Architecture

Architecture today presents a highly diverse range of graduate career opportunities to operate within. Our degree is designed to respond to this condition.

In addition to the acquisition of core competencies we believe that it is essential that each student develops their own position within the profession. Based on intuition, judgment and a personal work methodology this aspect of architecture is not one that can be taught in the strict sense of the word, but it can be learned if the circumstances are correct. It is the creation and fostering of these circumstances that we see as the primary role of this Masters programme.

This a four-semester, two-year, full-time Masters programme for students with a first degree in architecture who wish to progress their studies in architecture and potentially continue to full professional status and progress to final qualification as a practising architect.

The degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for ARB Prescriptions for Qualification Criteria at Part II and the EU Professional Qualifications Directive 2005 (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications, article 46 1a-k).

WHY QUEEN'S?

The programme is an active participant in Erasmus with links to established schools of architecture in Europe. MArch I includes a compulsory, self-funded field-trip, usually to a mainland European city.

The MArch is divided up into thematic studio groups which collectively encompass a broad range of approaches to architectural design. Each led by a pair of tutors, the groups also feature an external 'consultant' who will contribute to teaching at strategic moments throughout the programme. The focus of the MArch is to investigate and develop the relationships between critical practice, design and research in the making of architectural proposals.

The thematic groups, therefore, will reflect the expertise and preoccupations of the tutors and consultants involved. Accordingly, the briefs developed and the work produced become a collaborative investigation between practitioners, students and academics into some of the spatial issues affecting the production of the built environment, both on this island and elsewhere.

Students will be offered a choice of unit at the beginning of MArch I and then again at the beginning of MArch II, their thesis year. It is imagined that they will choose a different group each year to make the most of the breadth and the depth offered by the unit system. Choices will also be offered for the humanities and technologies dissertations. The four semesters of the Masters programme are thought of as a single entity, within which diverse challenges allow you to identify core strengths and to develop these through open discussion. The programme encompasses design, technology and practice, as well as history and theory. Over 75 per cent of the degree is studio based with a strong emphasis on self-directed study and ambitious agendas.

Year 1 Modules

• Architectural Research: Humanities 
• Dissertation (30 CATS) (project work) 
• Architectural Research: Technology 
• Dissertation (20 CATS) (project work) 
• Comprehensive Project 30 CATS (studio: project work) 
• Erasmus Placement Place and Making 20 CATS (studio: project work) 
• Studio as Laboratory I 10 CATS (studio: project work) 
• Professional Skills 10 CATs (exam and project work)

Year 2 Modules

• Studio as Laboratory II 10 CATS 
• Thesis Project I 20 CATS (studio: project work) 
• Thesis Project II 60 CATS (studio: project work) 
• Thesis Research 30 CATS (studio: project work)

Applicants whose Primary Degree was Awarded Outside the UK:

1. A recognised qualification equivalent to a 2.1 Honours degree in Architecture. Applicants with a degree in Architecture below 2.1 Honours standard (or equivalent) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
2. Normally an assessment equivalent to 60% or above in their (first degree) final year major design project. 
3. A demonstration of a critical awareness of the applicant's position relative to the profession and discipline of architecture. Such demonstration is typically in the form of a personal statement. 
4. International applicants may be invited for interview and/or asked to submit further relevant information to support their application. 
5. International applicants should note that if they wish to undertake Part 3 (to lead to ARB registration as an architect and as an RIBA chartered architect) they must be successful in an application to ARB for their first architecture degree to be assessed by ARB as satisfying Part 1.

Application Portfolio Requirement.

As part of the application process you are required to upload a single pdf portfolio of your best architechtural design (personal, non-group) work to date. the pdf should be no more than 5mb and no more than 15 pages long. The purpose of the portfolio submission is to:

• Identify indicators of commitment, excellence and achievement within the applicant's academic or professional portfolio of experience.
• Evaluate the applicants critical awareness of the dicipline and profession of architecture. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students (for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their studies. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking and Listening and a minimum of 5.5 in Reading and Writing, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years). For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this programme, our partner INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability to entry to this programme. Please click the links below for more information: English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English

Applicants from the UK and other EU countries
Please note: Where it states 'UK residents' qualifying residency and citizenship/nationality criteria apply.

* Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) Postgraduate Research Studentships

Funded by the Department of Employment and Learning, these are offered in most subject areas.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

* DEL (CAST) Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology

These awards are for specific research projects in collaboration with an industrial sponsor in the following Schools/areas: Biomedical Sciences in School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; School of Pharmacy; School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering; School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Mathematics and Physics.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

A CAST studentship may also include a contribution from the industrial collaborating body.

Visit the School websites listed above for details concerning potential DEL CAST

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Awards are available for both Masters and Doctoral degrees in humanities subject areas.

Applicants should apply via Queen's for funding and should not apply directly to AHRC.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

Queen's School Funding Opportunities

Some Schools have funding available for postgraduate PhD or taught Masters courses.

North-South Postgraduate Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students undertaking a recognised Masters or the first year of a PhD programme (taught or research) in the other Irish jurisdiction.

Applicants from outside the EU
If you are applying to Queen's from outside the EU, you are advised to explore fully the funding opportunities for studying in the UK available from sources in your own country. Some closing dates are as early as a year before commencing studies, so please make sure to apply in good time.

Some of the main awards are listed:

Department for International Development (DFID) Shared Scholarship Scheme

This award is for specific one-year taught postgraduate courses. The award cover tuition fees, a maintenance grant and travel costs. Only students from developing Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply.

British Chevening Awards

* The Foreign and Commonwealth Office funds a number of British Chevening scholaships for postgraduate study, mainly for one-year taught Masters degrees.
* Candidates must apply directly to the University for admission before applying for a Chevening Scholarship. Contact the British Embassy, British High Commission or British Council Office in your own country.

Applicants from USA
If you are a US citizen, you are eligible to apply for the following awards tenable at Queen's

George J Mitchell Scholarships

Fulbright Scholarships

Mary McNeill Scholarship (for US and Canadian citizens undertaking MA Irish Studies