Master of Architecture (M.Arch)
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) 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 Regulatory Organization of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) to accredit Canadian professional degree programs in architecture for the purposes of architectural licensure. Source: CACB
In 2024, the CACB granted the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism a full six-year renewal of accreditation for the MArch program. The school’s next accreditation review will be in 2030.
For more information on CACB accreditation, see CACB Conditions for Accreditation.
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 & Urbanism, 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 Graduate Studio
In the Winter semester of the Second Year, students have an opportunity to spend between 10 days and 3 weeks abroad, under the supervision of outstanding academics, practicing architects, and scholars who teach and practice in the chosen location. Students who opt to participate will have their international experience bound into their Graduate Studio 2 work, with several countries to choose from. The semester is positioned between the Fall Gateway Graduate Studio 1 and the full-year thesis, and offers students an extraordinary and diverse academic experience being immersed in a different cultural context and experiencing diverse approaches to contemporary architecture.
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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/
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January 15 – Submission by this date guarantees your application will be reviewed for consideration of admission and funding, if applicable, alongside all other applications.
July 15 – Submission by this date means that your application file will only be reviewed if funds and space remain. -
No – our admission is to the fall semester only.
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M.Arch (15.0 Credits)
Successful completion of an honours degree in any discipline with a minimum academic average of B+OR
Successful completion of Carleton’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies Urbanism or Conservation & Sustainability degrees with a minimum academic average of B+
M.Arch with Advanced Standing (8.0 Credits):
Successful completion of a four-year, pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture, or its equivalent, with significant and specific studio experience in architectural design and 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:
Successful completion of a Master of Architecture, or a recognized equivalent in a discipline related to the strengths of the program, with a minimum academic average of A-Graduate Diploma in Architectural Conservation:
Successful completion of a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, or a equivalent degree in architecture, with a minimum academic average of B+
M.Arch 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 undergraduate 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 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 standard three-year curriculum or for the advanced placement two-year curriculum.
M.Arch Pathway: Our three-year course sequencing is intended for individuals holding a four-year undergraduate honours degree from architecture or other diverse backgrounds who wish to pursue careers in architecture.
M.Arch 3-Year Course Sequencing:
Learn more at Architecture Next, a blog about the Master of Architecture program.
Prospective students wishing to enter the M.Arch program may consider taking our 5-week summer program STUDIO FIRST to gain experience in studio culture and build their portfolio before applying.
M.Arch with Advanced Standing Pathway: Our advanced standing two-year course sequencing is intended for those holding a four-year, pre-professional undergraduate degree, or its equivalent, in architecture with significant and specific studio experience in architectural design.
M.Arch with Advanced Standing 2-Year Course Sequencing:
Free Elective Notes:
*Students must take a total of 1.0 CR Free Electives in this program. Electives can be at the 4000 level and above. Travelling Graduate Studio 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 Travelling Graduate Studios 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.
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 M.Arch. 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 M.Arch, 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 M.Arch 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).
How to Apply
Please read the attached M.Arch Application Information from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs at Carleton University.
The application process is completed in six steps:
- Complete the online admissions document via the ‘Apply Now‘ button below and upload the required documentation that you currently have. The required documents are in the checklist below. When applying, the system name “Master of Architecture: Architecture 1” is for the M.Arch while the “Master of Architecture” is for the M.Arch with Advanced Standing. Please note that you will be able to upload the Portfolio Receipt in a later step. You do not upload your portfolio in the Application itself.
- Pay the required non-refundable application fee.
- Access Carleton Central via MC1 log-in instructions and with your Carleton User ID which are sent by e-mail from Carleton University. Keep this number in mind because your CUID is your Slideroom Application Number. Please be advised that it may take 1-3 business days for you to receive this email from the time your application fee has been processed.
- If you did not submit all required documentation during the online application or wish to update a previously submitted document, you will need to do so in Carleton Central. 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.
- Submit your portfolio via the SlideRoom application via this link (http://asoaau.slideroom.com) and save your Portfolio Upload Receipt. Please note that SlideRoom will charge a fee in USD to use their online Application Management service. Examples of previously submitted portfolios may be found on our above-mentioned Architecture Next website.
- Update your initial application with the Portfolio Upload Receipt as explained in Step 4 via Carleton Central.
Checklist:
- Statement of Intent
- Resume
- Writing Sample
- Transcripts
- Reference Contact Information
- Language Proficiency Evaluation (If Applicable)
- Portfolio Upload Receipt