Site Navigation
Welcome
Important Notice and Disclaimer
Faculty of Graduate Studies General Information
Graduate Students' Association (GSA)
Academic Schedule
Faculty of Graduate Studies Credential Information
Admissions
Awards and Financial Assistance for Graduate Students
Tuition and General Fees
Academic Regulations
Program Descriptions
Anthropology ANTH
Archaeology ARKY
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape SAPL
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master of Planning (MPlan)
Master of Environmental Design (MEDes)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Design
Doctor of Design (DDes)
Graduate Certificates
Art ART
Biological Sciences BISI
Biomedical Engineering BMEN
Chemistry CHEM
Communication and Media Studies CMMS
Computational Media Design CMD
Computer Science CPSC
Data Science and Analytics DATA
Drama DRAM
Economics ECON
Education Graduate Programs
Engineering Programs ENGG
Engineering, Chemical and Petroleum ENCH
Engineering, Civil ENCI
Engineering, Electrical and Computer ENEL
Engineering, Environmental ENEN
Engineering, Geomatics ENGO
Engineering, Leadership in Engineering and Advanced Practice LEAP
Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing ENME
Engineering, Graduate Certificates
English ENGL
French, Italian and Spanish FISL
Geography GEOG
Geoscience GEOS
German GSEA
Greek and Roman Studies GRST
Haskayne School of Business Programs
History HIST
Information Security and Privacy ISEC
Kinesiology KNES
Languages, Literatures and Cultures LLAC
Law LAW
Linguistics LING
Mathematics and Statistics MTST
Medicine Programs
Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology MDBC
Medicine, Biomedical Technology MDBT
Medicine, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences MDCV
Medicine, Community Health Sciences MDCH
Medicine, Gastrointestinal Sciences MDGI
Medicine, Immunology MDIM
Medicine, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases MDMI
Medicine, Neuroscience MDNS
Medicine, Pathologists' Assistant MDPA
Medicine, Precision Health MDPR
Medicine, Medical Science MDSC
Military and Strategic Studies CMSS
Music MUSI
Nursing NURS
Philosophy PHIL
Physics and Astronomy PHAS
Political Science POLI
Psychology PSYC
Public Policy PPOL
Quantum Computing QUAC
Religious Studies RELS
Social Work SOWK
Sociology SOCI
Sustainable Energy Development SEDV
Veterinary Medical Sciences VMS
Interdisciplinary Specializations
Courses of Instruction
Student and Campus Services
About the University of Calgary
Graduate Studies Calendar 2022-2023 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

The School does not formally offer a part-time option. All students will be considered full-time and register 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) Architectural Image Paragraph

Applicant to provide an image or photograph that holds architectural significance and write a paragraph (maximum 500 words) as to why they chose it. The words should clarify their choice and explain the relevance to the field.

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/march.

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) - 30 units

  • Architecture 500
  • Architecture 502
  • Architecture 504
  • Architecture 506
  • Architecture 508
  • Architecture 510
  • Architecture 512
  • Architecture 514

a) 54 units of core required courses:

b) 3 units from:

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

c) 9 units from:


d) 3 units from Architecture 690 or 694

e) 4.5 units from:

f) 3 units of elective credits from other courses offered by SAPL or the University of Calgary at the 500-level or higher that relate to individual interests in Architecture.

Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

Students admitted to the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape will not be allowed to request the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course that is applicable to their degree; or apply any course awarded a grade of CG towards their graduation requirements.

Students may choose the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for courses outside of SAPL that permit the CG Grade and are taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will affect students' eligibility for internal awards.

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 Graduate Program Administrator 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.