Architecture, Master of (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch ARB Pt 2

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MArch ARB Pt 2 | 21 months | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Lauriston campus

Accreditation

Available

Apply now

19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply.

Register now

About the degree programme

This programme is for highly motivated students who wish to:

  • Further their skills in the research-led spatial, programmatic, material, structural and environmental articulation of architectural design.
  • Engage with the contemporary city and the associated flows of information, energy and resources.
  • Critically position their practice in relation to contemporary theoretical discourses, modes of inquiry and representation.
  • Develop situated and careful forms of architectural knowledge and production that are speculative, creative, low-carbon, regenerative, and inclusive.

The two-year Master of Architecture (MArch) programme offers a unique studio-based and research-led learning experience. You will have the opportunity to develop designs that engage with complex urban settings, innovative material systems, and critical forms of inquiry and representation, elaborating nuanced responses to the pressing environmental, socioeconomic, and political questions facing architectural practice in the 21st century.

Based in one of the most beautiful and architecturally significant cities in the world, the ARB and RIBA Part 2 validated MArch programme at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) combines creative inquiry and academic rigour with a deep sense of professional responsibility. We empower our students to imagine and prototype forms of spatial practice that are low-carbon, situated, inclusive and regenerative.

The MArch is delivered through a diverse set of elective design studios, each focusing on a specific urban setting or geographical area, and on a set of thematic concerns.

We offer complementary courses in theory, technology, and professional practice to engage with different facets of contemporary architectural discourse, and to develop core professional competencies. Uniquely, the programme offers two curricular pathways, allowing students to complete either a one or two-year design-studio thesis, prioritising either breadth or depth of enquiry.

Thinking about studying MArch Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art? Discover the programme, how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.

Study options

The MArch design studios operate through one of two curricular pathways, which you will choose when you arrive in Edinburgh.

Modular Pathway 

Students on the Modular Pathway will develop two independent year-long design studio projects, completing a highly resolved thesis while also developing a broad portfolio.

Integrated Pathway 

Students on the Integrated Pathway will develop one design thesis project over the two years of the MArch programme, engaging with a wide range of architectural scales from the urban strategy to the construction detail, in a comprehensive project.

Programme benefits

  • Our programme is situated in one of the most beautiful and architecturally inspiring cities in the world. 
  • You will have critical and research-based engagement with the historical, cultural, and material specificity of the contemporary city, and with the social and environmental challenges facing architectural practice in the 21st century. 
  • We have an international reputation for investigative and creative pedagogies aligned with staff expertise and research practices. 
  • Join a culture of enquiry through making and drawing, supported by world-class workshops and technical facilities. 
  • We offer exceptional tuition and guidance supplemented by input from eminent international architects, educators and scholars, and from local community groups, practitioners, and stakeholders. 
  • Our programme offers a unique curricular pathway, offering a choice of thematic design studios completed across 1 or 2 years of study. 

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in the programme, you should budget an estimated amount of £TBC on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:

Equipment and software

Most required equipment and software will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment including a laptop, headphones and SD cards.

Materials

You will be expected to buy general art and design materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens. You will be expected to buy some specialist materials required by your courses, such as model making tools, model making materials, and drawing board.

Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, but you will be expected to pay optional material costs as necessary for your own project work. Course organisers signpost sources of free materials and there are building and college-level material hubs to facilitate free reuse. 

Printing

You are expected to pay for the printing of drawings and reports, as required for testing, presentations and tutorials. You will also need to pay to print other documents as required by different courses.

Travel and Accommodation

There are required travel costs associated with field-trips and visits. You will need to pay for some local, national and/or international travel by public transport or air, and the cost of accommodation.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

The programme is postgraduate taught but undergraduate funded.

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree in architecture, prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 1, or its international equivalent.

As part of the application process, you must submit a personal statement, CV and Portfolio. On the first page of the portfolio incorporate your name and UUN (if applicable) and include examples of your work on the following pages. You should read the application guidance before applying as there are particular guidelines on portfolio and reference requirements:

Preparing your application

If you do not hold an ARB Part 1 qualification, you will need to obtain qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 level before being eligible for registration. For further details, please contact the ARB:

Architects Registration Board

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in writing, and 6.0 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in writing, and 20 in all other components. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in writing, and 169 in all other components.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in writing, and 6 in all other components.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in writing, and 135 in all other components.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The design studio is the heart of the MArch curriculum, and accounts for 160 credits of the programme. You will have the opportunity to explore different design approaches and develop your own specialism by choosing from a range of design studio options.

Each studio is led by a dedicated academic staff member whose expertise and research agenda frame the themes of investigation, and typically involves:

  • a field trip to sites of national or international interest, or
  • an in-depth and hands-on multi-day workshop with invited experts.

Many studios engage in elements of collaborative work, fostering creative and social exchanges among peers.

The MArch design studios operate through one of two curricular pathways, which you will choose when you arrive in Edinburgh.

Modular pathway

Students on the modular pathway will develop two independent year-long design studio projects, completing a highly resolved thesis while also developing a portfolio typified by breadth of enquiry.

Modular studios are open to both 1st and 2nd year students, and offer opportunities for peer learning between cohorts.

Integrated pathway

Students on the integrated pathway will develop one design thesis project over the two years of the MArch programme, engaging with a wide range of architectural scales from the urban strategy to the construction detail, in a comprehensive project.

View examples of work completed in previous MArch studios

Compulsory courses

In addition to following the modular or integrated pathway, you will complete 80 credits in the form of five compulsory non-studio courses.

Architectural Technology Research 

Architectural Technology Research (ATR) supports you in innovative and creative research projects linking material and environmental approaches to the climate emergency. It encourages practical and exploratory studies in technical themes of relevance to your selected studio and design project, working towards their seamless integration. 

ATR is a 20-credit course, and it runs throughout Semester 1 with a series of lectures on contemporary architectural technology and environmental issues. 

Studies in Contemporary Architectural Theory 

Structured through a series of thematic theory seminars, Studies in Contemporary Architectural Theory (SCAT) develops an in-depth knowledge of contemporary architectural discourses, drawing on historical and interdisciplinary texts as necessary. You will follow one strand of particular interest or concern to you. 

You will work in thematically organised groups, led by staff with specific expertise in the material. This allows for more active student participation, fosters the nuanced interpretation and debate of issues, and promotes a multi-perspectival approach. 

SCAT is a 20-credit course, and it runs throughout Semester 2. 

Architectural Management, Practice and Law 

In the second year of the MArch programme, the 20-credit course Architectural Management, Practice and Law explores the urgencies affecting architectural practice, and introduces students to the political, ethical and social context within which architects work.

Through a series of lectures, workshops and drawing-based studies, it invites you to research and critically reflect upon three priorities for contemporary practice identified by the RIBA:

  • Health and Life Safety
  • Ethics and Social Purpose
  • Climate 

Design Report and Academic Portfolio

The Programme concludes with two plenary 10-credit courses which document and represent different aspects of your work.

The Design Report is a comprehensive document that describes in detail one of the projects you completed during the programme. It offers you an opportunity to reflect on the research and design development you have done, to position your work beyond the institution, and to take responsibility for your design decisions in relation to the associated social and environmental effects. 

A companion piece, Academic Portfolio, is a curated representation and comprehensive record of the body of work you developed during the programme. It demonstrates its relation to professional requirements and critically reflects upon, and celebrates, the breadth of enquiry undertaken.

The Design Report and Academic Portfolio are likely to undergo changes in response to the new ARB competency outcomes. We will provide more information to prospective students as soon as these changes are formally confirmed.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

Each Architectural Design studio typically involves a field trip to sites of national or international interest, or in-depth and hands-on workshop(s) with invited experts. You will need to pay costs for fieldtrips.

In both cases, the studios promote forms of situated research that ground design proposals into specific material, spatial, environmental, and social contexts.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching takes place in a variety of formats on the programme.

Studio courses involve one routine studio day and one optional follow-up tutorial morning per week throughout the semester. The tutorial session also includes additional lectures and workshops as determined by studio leaders and in accordance with the specific themes and context identified in the briefing materials.

In addition, over the course of one dedicated week, you might visit a site and engage in fieldwork or participate in workshops. You are expected to engage by following the tasks and exercises in the briefing documents, which you will, individually or in groups, develop in advance of each studio tutorial.

Non-studio teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars, and workshops, in accordance with the specific themes and briefing materials of each course.

Guest experts 

Each year, we welcome a number of distinguished guests to the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. These international experts each deliver a free public lecture, in addition to engaging closely with staff and students through masterclasses, tutorials, discussions and crits.

Recent Geddes Visiting Fellows have included:

  • Gloria Cabral (Studio 4.4)
  • Arne Vande Capelle and Gaspard Geerts (Rotor)
  • Samia Henni
  • Flores & Prats
  • Katja Grillner
  • Hélène Binet
  • Anuradha Mathur and Dilip da Cunh
  • Luis Callejas.

Recent George Simpson Visiting Professors have included:

  • Carme Pinós
  • Jan De Vylder and Inge Vinck
  • O’Donnell + Tuomey
  • Peter Salter
  • Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu (Amateur Architecture Studio)
  • Stan Allen
  • Michael Webb.

Recent David Skinner Memorial Lectures have been delivered by:

  • Brett Milligan
  • Teresa Moller
  • Jo Gibbons
  • Jaqueline Osty
  • Marti Franch
  • Henri Bava.

In addition to programme-specific seminars in Architectural History and Theory, Conservation, and Landscape Architecture, ESALA also curates Frictions, the ESALA Public Lecture Series.

Frictions has had, in recent years, a specific focus on the climate emergency, interconnecting environmental pollution to the issues of colonisation, segregation, racism, forced migration, and to systems of injustice.

Assessment

Courses and learning outcomes are assessed by a combination of coursework and examinations.

All courses in the MArch (with the exception of Academic Portfolio 2), produce a single summative mark, produced as an average of all course learning outcome grades.

Academic Portfolio 2 (AP2) produces a single summative mark from grades awarded for Learning Outcomes 1 and 3 only. Learning Outcome 2 of AP2 is assessed as a simple pass or fail grade. All learning outcomes for AP2 must be passed to allow for the award of Master of Architecture and RIBA Part 2 exemption.

Although the ARB criteria are mapped to learning outcomes, you may pass learning objectives despite not adequately demonstrating competence in relation to specific criteria. 

You will be notified of this via course feedback forms, and will be advised of additional work you need to do to demonstrate competence via your AP2 2, which is assembled in the second semester of Year 2 of the programme. The AP2 course is the vehicle whereby student compliance with all ARB General Criteria is assessed.

It is also possible for you to fail a learning outcome in relation to a course but pass the course by receiving a summative mark which is at 40% or above. If you fail two learning outcomes you will not be permitted to pass the course even if the final summative mark is at 40% or above.

The assessment criteria for AP2 is likely to undergo changes in response to the new ARB competency outcomes. We will provide more information to prospective students as soon as these changes are formally confirmed.

Learning outcomes

The outcomes of the programme fall into several categories, as follows: 

Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate and/or work with: 

  • Knowledge that covers and integrates most, if not all, of the main areas of contemporary architectural practices – including their features, boundaries, terminology and conventions.
  • A critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles of architectural research and practice.
  • A critical understanding of, and engagement with, a range of specialised theories, concepts, principles and methodologies.
  • Extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding in one or more specialisms, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of developments in architectural research and practice.
  • A critical awareness of current issues in architecture, urbanism and one or more specialism.
  • Knowledge relating to processes of the construction and environmental tailoring of buildings.
Skills and abilities in research and enquiry 

Apply knowledge, skills and understanding:

  • In using a significant range of the principal professional skills, techniques, methods and/or materials associated with contemporary architectural research and practice.
  • In applying a range of standard and specialised research and/or equivalent instruments and techniques of enquiry, including processes of research by design.
  • In conceptualising, structuring and executing a significant project of research, investigation or development.
  • To practice in a wide and often unpredictable variety of professional level contexts.
  • In the use of appropriate structural, material and environmental strategies for the construction of complex buildings.
  • In the development of strategies for sustainability at both an architectural and urban scale.
Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy 

Ability to:

  • Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis through a structured design enquiry that leads to an original and creative complex architectural proposition.
  • Demonstrate originality and/or creativity, in the development of an individual approach to architectural practice.
  • Identify, conceptualise and define new and abstract problems and issues.
  • Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues.
  • Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in relation to contemporary issues relating to architecture, the city and the environment.
  • Deal with complex issues and make informed judgements in situations, in the absence of complete or consistent data/information.
Skills and abilities in communication

Use a wide range of routine skills and a range of advanced and specialised skills as appropriate to contemporary architectural practices such as the ability to:

  • Use critically selected methods of representation to explore and develop a line of enquiry.
  • Communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise.
  • Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists.
  • Use a wide range of ICT applications to support and enhance work at this level and adjust features to suit purpose.
  • Undertake critical evaluations of a wide range of numerical and graphical data.
Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness 
  • Exercise substantial economy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities.
  • Take responsibility for own work and/or significant responsibility for the work of others.
  • Take significant responsibility for a range of resources.
  • Work in a peer relationship with specialist practitioners.
  • Demonstrate leadership and/or initiative and make an identifiable contribution to change and development and/or new thinking.
  • Practice in ways that draw on critical reflection on own and others’ roles and responsibilities.
  • Manage complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on issues not addressed by current professional and/or ethical codes practices. 
Technical/practical skills 

The development of skills in relation to:

  • Analogue and digital techniques of drawing.
  • The fabrication of complex architectural and urban design models.
  • The use of the materials workshop for the development of models and installation constructs.
  • The critical use of digital modelling, rendering and 3D printing techniques.
  • The curation and installation of exhibitions to display and communicate architectural projects.
  • The design, formatting, editing and publishing of reports, pamphlets and essays. 

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Staff on the programme include:

  • Simone Ferracina, Programme Director
  • Adrian Hawker, Exam Convenor
  • Kate Carter
  • Ella Chmielewska
  • Chris French
  • Kieran Hawkins
  • Andrea Faed
  • Ana Bonet Miro
  • Killian O’Dochartaigh
  • Kieran Hawkins
  • Jack Green
  • Victoria Bernie
  • Mark Dorrian
  • Suzanne Ewing

Where you will study

Study location

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus | Edinburgh College of Art

Edinburgh College of Art is based in the heart of Edinburgh, within the University's Central Area. Teaching takes place in our buildings on Chambers Street.

You will be taught in studios, lecture theatres and seminar rooms within ECA and across the University's Central Area. 

Academic facilities

In the MArch studios, you will each have a dedicated desk, and enough space to develop, iterate and test work over time, and to elaborate situated ways of communicating and exhibiting their architectural design theses. We support a strong studio culture that promotes collaboration and peer-to-peer exchanges.

You will have access to a broad range of technical facilities, both at ESALA and within the Edinburgh College of Art, all supported by specialised technical staff, including:

  • computer and printing facilities
  • digital fabrication labs (CAD/CAM)
  • casting rooms and printmaking suites
  • wood, metal, and glass workshops

You will have also access to the Architecture Library in Minto House, the Edinburgh College of Art Library, and the Main University of Edinburgh Library.

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour. 

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Accreditation

Architects Registration Board/Royal Institute of British Architects

The programme has Architects Registration Board (ARB) prescription and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) validation. RIBA validation was achieved in 2011 and again in 2017 and 2022.

More about the Architects Registration Board

The programme is in the process of transitioning from the outgoing Criteria and prescription framework to the new ARB Standards and Competency Outcomes for Architects.

Career opportunities

Students in the Master of Architecture (MArch) gain excellent skills in the development and articulation of spatial, programmatic, material, structural and environmental architectural designs capable of nuanced responses to the complex challenges facing the built environment in the 21st century.

Our MArch degree forms the second stage in a process that will enable you to register and practice as a professional architect in the UK.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application deadlines as noted below.

Each application round has a decision deadline, also listed below, but note that we will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis, in advance of the published decision deadline.

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1.

Please note that for an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Selection deadlines

RoundApply byReceive decision by
1Monday 15 December 2025Thursday 19 March 2026
2Monday 4 May 2026Tuesday 30 June 2026

After Round 2, if there are still places available, applications will remain open. As this is not guaranteed, however, you are advised to apply by the application deadlines above.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Portfolio

You must submit a portfolio and a CV as part of your application. You won't be able to submit your portfolio immediately, but you'll receive an email prompt within a few days of submitting your application that will explain how to upload your portfolio.

You should read the application guidance before applying as there are particular guidelines on portfolio and reference requirements:

Preparing your application

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art 

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.  

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.  

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices co-exist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.   

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement.

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study architecture.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office

Related degree programmes

You may also be interested in