Master of Architecture (MArch)

The programme launches the careers of leaders in architecture by emphasising independent critical thinking in a thesis project, supported by close collaborations with faculty on cutting-edge research. Our students have a track-record of international awards and recognitions thanks to a curriculum that builds a unique design and technology skillset and supports for student-led innovation.

The SUTD MArch design curriculum emphasises diversity of choice and opportunities for self-determination. Students choose from a variety of electives, design studios and thesis advisors, defining a path that matches their personal strengths and passions. Rigorous professional practice and research preparation seminars provide a shared basis for the curriculum. International guest lectures, reviews, and masterclasses provide further opportunities for shared discourse in the programme and allow our students to hear from diverse voices and share their work and ideas more broadly.

A strong foundation in professional experience for all students is established in a 16-week structured internship which begins the programme. SUTD places our students with leading firms in Singapore and facilitates valuable professional advising and networking opportunities. During the structured internship students are introduced to our faculty thesis advisors in regular contact sessions, beginning the process of formulating the thesis.

SUTD has recently aligned its MArch studio courses with the thesis project, allowing students two terms to formulate their thesis and providing a more robust framework for design and research collaboration with the thesis advisor via studio experience. The alignment of advanced design studio with thesis research and thesis project creates a system we call the MArch LABS, where students have the opportunity to choose to collaborate on multi-year themes, or pitch their own thesis ideas in open LABS. Current LABS include Future Health, Circular Cities, and Regenerative Assemblies, with additional Open LABS led by Eva Castro and Thomas Schroepfer. Students may also choose to develop an independent thesis topic with an individual advisor.

The SUTD MArch is a one-year programme, that builds on a 4-year undergraduate programme, and is open to all students with 4 years of university education in architecture. Graduates earn a prerequisite degree for professional registration in Singapore.

Our MArch programme is committed to growing a community of architects and researchers—students, alumni and faculty — working together to create a better, more sustainable world.