Architecture

In 2011, the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy celebrated its centenary. The School has long led the way in architectural study and practice in Ireland. Its undergraduate, graduate and research programmes cover all aspects of the practice of architecture and landscape architecture, as well as advanced areas of conservation, sustainability, urbanism and history and theory.



This programme is aimed at students who wish to develop a career in architecture. It is a national and international, professionally accredited academic programme that will equip graduates to work worldwide in architectural design and in creative and research practice.



The MArch programme equips students to deal with complex design problems in a challenging context. Through studio projects, academic writing and practical experiments, it develops professional capacities while placing equal emphasis on research and critical enquiry. It embraces intensive small-group teaching from faculty, which includes many leading figures in architectural practice as well as internationally recognised researchers. The programme equips graduates to work in the field of Architecture anywhere across the world in architectural practice and in other forms of creative practice as well as in the areas of policy, consultancy and academia. This Masters is accredited by both the professional institute in Ireland (RIAI) and by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). It also has International Certification status with the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in the USA.

Stage 1 Core Modules

ARCT40020 Research & Innovation in the Designed Environment Autumn 5

ARCT41330 Comprehensive Design Project Autumn 20

ARCT40050 Architectural Design VIII Spring 15

ARCT40080 Research and Innovation in the Designed Environment II Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS: Important - All students must select one TECHNOLOGY OPTION Module.

ARCT40870 Agency: Design / Build Spring 5

ARCT41340 Conservation Technology Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:

GENERAL OPTIONS: Students must select two GENERAL OPTION Modules, ONE in EACH Trimester, from the list of General Options below:

ARCT40030 Realising Built Projects Autumn 5

ARCT40170 Conservation History, Theory and Policy Autumn 5

ARCT41210 Architecture in a Climate Emergency Autumn 5

ARCT40660 Street Life: Urban Design, an Introduction Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

ARCT41240 Urban Resilience and Ethics Spring 5



Stage 2 Core Modules

ARCT41130 Reflective Portfolio Module 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 5

ARCT41300 Major Research Essay 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

ARCT40190 Professional Studies Autumn 5

ARCT41190 Design Thesis 1 Autumn 15

ARCT41180 Design Thesis 2 Spring 25

- Portfolio Submission is essential (guidelines available on course webpage [link above] - Entry Requirements field)



- A bachelor’s degree in architecture or another approved equivalent degree (NFQ Level 8) with a minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence (2.1 or UCD GPA 3.08 or equivalent) is required .



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent



- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/



Completed applications (All required documents) must be submitted for review. In some cases, applications may include an interview; if this is required, the applicant will be informed.



Interview Dates

Thursday 4th December 2025

Thursday 5th February 2026

Thursday 19th March 2026

Thursday 30th April 2026

Thursday 11th June 2026

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

2 years full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

T273 Master of Architecture - Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The MArch qualification is RIAI (and European Union), and RIBA accredited. It will equip graduates to work in architecture anywhere across the world, whether in major global centres or in particular regional contexts. Graduates are involved in architectural practice and in other forms of professional creative practice, as well as in areas of policy and consultancy. Many graduates also go on to further postgraduate study, in UCD and elsewhere. Past students in the course’s connected programmes have gone on to become international or national experts in their selected fields.