MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION

The NUS Master of Architecture (M Arch) is Asia’s leading design and research programme for architecture. Our programme emphasises design expertise in architecture. By recognising architecture as a cultural practice that involves both speculative intelligence and practical execution, the programme encourages students to acquire knowledge and cultivate critical perspectives for their future creative practice.

NUS M Arch design studios are rich in diversity and rigorous in quality. The Design Options Studios and the graduate level Design Thesis programme explore a variety of issues through research-based design. Students will be trained to think critically and materially as they embark on explorative design methodologies that commits to iterative design processes.

Complementing the M Arch design studios are the Core Professional Courses and Graduate Level Electives. Set in a lecture and seminar-style learning environment, these courses shall focus on the core knowledge of specific topics. M Arch students will benefit from the application of these basic theories and research methods in their design activities and beyond.

Experiencing these curriculums, students are expected to proactively build up their knowledge and skills. In the second semester of M Arch II, students shall concentrate on their individual Design Thesis. Encompassing a wide variety of disciplines and cultural dimensions, the Design Thesis course offers students an opportunity to form independent positions on self-researched inquiries.

Facilitated by a team of world-class academics and professional architects from six research clusters: Research by Design, History, Theory and Criticism, Technologies, Urbanism, Landscape Studies and Design Education, the programme develops students’ abilities in research-driven design practice. Supplemented with guest lectures, symposiums, exhibitions, overseas exchange and field research, NUS M Arch programme shall richly inspire students in advanced graduate learning.

With this, the NUS M Arch programme will prepare our graduates to become design leaders, well-placed to capitalise the opportunities that a rapidly changing Asia and world, have to offer.

CDP BA (Arch) students from admit cohorts 2310 and earlier, as well as Single-Degree students from admit cohorts 2610 and earlier, will undertake the M.Arch curriculum across four semesters. These students are highly encouraged to complete the Architectural Internship Programme (AIP), which provides valuable exposure to real-world architectural practice.

For non-CDP BA (Arch) students from admit cohort 2410 onwards, a revised pathway applies. These students are required to complete a BA (Arch) (Hons) with an Integrated Design specialisation and highly encouraged to complete Architectural Internship Programme (AIP) before progressing to the one-year M.Arch programme. Graduates will complete the specialisation in July and transition directly to the M.Arch programme commencing in August of the same year.

For non NUS student of admit cohort 2710 onwards, please refer to the webpage on Master of Architecture programme (2 years – Non NUS student)

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1-year M.Arch Pathway for BA (Arch) Graduates (Class of 2027 onwards)

Apply now for admission to our 1-year Master of Architecture Programme.

For complete instructions and information of the application and admission process, please read our APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS.