M.Arch. (Master of Architecture)

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Hi readers! In this post, we will deal with a Master’s Degree course related to Architecture. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of M.Arch. (Master of Architecture) course.

  M.Arch. is a Master’s Degree course. It is an ideal PG course for B.Arch. graduates.   Here is an overview of the academic program –

• Name of the course: M.Arch. (Master of Architecture)
• Type of course: Master’s Degree
• Duration: 2 years
• Field: Architecture
• Eligibility Criteria: Completed B.Arch. or equivalent

B.Arch. is an ideal UG level course for Architecture aspirants. If you want to become an Architect, this is the course you must pursue after completing 12th standard.   After completing this course, B.Arch. graduates have two options available in front of them – find a job or go for higher studies. M.Arch. is probably the most popular PG course available in front of B.Arch. graduates.   What is M.Arch. all about? What’s the scope and potential associated with this domain? What is it like to become an Architect? You will find answers to these questions in the next section.   Here it is –

Master of Architecture: An Introduction

In simple terms, Architecture is the process of planning, designing and construction of buildings and other structures.   It involves concepts such as –

• Planning
• Construction Technology
• Design
• Landscaping

An architect makes use of the above aspects to design, plan and create buildings and other structures. It is done in such as way that space and resources and used in the best way possible!   In India, Architecture courses are available at the following levels –

• UG (Undergraduate)
• PG (Postgraduate)
• Doctoral Degree

B.Arch. is the most popular UG level course. M.Arch. is the most popular Master’s level course.   In this post, we will deal with M.Arch. course. In India, this academic program is available in two different formats –

1. M.Arch. (General)
2. M.Arch. (Specialization) course

M.Arch. (General)

As the name suggests, this course deals with core architecture subjects. Since this is a PG level course, it takes an in-depth approach, while dealing with core architecture subjects.   When one talks about ‘M.Arch.’ course, it is the general version that he/she is talking about.

M.Arch. (Specialization)

As the name suggests, this M.Arch. program deals with both core architecture subjects as well as domain-specific subjects.   Architecture is a very vast domain. It consists of sub-disciplines and aspects such as –

• Architectural Design
• Maintenance and Conservation
• Landscape Architecture
• Architectural History
• And more…

M.Arch. specialization program covers both core architecture subjects as well as specialization-specific subjects. For example – M.Arch. Landscape Design, M.Arch. Regeneration and Restoration and M.Arch. Architectural Design.   Let us take a closer look at the course details. In the next section, you will find details such as – duration, eligibility criteria and syllabus. Here they are –

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.

Colleges

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

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

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 include- 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 – Master of Urban Housing course.

Syllabus

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

• Housing Design
• Software and Digital Technology
• Design Studio
• Urban Design
• Urban Infrastructure
• Urban and Rural Housing
• Sustainable Development
• Landscape Architecture
• Urban Conservation
• Project Management
• Environmental Management

Career Prospects

After completing M.Arch. course, one will have access to diverse job opportunities. One will have access to Government jobs, Private sector jobs as well as self-employment opportunities.   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.