Architecture

Program Overview

The professional Master of Architecture (MArch) is a rigorous and comprehensive program, preparing graduates for the full range of activities in architecture. It provides a thorough base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, ecology, society, and professional practice, while developing skills in design through an intensive sequence of design studio courses.

The Daniels Faculty also offers a Master of Architecture Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option (2 years). The advanced-standing option is offered to applicants who demonstrate advanced capabilities, as determined through review of academic background and design portfolio. Advanced-standing students join the curriculum outlined below at the beginning of the second year of study.

Both the MArch and the advanced-standing option are intended for those who do not already hold a professional degree in architecture. Individuals already holding a professional degree are encouraged to consider the post-professional Master of Architecture option or the Master of Urban Design program.


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MArch:

Fall 2024 Entry

03-Jan-2024

MArch:

Fall 2024 Entry

03-Jan-2024

Minimum admission average MArch:

Mid-B

MArch:

Mid-B

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? MArch:

NA

MArch:

NA

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? MArch:

NA

MArch:

NA

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? MArch:

NA

MArch:

NA

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? MArch:

NA

MArch:

NA

Are any standardized tests required/recommended? MArch:

NA

MArch:

NA


Master of Architecture

Program Description

The Master of Architecture (MArch) is a professional degree program and provides a thorough base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, ecology, society, and professional practice, while developing skills in design through an intensive sequence of design studio courses. These are supported by courses in visual communication and architectural representation including computer modelling and other new media. The program aims to develop critical, creative, and independent thinking and research that responds to current design issues and societal changes. The greater Toronto region is used as an urban laboratory for the development of new knowledge and forms of practice.

In Canada, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole agency authorized by the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) to accredit Canadian professional degree programs in architecture for the purposes of architectural licensure.

 

MArch Program (3-Year Option)

The 3-year option within the MArch program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become an Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a final-year grade point average of at least mid-B.

  • Recommended: courses in secondary calculus, secondary physics, and university-level architectural history (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]).

  • Some preparation or experience in architectural design or the creative arts is encouraged, but not required, such as hand or digital drawing, film or animation, graphic design, or sculpture. This program is suitable for those without formal training in design or the arts; graduates of any discipline are encouraged to apply.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

  • The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

  • Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

  • There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

  • Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

  • Students who complete their Master of Architecture program and are eligible to graduate will have their relevant information automatically forwarded by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), unless the student opts out in writing. The certification confirms the individual’s academic qualifications in compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry to the profession. CACB grants and issues certification to applicants who meet the Education Standard and maintains a National Register of those certified and confidential records of all pertinent documentation for all applicants.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 16.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 14.0 FCEs in core courses:

      • 4.0 FCEs: Design Studio

      • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Research

      • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Thesis

      • 1.0 FCE: Research Methods

      • 0.5 FCE: Visual Communication

      • 1.0 FCE: History

      • 1.0 FCE: Design Technology

      • 3.5 FCEs: Technics and Planning

      • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice

    • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

4 years full-time

 

MArch Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

The 2-year option within the MArch program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become an Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate non-professional bachelor's degree in architectural studies or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the built environment.

  • Admission to the advanced-standing option is based on the merits of the student's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the MArch admissions committee.

  • Required: minimum previous completion of

    • four design studio courses

    • one course in visual communications or representation

    • one course in design technology

    • two courses in architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century)

    • one course in structures

    • one course in building science

    • one course in environmental systems.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

  • The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

  • Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

  • There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

  • Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

  • Students who complete their Master of Architecture program and are eligible to graduate will have their relevant information automatically forwarded by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), unless the student opts out in writing. The certification confirms the individual’s academic qualifications in compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry to the profession. CACB grants and issues certification to applicants who meet the Education Standard and maintains a National Register of those certified and confidential records of all pertinent documentation for all applicants.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 8.0 FCEs in core courses:

      • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

      • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio Research

      • 0.5 FCE: Research Methods

      • 0.5 FCE: Design Technology

      • 2.0 FCEs: Technics and Planning

      • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice

    • 2.5 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

4 years full-time

 

MArch Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

The 1-year option within the MArch program is ideal for those who wish to undertake a graduate-level, academic research project, and independent of the pathway to professional licensure. Those who wish to become a licensed Architect should consider the 2- or 3-year program options above.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in architecture beyond their professional degree.

  • Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited architectural professional degree from a recognized university.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

  • The post-professional advanced-standing option does not grant a professionally accredited degree.

Program Requirements

  • The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

  • Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

  • There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

  • Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

  • Each student’s program of study must receive the approval of the Program Director and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted. Faculty members have research expertise in the following areas of interest, which students may pursue: Computation and Fabrication; Health and Society; and Sustainability and Environment.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 4.0 FCEs in core courses:

      • 0.5 FCE: ALA4010H Field Course

      • 0.5 FCE: ALA4020H Thesis Preparation

      • 1.0 FCE: ALA4021Y Thesis I

      • 1.5 FCE: ALA4022Y Thesis II

      • 0.5 FCE: ALA4030H Colloquium

    • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 1.0 FCE must be in the student's area of interest.

Program Length

2 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Dina Sabie

“It's okay sometimes to feel lost. This is part of research.”

Dina Sabie
PhD Student, Computer Science
Full Profile