Manchester School of Architecture

HISTORY

The Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is a School of Architecture, jointly administered by Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester in the city of Manchester, England.

The School was formed in 1996 with the merger of the architecture departments of the University of Manchester (then Victoria University of Manchester) and Manchester Metropolitan University. Students of MSA are classified as students of both universities and are issued with separate cards for each university, allowing them to use the resources and facilities of both institutions. Upon graduating the degree is awarded by both universities.

COURSES

The School covers three main aspects of architectural education. An undergraduate course (BA Hons) which has exemption to the RIBA Part One exam; a professional postgraduate course (M.Arch.) offers exemption to the RIBA Part Two exams; and finally a range of postgraduate Masters and PhD courses.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

UCAS Tariff Points/Grades Required: A2 grades AAA at full A level or BTEC Extended Diploma Grades DDD (or acceptable equivalent). A BTEC Extended Diploma in Art & Design on its own will not be considered as meeting their entry requireements.

Specific GCSE Requirements: GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or grade 4. Equivalent qualifications (eg. Functional Skills) may be considered

Non Tariffed Qualifications: Access to HE Diplomas in Humanities/Science subjects will be considered acceptable. Overall 60 credits are required with 45 at level 3. Minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit.

Additional Requirements: A mixture of Arts/Humanities and Science/Mathematics subjects is preferred at A2 level. General Studies is not accepted

International Baccalaureate: 32 with three subjects at higher level 6 or above Points

International Students: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with writing 6.5 and no components below 6 is required.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

The School of Architecture is consistently ranked amongst the best in the UK and characteristically students rate their experience very highly particularly in respect of resource provision, quality of teaching and personal development.

Strong links with architectural practice in the Northwest and architectural practitioners are involved with teaching.

The course is jointly run by MMU and the University of Manchester. The student will benefit from the considerable resources and expertise in teaching and research available in both institutions and receive an award from both institutions.

TEACHING STANDARDS

Specialist, research active staff provide a rich and stimulating environment at MSA. Many of them are or have practiced as architects and have strong links with the architecture community in Manchester and beyond.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Most graduates continue with their architecture education by undertaking a year in practice before entering the Masters of Architecture programme to complete the academic components that can lead to qualification as an architect. Some graduates move into other fields such as advertising, banking, art history and web design following graduation. Graduates of the MSA are highly valued by the profession who recognise their confidence, creativity and abilities that are well suited to employment contexts.