhD studies.
Our range of specialisms enables you to personalise your studies to match your interests and experience. From the application of computational design, AI, digital fabrication, robotics, VR/AR, to sustainable design, building information modelling, environmental assessments, digital heritage or a combination of the above.
There are opportunities to take part in field trips and visit world-leading exhibitions and practices. You will also meet professionals from renowned architectural firms. Specialists from Heatherwick Studio, Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects are regular guests in our design reviews.
Visit the MA in Advanced Architecture website to see examples of projects undertaken by current students and recent graduates, as well as recent excursions and other activities.
This master’s is suitable for experienced architects, as well as graduates from a design background e.g. Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior/Art Design, Environmental Design, Urban Design, or Civil/Structural Engineering, who wish to specialise further in advanced architectural design and construction.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARCHITECTURAL THEORIES FROM 1900 TO THE PRESENT (ARCH712) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (ARCH707) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You must choose one of ARCH721, ARCH722 and ARCH723. You will only study one of these modules, not all three.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THESIS: DISSERTATION (ARCH721) | 60 |
| THESIS: RESEARCH BY DESIGN (ARCH722) | 60 |
| THESIS: DESIGN (ARCH723) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching methods include lectures, small-group seminars, studio tutorials, group work and guided independent study.
Lectures will typically provide a broad introduction to key topics and debates, while seminars enable particular issues or design challenges to be explored and discussed in greater detail. Studio tutorials will develop your design strategies through small-group teaching led by a tutor.
A range of assessment methods are used on this programme, including essays, presentations, reports, blogs, portfolios, case study research and practical group projects. You’ll also develop a research proposal and complete a dissertation or research design project.
Studio work is formally assessed by a digital portfolio at the end of each semester.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.
Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.
Asterios Agkathidis and Mohammed Al Suwaidi introduce the MA in Advanced Architecture.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Although this programme does not carry RIBA/ARB accreditation, you’ll be studying with the UK’s first Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accredited University School of Architecture.
Learning from experts engaged in highly rated international research, your employability will be enhanced through gaining specialist knowledge and putting your skills into practice. You can tailor your module choice to maximise its relevance and suitability to your future career.
You’ll graduate ready for a stimulating and rewarding career in a variety of roles and industries relevant to the built environment.
These include careers in:
You may wish to continue your studies and will find you are well prepared for PhD research.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Full-time place, per year - £26,600
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Architecture (or a closely related subject e.g. Landscape Architecture, Interior/Art Design, Civil/Structural Engineering or Urban Design). Please contact us if you wish to check whether your degree subject is suitable, however a wide spectrum of subjects are acceptable. Candidates who do not meet these requirements will be considered on their individual merits and should discuss their particular circumstances with the Programme Director. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content, please contact the programme director.
Last updated 21 January 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions