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Graduate Studies Calendar 2020-2021 Program Descriptions School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape SAPL Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master of Architecture (MArch)
1. Degree Offered

Master of Architecture (MArch) - course-based

Students in the MArch program are registered during the Fall and Winter terms (September to April) with a regularly scheduled break from May to August.

2. Admission Requirements

Prospective applicants are advised to use opportunities within their four-year recognized university undergraduate degree studies to develop knowledge in at least one and possibly more than one of the following areas: design, humanities, social sciences, arts, engineering, biological or earth sciences – including, wherever possible, studio, laboratory and collaborative learning experiences.

In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the program requires:

a) Design Essay

Applicants will be asked to review four images (link will be provided in the application form). They will choose one image as a prompt for an essay of no more than 500 words, to discuss any aspects of the image or its content.

b) Digital Portfolio

Candidates for MArch must provide evidence of original and/or creative work in any field or medium, and provide in writing a brief description of the work. The requirements for digital portfolio submissions are found on the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape website at: sapl.ucalgary.ca/future-students/admissions/how-apply.

c) Curriculum Vitae

A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).

d) Reference Letters

Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.

e) Proof of English Proficiency

For applicants who are required to prove proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based test); or an IELTS score of 7.5; or a CAEL overall score of 70 with a minimum score of 70 in each component. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course.

Note: Applicants must demonstrate successful completion of one or more years of undergraduate-level coursework in four areas: Design, Technology, Graphics, and History/Theory (equivalent to the courses taken in the minor in Architectural Studies, or in the MArch Foundation year). In order to complete these prerequisite requirements, applicants may be admitted to the MArch Foundation or qualifying year. An assessment of these prerequisite requirements will be made by an admissions committee and applicants will be informed in offers of admission which, if any, courses at the Foundation level will be required.

3. Application Deadline

Application deadline is available on the Future Students website: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/architecture-master-architecture-course-based.

4. Advanced Credit

A student may apply for advanced credit for previous courses that have not been used to satisfy the requirements of any other degree or diploma program. See Advanced Credit.

Course Exemptions: Students registered in a graduate degree program may receive an exemption from a specific course if they can demonstrate successful completion of an equivalent course. In order to be eligible for an exemption, the student must provide original transcripts, course outlines and samples of course assignments which will be assessed for academic equivalency. Courses for which exemptions are being sought must be from a recognized institution, and they must be graded courses with a minimum grade of "B-". Students granted an exemption from a course may be required to take another, equally-weighted, course to satisfy credit-hour requirements for their program.

5. Course Requirements

The Master of Architecture program is structured around a core studio sequence. Required courses and electives make up the remainder of the program. Successful completion of the MArch must include the following academic requirements:

Foundation Year (Qualifying Year)

  • Environmental Design Architecture 511
  • Environmental Design 523
  • Environmental Design Architecture 523.01
  • Environmental Design Architecture 523.02
  • Environmental Design Architecture 541
  • Environmental Design Architecture 543
  • Environmental Design Architecture 580
  • Environmental Design Architecture 582

a) Core required courses:

b) 3 units from:

Architecture 692 Gillmor Theory Seminar
Architecture 696 Somerville Design Charrette or
Architecture 698 Taylor Workshop

Note: Upon completion of the requirement, any of the courses listed in b) may be taken or repeated for elective credit.

c) 3 units from:

Planning 626 or
Architecture 675

d) 9 units from:

Architecture 680
Architecture 682
Architecture 684 , or
Architecture 686


e) 3 units from Architecture 694

f) 4.5 units from:

Architecture 670
Architecture 672
Architecture 674, or
Architecture 676

g) 3 units of elective courses.

6. Additional Requirements

A laptop computer is required for all course-based degree programs in the School of Architecture, Landscape and Planning. Further information pertaining to specifications will be sent out to newly-admitted students in the summer term prior to the commencement of their studies.

Attendance at orientation for first year students is required.

7. Credit for Undergraduate Courses

Only undergraduate courses numbered 500-599 may be considered for graduate-level credit and are subject to approval by the Associate Dean (Architecture).

8. Time Limits

Students are expected to enrol on a full-time basis and complete the degree requirements within two registration years (excluding the Foundation year). Maximum completion time is six registration years. See Time Limits.

9. Supervisory Assignments

Upon admission, each MArch student will be advised by the office of the Associate Dean regarding Program of Study development.

10. Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to highly qualified students but cannot be guaranteed. For information on admission and academic awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this calendar, the SAPL website and the Awards Database on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.