Postgraduate – MArch and MSc
- MArch Advanced Architecture Design (1E10)
- MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design (K11L)
- MArch Sustainable Urban Design (K11H)
- MArch Architecture Design and Build (K11M)
- MSc/PGDip Sustainable Building Technology (K210, K211, K212)
- MSc Sustainable Energy & Entrepreneurship (K10A)
- MSc/PGDip Renewable Energy & Architecture (K131, K130)
- MSc Advanced Building Performance Engineering (1E11)
Welcome to the Department of Architecture. There are no special requirements, nor any need to prepare anything in advance. Just bring yourself and be ready to find out more about your journey here with us.
Please try not to miss our Welcome Week as it will be full of activities designed to help you settle, become familiar with our environment, processes and systems, and cover any queries you may have. You will also meet your programme director and teaching teams.
In the introductory meeting we'll go over the activities planned over the first couple of weeks, so please make sure you check the Welcome timetable beforehand for times and locations!
Next steps
1
Review the IT recommendations
The recommended specification for devices needed to support many activities within the Department of Architecture and Built Environment are outlined by Digital and Technology Services (DTS).
It is also recommended that you have a webcam and microphone for participation in video conferences and online group meetings plus a keyboard and mouse to enable you to work effectively with certain software.
It is recommended that your device has:
- Minimum RAM is 8GB but recommended RAM is 16GB
- Your minimum screen size should be 15.6 inch
- A minimum of three USB ports is required; alternatively, an adapter to extend one USB port to three or more will be acceptable
- Your HDMI connection should be direct.
It is helpful (although not essential) for you to have:
- a separate monitor with minimum screen size of 21 inch
- a device that enables you to draw
The following capabilities aren't essential but could help improve your comfort while studying:
- Rapid recharge of batteries or spare batteries to provide all day use
- Devices than can connect to a bigger screen (TV or monitor) for longer periods of study or collaborative work. Please note that university monitors use HDMI connections.
2
Complete the faculty health and safety induction and book a slot to collect your personal protective equipment (PPE) and department hoodie
All new students in the Faculty of Engineering must complete the health and safety induction. Once completed you will be able to follow a link to book a time slot during Welcome Week to collect any PPE required for your course along with a department hoodie.
We recommend that you wait until your induction timetables are available (from 26th August), before booking your collection slot so you can choose a time that fits in with your department events and activities.
3
Check out the suggested reading list
Here's a list of recommended reading material to help prepare you for the start of term. This is completely optional.
MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design
- Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design
by Steven V. Szokolay (book)
- The Climate Framework, an online library in collaboration with a number of institutions – available (free online resource)
MArch Sustainable Urban Design
- Public Places Urban Spaces (2010) by Carmona, Heath, Oc & Tiesdell
- Urban Design: The Basics (2025) by Heath & Wiedmann
Also take a look at the following websites which will help you to understand urban design and prepare you for the programme: and
MSc Advanced Building Performance Engineering
- Environmental Science in Buildings (McMullen)
- Building Services Engineering (Chadderton)
- Air Conditioning Engineering (Chadderton)
- CIBSE Guide A, Environmental Design (CIBSE)
- Heating, Cooling, Lighting (Lechner)
4
Find out how you can get involved in extracurricular activities
by visiting the Engineering and Architecture hub