MA Architectural Design

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the MA Architectural Design program at Cardiff University are well-prepared to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in the field of architecture and design, both in the United Kingdom and internationally. 

Architectural Designer: Graduates can work with architectural firms or design studios, contributing to the planning and execution of building projects, from concept development to detailed design.

Urban Designer: With a focus on creating functional, sustainable, and aesthetically appealing urban spaces, graduates often find opportunities with city planning departments, real estate developers, and environmental agencies.

Landscape Architect: Those with an interest in outdoor design can apply their skills to develop sustainable landscapes and green spaces, collaborating with ecological and environmental experts.

Sustainable Design Consultant: Emphasizing sustainability within the curriculum, the program equips graduates to guide organizations in eco-friendly design practices, improving the environmental performance of buildings and urban developments.

Digital Design Specialist: With advanced training in digital design tools and methodologies, graduates are qualified to take on roles involving computer-aided design (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and 3D visualization, especially in tech-forward architectural firms.

Academic or Researcher: Cardiff University’s focus on research enables graduates to pursue further studies or teaching roles, contributing to academic research in sustainable architecture, design innovation, and social impact.

Project Manager: For those interested in the organizational side of architecture, roles in project management within design firms, construction companies, or urban development projects are promising, where they oversee project timelines, budgets, and team coordination.

Consultant or Specialist in Cultural Heritage Conservation: Given the program’s global perspective, graduates are equipped to work in preservation and restoration, helping to conserve historically significant buildings and sites with cultural organizations or heritage trusts.