The University of Waterloo offers a master's program leading to the degree Master of Architecture (MArch). This program is designed to prepare students for professional qualification as architects.
The Master of Architecture program combines elements of a professional master's program and a research-oriented master's program. It offers preparation for entry into the profession of architecture (together with an extension of the knowledge base required of practicing professionals, now and in years to come) to students with an undergraduate degree in pre-professional architecture, such as a Bachelor of Architectural Studies. The program is designed to develop the skills and intellectual curiosity required for a leadership role in the profession and in society, and for entry into doctoral studies. The Master's Thesis, the core academic component of the program, will develop research and analytical/interpretive skills, as well as design skills - i.e., the synthetic skills of architecture.
Financial Assistance
Some teaching and research assistantships are available to graduate students in the Master of Architecture program.
Some University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarships are also available to qualified students. These scholarships are assigned by the School.
Students may also apply for University of Waterloo Graduate Bursaries, if they can demonstrate financial need.
Admission Requirements
The Master of Architecture program is a twelve-month, three-term program that may begin in the Fall, Winter or Spring term. Currently, admission requirements are as follows:
- A four-year honours undergraduate degree in pre-professional Architecture or professional Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minimum overall average of 75% (B);
- Two letters of reference, from academic sources (referee is contacted by email and the referral is submitted electronically);
- One official academic transcript from each post-secondary institution;
- A CV/resume;
- A one-page statement of research interest;
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable): A score of at least 600 is required in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). See the English Language Proficiency page for other acceptable tests of English;
- Where applicable, a portfolio.
All of the above documentation is uploaded onto the "My Documents" tab in Quest. Only the portfolio is sent directly to the Graduate Studies Coordinator at the School of Architecture. For detailed information about the application and admission process, please refer to the
Graduate Studies Office website.
Required Supplementary Application Information
Supplementary information for the School of Architecture may be required with your University of Waterloo Graduate Studies Application, and will be recommended during the application process.
Degree Requirements
The curriculum involves course work, a graduate Studio/Seminar and a Graduate Thesis in Design in an area of architecture. The three-term curriculum is normally completed in twelve months, and is the final stage in the period of academic preparation for the student's professional qualification as an architect.
There are four parts to the curriculum:
- at least three specialist electives, each a one-term course (.50 unit weight per course), taken in at least two of the three academic streams (Cultural Studies, Environment, Technology) other than design;
- three compulsory (ARCH 652 and ARCH 654, 0.25 unit weight, and ARCH 655, 0.50 unit weight) courses in the aspects of professional practice and architectural responsibility;
- Graduate Studio and Seminar in Design (equivalent to three term courses/1.50 units of credit) (ARCH 692);
- a Master's Thesis in Design (equivalent to four one-term courses/2.00 units of credit).