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Professional accreditation – the course is fully validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board. The course satisfies the criteria held jointly by the RIBA and ARB for part 2 courses in architecture.
Experience - with roots in London Council School of Building (1904) and Brixton School of Building (1940), LSBU has been offering architectural education for over 100 years.
We have some of the best workshops in the UK and a lead research group DARLAB (Digital Architecture and Robotics Lab).
Overview
Encouraging debate in Architecture
The Master of Architecture (MArch) RIBA Part 2 course at LSBU promotes a studio-based culture which encourages debate and enquiry about contemporary societies, the postmodern city, and relationships between urban and landscape conditions. These are considered through a range of innovative and personal responses to architectural design projects; environmental and constructional technologies; critical research expressed in extended, dissertation writing, and the skills needed to operate as a progressive professional practitioner.
Our various design studios offer their own scholarly programmes and positions appealing to a wide and diverse range of interests. The design modules offered are underpinned by taught modules in: History and Theory; Energy and Resource Efficiency in Architecture; Professional Practice and Technology.
Explore life as an architecture student at LSBU
Is this course right for me?
This course will see you build on analytical design skills and professional competences established at undergraduate level, with a focus on innovation in design, construction, and resource efficient technology. Our dedicated studio spaces and digital workshops are designed to support peer group conversation, thus enabling students to develop an understanding of and methods relevant to contemporary professional practice, together with an ability to produce complex and diverse design proposals.
Overall, the Master of Architecture course is intended to engage critical thinking through design, by helping students develop their problem-solving skills, on prescient issues of environment, politics, society, economics, and culture. This plethora of challenges all form our studio conversations.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to start your second stage of professional practical experience in an architect’s office before progressing to the RIBA Part 3 professional practice course and examination.
The MArch course nurtures a good understanding of the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. We are a strong enabler of a fair, balanced, equal opportunity environment for all students. We believe that the transformational opportunities the MArch course affords should be opened to all people of different backgrounds, race, age, class or creed.
Each year, we hold a range of Architecture events to help you develop your Architectural knowledge and experience and meet future employers. We also hold an End of Year Exhibition in the LSBU Hub. This is an opportunity for students from across all years and Architecture programmes to showcase their creativity and network with future employers from leading architecture firms in the UK and overseas.
You can browse some of the work from the 2025 show on Dezeen.
Teaching and Assessment
How will I learn?
At LSBU there are comprehensive on-campus workshops capable of transforming a broad range of materials. You'll be taught by staff who are experienced industry professionals, having worked for some of the top architectural practices. The studio structure allows you to specialise in an area that matches their research interests and explore highly topical themes around architecture, urban design, social theory and politics.
Personal Tutoring
As a BEA (Built Environment and Architecture) student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.
Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.
Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.
You will have appointments with your personal tutor once a semester for 30 minutes throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.
Studio structure
Central to the LSBU concept of postgraduate architecture education is the studio system, operating across part and full-time courses. The studios provide a framework for a range of relevant intellectual and practical specialisms to inform design work, underpinning and contributing to the academic rigour of the architecture programme.
View the School of the Built Environment and Architecture Catalogue 2021/22.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
The course is well connected to key practices in London. Many LSBU graduates also choose to work abroad. You may also use your qualifications outside architecture to enter careers such as journalism, project management, writing, teaching, research, or software and gaming design.
In addition to offering the university award of MArch: Master of Architecture (and RIBA part 2), the course is also a preparation for the second period of practical training. The first period of practical training is usually, but not exclusively, undertaken following completion of the first degree in architecture (RIBA part 1).
To be eligible for admission to the RIBA part 3 Professional Practice Examination, you must have successfully undertaken a recognised RIBA part 1 and part 2 qualification – and have completed a minimum of 24 months eligible practical training.
The Professional Practice and Design Economics module explains the need for a business-oriented and professional attitude to work, and emphasises the need for forward planning of projects.
Graduates from the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture are employed at Foster and Partners, Niall McLaughlin Architects, Stanton Williams, Wilkinson Eyre, and Zaha Hadid Architects among many other globally recognised practices.
Guest lectures, Exhibitions, Competitions, Accolades & Mentoring
The MArch course is very dedicated to a research centered education. Over the years, we have worked diligently to build up the recognition of our division externally through series of Open Lectures by visiting lecturers, Student exhibitions, Student competitions, accolades, and Mentoring. Our Level 7 Part 2 Architecture Apprenticeship course gives us strong links with industry and so the MArch course at LSBU prepares you to work in architectural practice.
Recent guest lecturers include:
- Roz Barr (principal of Roz Barr Architects, and recipient of the 2012 AJ Retrofit Award)
- Professor David Gloster (RIBA Director of Education)
- Michael Pawlyn (project architect for the Eden Project)
- Professor Peter Salter (architect of the acclaimed Walmer Road housing scheme, and professor of architecture at the Welsh School of Architecture)
- Alex de Rijke, founding partner of dRMM, former Dean of the Royal College of Art
- Carolyn Steel (author of The Hungry City)
- Carl Turner (RIBA Manser award winner for the Slip House, Brixton)
- Mike Weinstock (Director of Research at the Architectural Association, and Director of the Emergent Technology Master of Architecture programme)
Field trips
There is emphasis on the first-hand observation and generation of alternative models for the city. This is developed through field trips to destinations such as Beijing, Berlin, Delhi, Dubai, Havana, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Jaipur, Las Vegas, Marrakech, Moscow, Paris, Seoul, St Petersburg, Tokyo, and Yokohama. All field trips are organised following the current government guidelines on international travel.
Placements
Although architecture graduates make their own arrangements for placements, the school is very often able to direct students to practices who are actively seeking staff.
Accreditation
The course is unconditionally validated by RIBA and offers the professional award of RIBA part 2 on successful completion. The regular validation cycle ensures that your work is carefully sampled by peer reviewers to ensure course content and outputs retain close relevance to professional practice. The course and qualification is also prescribed by the Architects Registration Board.
- The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the UK's statutory body for architects.
- The professional membership body, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), champions better buildings, communities, and the environment through architecture. They provide guidance on professional standards, training, support, and recognition that puts their members around the world at the peak of their profession.
LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:
- AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
- Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
- Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.
We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.
Entry Level Requirements
- Students holding overseas degrees in architecture should, desirably, demonstrate that their work has RIBA part 1 equivalence by contacting the Architects Registration Board regarding the ARB Prescribing Examination.
- Applicants for the part-time course should be working in practice.
- All students considered for admission will be required to attend an interview with a portfolio of work; if located overseas, applicants will be required to send a portfolio of work to the admissions tutor.
- We will also consider applications from those who have gained skills through a wide range of vocational qualifications, or relevant responsible experience.
This course is usually intended for graduates of architecture courses where students hold a university degree and part 1 professional qualification recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Applicants to the course should have a first degree in architecture (2:2 or better); however, the University recognises that individuals may develop additional skills outside university. and will interview such applicants who have developed a high quality portfolio of relevant academic and practice work. All students considered for admission will be required to submit a portfolio of their work, details on submission and content can be found here - Architecture portfolio | London South Bank University
Applicants for this course must also meet the following additional entry requirements:
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- United States of America
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Apply
Course delivery modes and application methods
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 2 years | September | 4592 | Direct to LSBU |
| Part-time | 3 years | September | 4591 | Direct to LSBU |
Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,520 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
How to apply
Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.
International students
International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.
Accommodation
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!
Enrolment
Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.
Fees
United Kingdom
£9790
Tuition fees for home students
International
£18360
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
full-time
Full-time Year 1 - All Available Courses
MArch Architecture (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £9790 | International fee: £18360 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 4592 | Session code: 1FS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £19580 |
| International: £36720 |
Full-time Year 2 - All Available Courses
MArch Architecture (FT) - Year 2 FT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £9790 | International fee: £18360 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 4592 | Session code: 2FS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £19580 |
| International: £36720 |
part-time
Part-time Year 1 - All Available Courses
MArch Architecture (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £6526.67 | International fee: £12240 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 4591 | Session code: 1PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £18756.67 |
| International: £36720 |
Part-time Year 2 - All Available Courses
MArch Architecture (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £4895 | International fee: £9180 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 4591 | Session code: 2PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £18756.67 |
| International: £36720 |
Part-time Year 3 - All Available Courses
MArch Architecture (PT) - Year 3 PT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £7335 | International fee: £15300 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 4591 | Session code: 3PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £18756.67 |
| International: £36720 |
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by checking at the the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) find your fee status page.
Visit our Policies and procedures page for details on fees policies.
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
