School of Architecture

The University of Waterloo offers a master's program leading to the Master of Architecture (MArch) professional degree. 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) to students with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in 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.

The Master of Architecture is a two-year degree program. Applicants holding a pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo or equivalent degree can complete degree requirements in a minimum of three terms and, up to a maximum of six terms, for those who wish additional time to complete their Master’s thesis. All other students will be required to complete transitional coursework in the first year to adequately prepare for the final Master of Architecture thesis year, and will complete degree requirements in six terms.

Admission Requirements

• A four-year, honours pre-professional undergraduate Architecture degree or professional Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minimum overall average of 75%.
• Two academic letters of reference – Referees will be emailed to complete and submit the official University of Waterloo Graduate Studies Reference form.
• CV/resume.
• Supplemental Information Form which includes statement of your proposed research interest (form available on Applicant Quest).
• Portfolio of design work – submitted directly to the School of Architecture, Graduate Coordinator, at the time of application.
• Academic transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended (past or current) showing all courses and marks, along with the transcript legends/keys/grading scales uploaded using Quest. Degree certificates (if obtained) must be uploaded with the transcripts.
• Applicants who have not completed three or more years of post-secondary work at a Canadian institution, or at an institution at which English was the language of instruction, will be required to provide certification of English language proficiency. Information about accepted examinations of English Language can be found on the English Language Proficiency page.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Applicants being considered for admission to the Master of Architecture who have not completed three or more years of post-secondary work at a Canadian institution, or at an institution at which English was the language of instruction may be required to verify English Proficiency which may include a written exercise or interview as instructed by the School of Architecture. Details will be communicated when required after initial assessment of applications is complete. This is an additional departmental requirement and not a substitute for the certification of English Language Proficiency.

Refer to the Discover Graduate Studies website for complete information on admission requirements and application process.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Architecture curriculum covers 6 key areas; Design, History & Theory, Building Technology, Media & Methods, Professional Practice and Thesis Research & Design. The program requirements consist of 13.5 total credits including the Master’s thesis. Students entering the program with a pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo or equivalent degree are required to complete 8.0 total credits (outlined in Year 2 below) of the 13.5 including the Master’s thesis.

The Master of Architecture degree requirements are as follows:

*Required for students entering the program with a pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo or equivalent degree. All other students will take this course requirement in year 1.

Students are encouraged to use elective courses to explore areas of specialization in support of their thesis research. Up to one half (0.50) credit elective may be taken in other departments. One half (0.50) course may be an independent Reading Course.

All masters’ students in architecture undertake and complete a research and design thesis. The thesis is developed within Arch 692 and Arch 693 Thesis Research and Design Studios and completed within the Spring semester. The thesis is supervised by a faculty advisor, and supported by a committee of one to two additional faculty members. The thesis must be presented and defended successfully before an Examining Committee composed of a minimum of the student's Supervisor, one Committee member and one Reader as per the requirements listed in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.