M.Arch. Architectural Design

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Hi readers! In this post, we will deal with an M.Arch. specialization program. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of M.Arch. in Architectural Design course.

  Here, you will find all the important details that you need to know about this academic program. Here, I’ve covered details about the course such as – duration, eligibility criteria, fees, colleges, admission process and career prospects.   This academic program is a Master’s Degree course. Technically, it is a PG level course. PG stands for Postgraduate level.   Since this is a PG level course, only graduates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree programs are eligible to pursue this course. For this particular course, you must have completed B.Arch. or possess an equivalent qualification.   Here is an overview of the course –

• Name of the course: M.Arch. in Architectural Design
• Type of course: Master of Architecture
• Field: Architecture
• Duration: 2 years
• Eligibility: Completed B.Arch. or Equivalent qualification

What’s Architectural Design all about? What’s it like to specialize in this field? What’s the scope and potential associated with this domain? You will find answers to these questions in the next section.

Architectural Design: An Introduction

M.Arch. stands for Master of Architecture. It is a postgraduate level Master’s Degree course. It is an ideal PG course for B.Arch. graduates or those holding equivalent qualification.   There are two types of M.Arch. programs available in India. They are –

• Regular/General M.Arch. course
• M.Arch. (Specialization) course

For more details about the general course, check this out – M.Arch course. General program covers core architecture subjects.   But Architecture is a broad field. It consists of many areas of specialization. It consists of many sub-disciplines and sub-branches. If you want to specialize in one such field, you must pursue relevant M.Arch. specialization program.   The specialization program covers both core architecture subjects and domain-specific subjects. M.Arch. Architecture design is one such specialization program.   This course deals with architectural design. This sub-discipline focuses on design aspects of architecture. Some such design aspects are –

• Design Tools
• Design Technology
• Aesthetics
• History of Design
• Design Practice
• And more…

This program is ideal for B.Arch. graduates who want to explore and specialize in the field of design. Practicing architects can pursue this course and hone their design skills!   Come, let us take a closer look at the course details. In the next section, you will find everything related to the course such as – eligibility criteria, colleges, duration, fees, syllabus and admission process.

Course Details

Type of course

It is a Master’s Degree course.

Duration

The academic program is 2 years long. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is six months long. Thus, the entire program consists of four semesters.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum educational qualification required is – completed B.Arch. or equivalent qualification.

Admission Process

Most institutes follow the ‘merit based admission’ process. Under this process, marks scored by candidates in board examination and/or relevant entrance tests are taken into consideration. Seats are allotted to deserving candidates on the basis of merit marks obtained by them. Popular and relevant entrance tests in India includes- NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), JEE and Architecture Aptitude Test.

Fees

Fees charged for the academic program may vary from one institute to another. Course fees depends upon the following factors –

• Type of institute (Government, Private, Aided etc)
• Location of the college
• Status and rating of the college
• Scholarship status (of student, if applicable)

Government colleges are known to charge low fees. Average fees in private colleges could be anywhere between 60-150K INR per semester.

You may also check –

NATA examination

B.Des. courses in India

Colleges

Here are some of the popular courses offering this course in India –

• CEPT
• Nirma University
• MSU, Vadodara
• RKU
• Saurashtra University
• HNGU

Syllabus

Here are some of the core subjects present in the curriculum –

• Design Tools
• Design Technology
• Aesthetics
• History of Design
• Design Practice

Career Prospects

Here are some of the prime recruiters –

• Government Housing Boards
• Municipal Corporations
• Architecture Agencies
• Consultancies
• Construction Firms

If you are interested in self-employment, you may start your own architecture agency or consultancy firm.

Salary

Starting salary of an Architect depends upon a number of factors. Some of the prominent factors are –

• Institute from which the candidate completed the course
• The domain he/she has chosen
• Job location
• Status of the employer

On an average, starting salary could be anywhere between 50-80K INR per month. In case of a Government job, the salary will be as per the pay scale and grade. You may also check out the list of Architecture courses in India.