Our degree programmes support various passions, vocations and careers relating to the discipline of architecture. The most recognizable of these is as an architect. To be an architect in the United Kingdom involves three examinations named 'Parts 1, 2 and 3' respectively. The standards for these examinations are set and overseen by the Architects' Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). At the University of Edinburgh, education for Part 1 is offered in the MA Architectural Design, Part 2 in the MArch (Design), and Part 3 in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. The scope of architectural education is broad, and it can also lead to careers in the built environment and the creative arts more generally. Other career options are supported by specialised programmes we offer: undergraduate MA programmes in Architectural History and Studies; joint degrees in Archaeology, Social History and Structural Engineering; one-year postgraduate MSc programmes in Design & Digital Media, Advanced Architectural Design, and Sound Design; and MPhil and PhD research programmes.

The Department of Architecture offers three MA programmes, each involves four years' study. The four-year undergraduate MA has a long tradition in Scottish universities. It is structured as a 2 x 2 year programme: Years 1 and 2 provide solid foundations within specific disciplines, while Years 3 and 4 - know as 'Junior and Senior Honours' Years students great freedom to construct a rigorous course of study closely tailored to their individual interests.
MA Architectural Design (Part 1)
MA Architectural History
MA Architectural Studies

The MArch is a two-year programme, and is distinctive for its emphasis on a depth pedagogy allowing students longer periods to work through carefully defined contemporary problems. The Department offers one primary MArch programme:
MArch (Design, Part 2)

Entry to this programme requires applicants to have ARB/RIBA Part 1 status for their first degree, and leads to exemption from the ARB/RIBA Part 2 examination, the second stage in training to be an architect. This programme is validated by ARB/RIBA until December 2010.

We also offer the following, non-ARB/RIBA-validated, programmes:
MArch Studies (Design)
MArch Studies (Digital Media)

The MArch (Digital Media), prescribed for ARB Part 2 until December 2010, offers a specialism in digital media. Entry to this programme requires applicants to have ARB Part 1 status for their first degree, and leads to exemption from the ARB Part 2 examination, the second stage in training to be an architect.

Intending applicants whose first degree does not carry Part 1 status, usually because their qualification was gained at an overseas institution, are advised to opt for either the MArch Studies (Design) or MArch Studies (Digital Media). For further details see 'MArch Admissions'.

Postgraduate programmes are fundamental to the Department's intellectual life. They are considered to be spaces in which emergent agendas within architectural scholarship and practice are fostered.

The Department offers a range of postgraduate programmes in both 'taught' and 'research' modes. Taught programmes involve a series of seminar-, studio-, or lecture-based modules relating to a specific field, and culminate in a dissertation on a topic of the candidate's choosing. Research programmes (such as the PhD) emphasize greater research training and involve more ambitious dissertation work.

The hub for postgraduate studies in architecture is the Graduate School of Arts, Culture & Envionment, accessed via the link below. The Graduate School, together with The University and the City of Edinburgh offer a stimulating environment for postgraduate study in architecture. The Graduate School is within five minutes walk of the National Library of Scotland, the City Central Library, and the main University Library - one of the largest in the United Kingdom. These collections are augmented by a flourishing Departmental library.
Taught Postgraduate Programmes
Research Postgraduate Programmes
Graduate School of Arts, Culture & Environment

The department offers a range of Continuing Professional Development programmes. These are short courses covering 'Part 3 Preparation', 'Update in Architectural Management' and 'Design and Digital Media for Professionals'. These courses are designed to support recent graduates from professional architectural training in undertaking the RIBA/ARB Examination in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture, Part 3. The Professional Education programmes draw on a wide range of expertise from staff and visiting experts.
Post Part 2 Professional Training Support
Update in Architectural Management
Design & Digital Media for Professionals