Explore questions in architecture, landscape, urbanism, technology, sustainability, and fabrication in a global context with the Master of Architecture program.
For those with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture from an accredited university program, it combines elements of a professional master’s program and a research-oriented master’s program.
The program offers a unique opportunity to engage in self-directed research and develop an independent research and design thesis while completing coursework, all under the supervision of internationally recognized faculty with expertise in a broad range of research areas. You’ll be challenged to develop your critical thinking in architecture and will be prepared for entry into the profession.
Options are available for co-op, international research travel or a term in the Rome studio, so you can tailor your degree to your interests and goals.
Program overview
Department/School: School of Architecture
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus (Cambridge campus)
Program type: Master's, Professional
Length of program: 24 months
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Thesis
Application deadlines
- January 15 (for admission in September)
- February 1 All application documents must be uploaded*
*Documents received after this time may not be reviewed and your application may be considered incomplete
Key contacts
Tina Davidson at archgradoffice@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567, ext. 27604
Admission requirements
- A four-year, honours pre-professional undergraduate Architecture degree or professional Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minimum overall average of 75%.
- Applicants being considered for admission to the Master of Architecture who have not completed three or more years of post-secondary work at a Canadian institution, or at an institution at which English was the language of instruction may be required to verify English Proficiency which may include a written exercise or interview as instructed by the School of Architecture. Details will be communicated when required after initial assessment of applications is complete. This is an additional departmental requirement and not a substitute for the English Language Proficiency Certification.
Degree requiremetns
- Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the School of Architecture graduate students
Application materials
- Portfolio of design work
- uploaded directly to applicant account
-
Resume/Curriculum vitae
- Supplementary information form (SIF)
- The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
- If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
-
Transcript(s)
- References
- Two academic references are required
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
- TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)
Tution and fees
- Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
- Review living costs and housing
- Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students