PMARAUDFTT4-2025-6-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Architecture (Architecture and Urban Design)

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

4 Semesters

120 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

first cycle degree in Built Environment Studies from the University of Malta, with at least Second Class (Honours) or
a qualification deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Faculty Board, to be comparable to the qualification listed in (a).

The admission of applicants under (b) may be made conditional on the results of an assessment as the Faculty Board may deem appropriate.

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 studyunits, as indicated in the Schedule approved by the Faculty Board. Study-units which were awarded a Compensated Pass shall not be considered sufficient for this purpose, provided that, at the discretion of the Faculty 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 Faculty Board may impose.

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 Faculty 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.

Applicants in possession of a qualification as indicated in (a) and (b) who do not satisfy the requirements of the Schedule and lack more than 4 ECTS credits in study-units from the relevant thematic area may be allowed to follow and successfully complete a preparatory programme. 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 Schedule of Thematic Study-Units will be available here.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

The M.Arch. degree programme in Architecture and Urban 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 ӏn the Training of ArchitectsԮ 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.

In addition to the prescribed 120 ECTS credits for the course, students may apply to the Board to register for extra study-units. Please refer to the note at the end of the programme.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

AUD5102	Design Workshops - Architecture and Urban Design	15 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

AUD5222	Contemporary Architectural Discourse	5 ECTS
AUD5231	Understanding Interior Space	5 ECTS
CNM5851	Pre-Contract Management Systems	5 ECTS
SPI5712	Principles and Politics of Urban Design	5 ECTS
SPI5714	Sustainable Urban Design and Development	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

AUD5221	Process of Creative Design	5 ECTS
AUD5251	Realities in Architecture	5 ECTS
SPI5711	Urban Design and Spatial Continuum	5 ECTS
SPI5713	Advanced Urban Design Theory and Practice	5 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2: 60 ECTS credits


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

AUD5009*	Final Project	30 ECTS
AUD5019*	Dissertation	15 ECTS
* Study-unit AUD5009 and AUD5019 - The deadline for the submission of the Final Project and the Dissertation will be determined by the Faculty Board.

Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

AUD5241	Landscape and Building	5 ECTS
CNM5852	Post-Contract Management Systems	5 ECTS
SPI5715	Studies in Urban Design Research and Analysis	5 ECTS

Requirement for successful completion of Year 2: 60 ECTS credits.

Requirement for the award of Master of Architecture (Architecture and Urban Design): 120 ECTS credits

.

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Master of Architecture - M.Arch. - under the auspices of the Faculty for the Built Environment.

In addition to the total number of credits for the programme (120 ECTS credits), students may apply to the Board to register for the extra study-unit listed hereunder. Extra study-units cannot substitute compulsory, elective or optional study-units that form part of the official Senate-approved programme of studies, and do not count towards the Year Average Mark or towards the Final Weighted Average Mark. The conditions and criteria for Extra study-units can be accessed here.

Semester 1

BEN5002 Professional Studies 2 ECTS

Upon successfully completing the M.Arch. Programme in Architecture and Urban 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.

Have familiarised yourself with the methods of investigation and preparation of the brief for a design project;
Understand the structural design, constructional and engineering problems associated with building design;
Possess adequate knowledge of physical problems and technologies and of the function of buildings so as to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate;
Have the necessary design skills to meet building users' requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations;
Possess an adequate knowledge of the industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning;
Apply socio-spatial theories to design problems;
Test the different urban spatial scales in specific urban areas;
Filter gathered empirical research in a clear and analytical method;
Comprehend the urban design principles that address the future of sustainable urbanism;
Demonstrate an understanding of urban design and planning and the vision of value of urban space;
Integrate technical considerations and contextual issues as design influences.

Within these objectives, thematic variations are available within the M.Arch Programmes, which also address specific issues in greater detail, such programmes.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 26,800
Yr 1: Eur 13,400 - Yr 2: Eur 13,400

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

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.

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