Edinburgh’s historic architecture and the ultra-modern architecture of Dubai are among the inspirations for a new Master programme being launched by Heriot-Watt University.
The new Master of Architecture (MArch) degree will be taught at the University’s Edinburgh and Dubai campuses and will have a strong focus on sustainable design, as global challenges including climate change reshape the built environment.
The two-year postgraduate programme will accelerate the route for students to qualify as professional architects with UK governing bodies, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architect Registration Board (ARB), and with the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the United Arab Emirates.
Programme lead Dr Manuel Cresciani is a registered architect in both Italy and the UK and is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society. He said: “With the launch of this new programme, we are able to align our course content with what industry and society need from a new generation of building designers. Using science and research to address environmental and societal challenges is a central focus for us at Heriot-Watt, so we are very well equipped to develop the next generation of building designers, with a strong ethical ethos as well.”
Professor Muhammed Basheer, Executive Dean for Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, said: “At a critical time for society and our planet, there has never been a greater need for architects to design buildings and spaces that are energy-efficient and reduce carbon emissions; that are safe, healthy and accessible to all, and that help to shape communities. We are incredibly excited to be launching this new Master of Architecture programme – and look forward to meeting our future cohorts of students.”
The new MArch degree will launch at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus in September 2025 and at the University’s Dubai campus in the United Arab Emirates in September 2026, opening the option of student exchanges.
“Sustainable design for cities will be a key focus for our Master of Architecture students, so we’re very excited to be offering this Master programme in two such significant cities,” Dr Cresciani said. “Edinburgh is the historic capital of an old country and Dubai is a vibrant new city that’s less than 100 years old. To have access to both ultra-modern and heritage architecture is fantastic for our student experience – and also builds the competence and skills needed by new generations of professional architects.”
Graduates of the new Master of Architecture degree might work as professional architects or in related roles including sustainability consultants, project managers, urban planners or creative roles around visualising and modelling buildings and designs.
To apply for the programme, students should have an undergraduate architecture degree recognised by Heriot-Watt University. However, a related degree, for example, architectural engineering, interior architecture or architectural technology, or relevant industry experience, will also be considered. Student selection will be made through a multi-layered process and applicants may be invited to attend an interview either virtually or in person.
Content will include conceiving and executing sustainable architectural designs of varying scale and complexity, underpinned by creativity. Students will also demonstrate climate literacy and ethical approaches to improving wellbeing through the design of innovative and energy-efficient buildings. Students will need to show they understand the legal frameworks needed to protect current and future communities. They will identify and integrate appropriate materials, technologies, systems and construction processes into their design proposals. Two modules in year one are part of a joint programme with The University of Edinburgh. Each student will complete a thesis on a sustainable design project by the end of year two.
Heriot-Watt’s Master of Architecture programme will be informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Institute for Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE), a research institute that is recognised internationally for its excellence in architectural and building systems engineering; construction informatics; construction management; building and interior design and construction materials.
Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society is also part of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, part of a national network recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering and formed to develop and exchange best practice in sustainable built environment education.
The programme is supported by partners including award-winning UK architectural practice Bennetts Associates, whose projects include Meta’s UK head office, at King’s Cross in London, the redevelopment of Edinburgh’s former Royal Infirmary into Edinburgh Futures Institute and a new college campus in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The new Master of Architecture degree is delivered and supported by a team of academics with vast experience of teaching architecture in UK and internationally. These include Dr Alex MacLaren, Associate Professor in Architecture at Heriot-Watt University; Dr Harpreet Seth, Heriot-Watt’s Head of Architecture in Dubai; Professor Omar Laghrouche, Director of Heriot-Watt’s Institute for Sustainable Built Environment and Professor Lynne Jack, Director of Heriot-Watt’s Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design. The programme will also be supported by professional practitioners and by other engineering staff who are expert in sustainable building design and wellbeing.
An online webinar explaining more about Heriot-Watt’s new MArch degree is being held on Tuesday 18th February 2025. Prospective students interested in joining can register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6017374692859/WN_ST2SsZBKQKO6jhXnYFjOvA.
The Master of Architecture degree will complement and build on existing programmes at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh and Dubai campuses, including Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees in Architectural Engineering; Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees in Interior Architecture and Design; and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Special Planning and Real Estate Development.
