Master of Architecture (MArch)
The Master of Architecture (MArch) is an accredited professional degree program committed to preparing future architects for a culturally rich, technologically dynamic, and globalized world. A rigorous studio and research pedagogy invites students to take critical positions on design, culture, technology, and the city.
CACB Accreditation
“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.” Source: CACB
CACB may grant a program a six-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on its degree of conformance with established educational standards. In 2017, the CACB granted the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism a full 6-year renewal of accreditation. The School’s next accreditation review will be in 2023.
Master’s degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree (at Carleton, the 4-year BAS-Design) and a professional graduate degree, which, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree. For more information on CACB accreditation, see CACB Conditions for Accreditation.
At the Azrieli School of Architecture, the accredited sequence consists of either of the following:
• The 4-year BAS-Design degree plus the 2-year MArch curricular sequence or;
• The 4-year BAS-Urbanism or BAS-Conservation & Sustainability degree plus the 3-year MArch curricular sequence;
• A 4-year honours undergraduate degree other than the BAS plus the 3-year MArch curricular sequence.
International Option Studio
In the winter semester, students have an opportunity to spend 6 weeks abroad in one of our Option Studios Abroad, under the supervision of outstanding academics and practicing architects. Students who opt to participate have take a set of courses while residing abroad. Courses are delivered by renowned architects and scholars who teach and practice in the chosen city. The semester is positioned between the “Gateway / Comprehensive” studio and the yearlong thesis, and offers students an extraordinary and diverse academic experience being immersed in a different cultural context and experiencing diverse approaches to contemporary architecture.
Graduate FAQs
Once you’ve chosen your program, you will need to request an application account through Carleton University. Instructions can be found at http://graduate.carleton.ca/apply-online/
January 15 – guarantees your application will be reviewed for consideration of admission and funding, if applicable.
July 15 – your application file will be reviewed if funds and space remain.
No – our admission is to the fall semester only.
M.Arch 8 credit:
Successful completion of a four-year undergraduate degree in architecture or its equivalent with a minimum academic average of B minus
M.Arch 15.5 credit:
an honours degree in another discipline with a minimum academic average of B+
OR
Successful completion of Carleton’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Urbanism, Conservation & Sustainability) degree with a minimum academic average of B+
MAS:
Successful completion of a degree in architectural studies with a minimum academic average of B-
PhD in Architecture:
Master of Architecture or a recognized equivalent in a discipline related to the strengths of the program with a minimum GPA of A-
Graduate Diploma in Architectural Conservation:
BAS or equivalent degree in architecture with an average of B+ or higher
MArch Pathways
The Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism offers a three-year, CACB accredited, Master of Architecture degree to qualifying students with a four-year undergraduate degree. Applicants with a four-year, pre-professional degree in architecture may be considered for advanced standing placement into the second year of the program if they have a significant studio course work (6 studio courses at minimum and 8 studio courses is preferred) and a portfolio of studio work that demonstrates a level of quality the admissions committee deems equivalent to one year of graduate level architectural studies at Carleton. Advanced placement is not guaranteed and is highly selective.
Applicants may apply to either the three-year curriculum or the two-year advanced placement curriculum.
3-Year MArch pathway: Our three-year course sequencing is intended for individuals holding a four-year undergraduate degree from diverse backgrounds and wishing to pursue careers in architecture.
MArch 3-Year Course Sequencing:
Rev. June 2023
Learn more at Architecture Next, a blog about the three-year Master of Architecture program.
Prospective students wishing to enter the three-year MArch stream may consider taking our 5 week summer program STUDIO FIRST to gain some experience in studio culture and build their portfolio prior to applying.
2-Year MArch pathway with advanced standing: Our two-year course sequencing with advanced standing is intended for those holding a four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent in architecture, with significant studio experience in architectural design.
MArch 2-Year Course Sequencing:
NOTES:
*Students must take a total of 1.0 CR Free Electives in this program. Electives can be at the 4000 level and above.
DSA students will do their Year 1 Winter 0.5 CR Free Elective in the Year 2 Fall term. The remaining 0.5 CR Free Elective will be taken in the Year 2 Winter term.
Students not on DSA can choose to do their Year 1 Winter 0.5 CR Free Elective in Year 2 Fall term. The remaining 0.5 CR Free Elective will be taken in the Year 2 Winter term.
Rev. June 2023
The Azrieli School emphasizes architectural design as a form of critical inquiry. Advanced studios offer exciting opportunities to study with Visiting Critics from Canada and abroad, who annually bring cutting-edge international design and research expertise to bear on the MArch. We also offer opportunities for studios abroad, and in the setting of award-winning professional offices. In the past, students have travelled to Japan, Portugal and Spain, Israel, Istanbul, Barcelona, Bolivia, Chile, etc.
In their final year, students spend two full semesters working on a Thesis Project; these make innovative contributions to architectural, technological and humanistic research. Courses in the history and theory of architecture, advanced building systems, and digital tools and techniques contribute to a rich curriculum of creative and intellectual exploration. In conjunction with the MArch, students may also pursue a Graduate Diploma in Architectural Conservation (GDAC).
The Azrieli School prepares students for engaging a culturally rich, technologically dynamic, and globalized world. Together, our graduate students and faculty are shaping a provocative and socially-minded space for design and debate. We hope that you will join this ever-changing experiment.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the MArch Folio and Student Gallery or to come and visit the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. A Graduate Exhibition and Open House is typically held in January. Please contact the school for more information or visit our Events page.
For more information please visit (https://graduate.carleton.ca/cu-programs/architecture-masters/) OR contact our Graduate Administrator (architecturegrad@carleton.ca).
Please read the attached MArch Application Information from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs at Carleton University.
After you have submitted your online application and paid the non-refundable application fee, Carleton will email you instructions on how to access Carleton Central. Your Carleton ID that you will need to access Carleton Central, will be assigned and sent to you in that email. Please note that it may take 1-3 business days for you from the time your application fee has been processed to receive this email.
At that time, you may need to upload any outstanding documents in Carleton Central that you did not upload within the online application. When you access Carleton Central, go to Student Records and click on the Graduate Admissions link. Here you can view a list of required documents and will be able to upload any outstanding documents required for your particular program. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents uploaded can be read by an assessor.
How to Apply
The application process is completed in four steps:
1. Complete the online admissions document.
2. Pay the required fee.
3. When you have received your Carleton User ID, sent via e-mail, submit required documents to Carleton University’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs. The required documents are in the checklist below.
4. Submit your portfolio via the SlideRoom application via this link (http://asoaau.slideroom.com). Please note that SlideRoom will charge a fee in USD to use their online Application Management service.
Checklist:
1) Transcripts
2) Letters Of Reference
3) Statement Of Intent
4) Resume
5) Writing Sample
6) Portfolio
7) Language Proficiency (If Applicable)