The M.Arch. degree programme in Architectural Design will be the second-tier qualification, superseding the 1-year Diploma in Design Foundation Studies and the 3-year B.Sc. (Hons) in Built Environment Studies, that will prepare you for an EU accredited warrant to pursue a career as an Architect. The course structure conforms to the Bologna Process, as the complementary programmes taken as a whole are informed by the requirements of Article 46 of the DIRECTIVE 2005/36/EC OF THE EU “On the Training of Architects”. During the course, we will provide you with a balance between theoretical knowledge in subjects that are relevant to architecture, manifested into practical architectural design workshops. In the final year of your studies, your taught and research knowledge will culminate into a Masters level Dissertation and the Synoptic Final Project, where your formidable individual and independent research skills will be implemented.
The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of:
(1) (a) a first cycle degree in Built Environment Studies from this University, with at least at Second Class (Honours) or
(b) a qualification deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board, to be comparable to the qualification listed in paragraph (a). The admission of applicants under this paragraph may be made conditional on the results of an assessment as the Board may deem appropriate.
(2) All applicants shall be required to submit a transcript of studies showing that during the first cycle degree they successfully completed the minimum number of credits in the relative thematic study-units, as indicated in the Schedule approved by the Board. Study-units which were awarded a Compensated Pass shall not be considered sufficient for this purpose, provided that, at the discretion of the Board, applicants who present Compensated Passes in up to 4 ECTS credits may be allowed to join the Course subject to any conditions which the Board may impose.
(3) Study-units which were successfully completed during exchange periods of study at other universities may be offered in lieu of study-units indicated in the Schedule, subject to confirmation by the Board that such study-units have a thematic content which is compatible with the relative Schedule, and that study-units so presented are at least at the same level as the study-units they are replacing.
(4) Applicants who commenced the first cycle degree leading to the qualification specified in paragraph (1) (a) in October 2011 or October 2012 who lack not more than 4 ECTS credits in study-units from the relevant thematic area may be allowed to follow and successfully complete supplementary study-units to make up for this shortfall, in addition to the programme of study specified in bye-law 5 of the bye-laws for the Course.
(5) Applicants in possession of a qualification as indicated in paragraph (1) who do not satisfy the requirements of paragraph (2) and lack more than the number of credits indicated in paragraph (4) may be allowed to follow and successfully complete a Preparatory Programme, comprising not less than 30 and not more than 60 ECTS credits, with an overall average mark of 55% or better, prior to their registration as regular students on the Course. Under no circumstances, shall the Preparatory Programme be taken in order to improve a prior performance in the first cycle degree in Built Environment Studies.
The admission requirements are applicable for courses commencing in October 2022.
For more detailed information pertaining to admission and progression requirements please refer to the bye-laws for the course available here.
UM currently hosts over 1,000 full-time international students and over 450 visiting students. The ever-increasing international students coming from various countries, in recent years, have transformed this 400-year old institution into an international campus.
Our international students generally describe Malta as a safe place, enjoying excellent weather and an all-year varied cultural programme. Malta is considered as the ideal place for students to study.
You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage.
After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.
Local/EU/EEA Applicants:
No enrolment fees apply
Non-EU/Non-EEA Applicants:
Total Tuition Fees: Eur 26,800 Yr 1: Eur 13,400 - Yr 2: Eur 13,400
Upon successfully completing the M.Arch. Programme in Architectural Design, you will:
• Have the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements; • Possess adequate knowledge of the history and theories of architecture and the related arts, technologies and human sciences; • Be knowledgeable of the fine arts as an influence on the quality of architectural design; • Have adequate knowledge of urban design, planning and the skills involved in the planning process; • Come to an understanding of the relationship between people and buildings, and between buildings and their environment, and of the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale; • Understand the profession of architecture and the role of the architect in society, in particular in preparing briefs that take account of social factors.
Within these objectives, thematic variations are available within the M.Arch Programmes, which also address specific issues in greater detail, such as urban design and heritage conservation. These variations are described in the detail of the different Programmes.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an Architect and are looking to further your knowledge of the subject in a professional academic manner, with a specific interest towards the aspect of architectural design, then this is the ideal course for you.
As a graduate in the M.Arch degree, you will satisfy the academic requirements for achieving a professional status in Malta, and following inclusion in the appropriate annex in DIRECTIVE 2005/36/EC, for the title of Architect at European level. If you are considering an academic profession, or are interested in furthering your studies for a more holistic understanding of the subject, then we would encourage you to enrol into a doctorate course.
Click here to access the Programme of Study applicable from 2022/3.
Last Updated: 12 January 2023
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication. The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. Unless for exceptional approved reasons, no changes to the programme of study for a particular academic year will be made once the students' registration period for that academic year begins.
