M.Arch Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Updated on Mar 1, 2023 01:58 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Master of Architecture or popularly known as M.Arch is a two-year postgraduate course in Architecture. It is a specialised course of study which is pursued after completion of a B.Arch or Bachelor of Architecture. Architecture is a special branch of study which deals with the techniques of designing and constructing various structures. It is different from construction, as it encompasses all the steps of building a structure such as drawing, planning, designing and constructing structures. It is not a new discipline, with early humans engaging in architecture since pre-historic times.

The science of architecture has developed over the period of time, with the introduction of modern practices and techniques of architecture. It deals with the durability and utility of a building, its aesthetic value and an artistic dimension to it which makes it appealing. This has been reflected in the Indian Architecture of Temples and Egyptian Architecture of Pyramids.

Architecture is one of the most sought-after courses in Indian institutes, with popular courses such as B.Arch and M.Arch offered by top colleges. Students can work as Project Managers, Designers,Planners or Lead Architect for various private and governmental organisations. Therefore, M.Arch is a great career option for professionals who wish to carve a niche for themselves.

M.Arch- Important Facts

  • Course Fees- The average course fee to pursue M.Arch ranges from INR 1-5 lakh per annum. Many top private colleges charge on a higher side and provide excellent placement opportunities with an average annual salary of INR 4-10 lakh per annum.
  • Eligibility Criteria- Those candidates who have completed B.Arch or Bachelor in Architecture from a recognised university can pursue M.Arch. They must also clear any national-level entrance exam such as GATE, CEED etc. to secure admission to this course. They must possess relevant skills such as reasoning skills and designing skills to pursue this course.
  • Outcomes- Candidates after pursuing M.Arch shall possess leadership skills for designing and planning big architectural projects, play a vital role in nation-building by justifying to their roles of an Architect or Project Planner and take up projects om Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture and Disaster-resistant structures.
  • Scope in India- After completing this course, candidates can possess a License from the Council of Architecture and work as an Architect. They can join top companies or government projects as Project Managers or Design Architect, or work as independent architects. They may also pursue a career in Research or Academics by making significant contributions to fields of sustainable architecture or urban planning.

Read More: M.Arch Overview

Core Subjects

The various core subjects offered in the two-year M.Arch programme are as follows:

Semester 1

Subject

Details

Urban Design

Candidates learn planning studies for urban designing by observing urban environments and providing urban housing, renewal and regeneration.

Large Span Structures for Architectural Application

It deals with the designing of space frames, structural systems, braced folded structures, tensile structures and space structures with changing geometries.

Legal Framework for Urban Infrastructure Project

The objective of this course is to introduce candidates to the legal framework and standards such as the National Building Code of India 2016 and regulations provided by national and international agencies. It also deals with the legal principles guiding large-scale development and sports facilities.

Advanced Computer Studio

Candidates are introduced to the REVIT software popularly used for architectural design and structural design and successfully converting 2-D designs into 3-D designs.

Semester 2

Subject

Details

Structures and Services in High-Rise Buildings

The course introduces a separate typology in architecture- tall buildings, their construction, installation of firefighting systems and their impact on the environment and urban setting.

Contemporary Process in Architecture

It analyses the concepts such as fractals, Multi-source synthesis, key-shape animation, Cellular Automata, digital architecture and case studies on world-renowned architects.

Urban Infrastructure Projects

The course deals with designing urban infrastructure projects such as SEZs, transport connectivity, growth of neighbourhood communities and integration of essential services with buildings.

Semester 3

Subject

Details

New Urbanism

The course familiarizes students with the concept of urban planning, new urbanism, rural-to-urban transformation and large-scale cluster development in agricultural lands.

Urban Landscape

Candidates learn about structures of open spaces, urban landscape design, maintenance of public spaces and designing of public parks, greenways and biological corridors.

Research Methodology in Architecture

It deals with the application of research methods in the formulation of the research question, hypothesis, data collection, analysis and inference. It also deals with methods of usage of computers in research and mathematical modelling and their limitations.

Performance Evaluation Tools for Sustainable Buildings

Learners acquire basic skills in building performance evaluation and modelling of passive systems and active systems. They are able to make a post-occupancy evaluations and advanced building simulations.

High-Rise Buildings

Candidates learn how to conceptualise ideas to design high-rise buildings and understand their planning concerns such as disaster and environmental risks.

Semester 4

Subject

Details

Thesis/Dissertation

Candidates have to submit a dissertation on any research topic towards successful completion of the course. They have to also appear for a viva-voce, justifying the skills learnt over the years.

Elective Courses

Subjects

Details

Sustainable Development

The course provides exposure to the traditional wisdom and passive techniques of creating a sustainable design. It also deals with the principles of sustainability, urban impact on the environment and planning aspects to minimise the environmental impact of buildings.

Green Building Strategies for Tall Buildings

An introductory course on green revolution in architecture, maintaining daylighting efficiency, recycling of resources, info-modelling and construction of buildings using smart technologies.

Disaster Management

Learners understand the concept of disasters, the disaster management cycle, principles of elementary seismology and seismic design. The most important learning outcome is related to earthquake-resistant designs.

Environmental Strategies

The course deals with the strategies for environmental protection, environmental economics, Environmental Impact Assessment cycle and Environmental Auditing.

New Age Materials and Construction

Candidates are exposed to new varieties of construction materials and curtain walls, ensuring material efficiency and efficient construction techniques.

Façade Technologies for Buildings

 

The course introduces the application of a façade systems by implementing glass, glazing and their structural integrity. It also deals with the advanced façade and their building performance.

Books and Authors for M.Arch

The popular books and authors prescribed for M.Arch course are as follows:

Book

Author

Description

Urban Design Toolkit

Ministry of the Environment

This toolkit has been developed by the Ministry of Environment and provides the tools for community participation, raising awareness, implementation, planning and design and research and analysis.

Building Structures

Malcolm Millais

A celebrated work on the history of building structures and how these concepts are applied to simple building plans. The author explains how to do calculations for structures and how to design a structural design project.

REVIT Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modelling for Owners, Engineers

C Eastman, R Sacks, K Liston

A treatise on Building Information Modelling, which provides information on the methods to design and construct a building using a  digital format. It helps in making a design plan more customer-friendly and enhances it from two-dimensional to three-dimensional graphics.

The Guide Book of Sustainable Design

Sandra Mendler, William Odell

The authors have compiled case studies on the world’s famous architects, planners and designers, their design strategies and sustainable architecture methods. The guide also provides methods to increase customer satisfaction and material selection for resource conservation.

Skyscrapers-Structure and Design

Wells Mathew

The author explains the engineering and desig behind tall buildings and skyscrapers of the world. He explains how these buildings are designed to withstand earthquake or wind or fire hazards and analyses the tall buildings of the world.

Top Entrance Exams for M.Arch

  • NATA- National Aptitude Test in Architecture is a popular national-level entrance exam for admissions to architecture courses across renowned colleges of the country. This exam is conducted on behalf of the Council of Architecture.
  • CEED- Common Entrance Exam for Design is conducted by IIT Bombay for admissions to Postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design. This is a national-level entrance, the scores of which shall remain valid for one year after its publication.
  • MAH M.Arch Test- Maharashtra Common Entrance Test is conducted for admissions to a postgraduate programme in Architecture (M.Arch). it is conducted by State Common Entrance Test Cell.
  • JEE Mains- National Testing Agency conducts Joint Entrance Exam for admissions to undergraduate courses in Architecture and Planning. It is a computer-based test of 3.5 hours duration. Candidates should have studied Mathematics as a compulsory subject for this exam.

Top Colleges for M.Arch

The top private and government colleges offering M.Arch are as follows:

SRM University, Chennai Syllabus
Amity University, Noida Syllabus
Sharda University, Noida Syllabus
Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad Syllabus 
Kalasalingam University, Tamil Nadu Syllabus
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore Syllabus
NMIMS, Mumbai Syllabus
Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad Syllabus
Chandigarh University, Chandigarh Syllabus
Integral University, Lucknow Syllabus

Also Read: Top Colleges for M.Arch

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on M.Arch Syllabus

Q. Why is M.Arch popular course?

A. After the engineering discipline, architecture is a popular choice amongst students who have pursued PCM in Class 12th. The entrance exams are as competitive as that of engineering and candidates have to possess extra skills, designing and drawing. They must be quick and must have the ability to conceive ideas and bring to fruition. With diverse career options to offer, M.Arch is therefore a popular course. 

Q. What is the course curriculum for M.Arch?

A. M.Arch is a four-semester course consisting of core and elective subjects. Candidates have to meet the minimum credit requirement as well as submit term-end assignments. They have to appear for the term-end exam and submit a dissertation for successful completion of the course. 

Q. What are the common entrance exams for M.Arch?

A. Candidates must clear some of the following national-level entrance exams to secure admission to M.Arch courses:
  • NATA
  • JEE Mains
  • UCEED
  • MAH M.Arch Test

Q. What are the popular colleges offering M.Arch?

A. Some of the popular colleges offering an M.Arch and good placement opportunities are as follows:
  • Amity University
  • Sharda University
  • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal
  • NMIMS

Q. Is distance programme in M.Arch course valid?

A. Architecture courses aren't provided in distance mode as architecture and engineering courses require practical lessons. According to the regulations of AICTE and UGC, these courses should be provided in full-time mode only. 

Q. What are the specialisations offered in M.Arch?

A. The specialisations offered in M.Arch are as follows:
  • Urban Planning
  • Urban Design
  • Sustainable Design

Q. What is the fee structure for M.Arch?

A. The fee structure for pursuing M.Arch ranges from INR 1-5 lakh per annum. Private colleges charge higher range of fees in the range of INR 2-6 lakhs per annum. 

Q. What are the various core subjects offered under M.Arch?

A. The core subjects are compulsory subjects which have to completed by a candidate. They are as follows:
  • High Rise Buildings
  • Research Methodology in Architecture
  • Urban Design
  • New Urbanism
  • Legal Framework for Urban Infrastructure Project
  • Structures and Services in High Rise Buildings
  • Urban Infrastructure Projects

Q. What are the various elective subjects offered under M.Arch?

A. The important elective subjects which are offered under M.Arch are spread across four semesters. They are as follows:
  • Façade Technologies for Buildings
  • Green Building Strategies for Tall Buildings
  • Sustainable Development
  • New Age Materials and Construction
  • Disaster Management
  • Environmental Strategies

Q. What is the application of an M.Arch course?

A. Candidates after pursuing M.Arch have a wide range of opportunities in the domain of teaching, research, designing and consulting. M.Arch allows professionals to gain expertise in specialised areas such as Green buildings, sustainable structures and disaster-prone structures. 

Q. What is the eligibility for pursuing M.Arch?

A. Candidates who have completed B.Arch from a recognised university with at least 50% score are eligible to pursue M.Arch. They must also pass any national-level entrance exam with a good score to be called for an interview. The merit list is prepared on the basis of marks scored in the entrance and interview and admissions are made on the basis of the cutoff. 

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular M.Arch (Master of Architecture) courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in M.Arch (Master of Architecture).

Popular M.Arch (Master of Architecture) Specializations

Following are the most popular M.Arch (Master of Architecture) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular M.Arch (Master of Architecture) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular M.Arch (Master of Architecture) Colleges in India. Learn more about these M.Arch (Master of Architecture) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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Popular Private M.Arch (Master of Architecture) Colleges in India

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M.Arch Applications open. Apply Now

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M.Arch Applications open. Apply Now

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M.Arch Applications open. Apply Now

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Student Forum

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Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, BMS School of Architecture offers a two-year M.Arch programme approved by Council of Architecture, (CoA), Govt. of Karnataka. The course is offered in affiliation with VTU and is spread across four semesters. The selection to M.Arch course is based on GATE or Karnataka PGCET score. Aspirants wh

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

BMS School of Architecture has a total of 40 seats in the M.Arch programme. The school offers seats in M.Arch course based on Karnataka PGCET or GATE score. The first preference is given to candidates with GATE score. Once selected, aspirants need to pay the course fee to confirm their seat in the s

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, BMS School of Architecture considers Karnataka PGCET scores for admission to M.Arch programme. However, the school gives first preference to aspirants with a GATE score followed by PGCET rank holder. For admission under Management Quota, aspirants do not need to pass any of the accepted entranc

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

If a candidate seeking admission to M.Arch at SPA Delhi has Bachelor's degree in an unrelated subject area, then they are required to take GRE. Hence, it is not necessary for each aspirant to take this test. Furthermore, this exam is conducted by ETS. GRE Test scores are made available 10 to 15 days

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The selection for the SPA Delhi M.Arch course is based on GATE score. Hence, a candidate with an exam score is preferred. However, it is not compulsory. Candidates with CEED scores are also eligible to apply. Admission is only through either of these exams. Additionally, the student shall also meet

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi grants M.Arch admissions considering the applicants' performance in the qualifying exam, portfolio of work, personal interaction with faculty and/or written test, interest and motivation for the chosen study, and work experience. Moreover, at the time o

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Admission to the SPA Delhi M.Arch course is based on the fulfilment of the eligibility and selection criteria. Candidates who are selected and make it to the rank list, prepared on the basis of the GATE/CEED score, can confirm their admission by visiting the admission office in person.

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

For admission in a MArch programme at Periyar Maniammai University, it is crucial that the aspirant fulfills the course-specific eligibility criteria. Thus, only the asiprants who have passed BAarch with at least 50% aggregate (excluding reserved category) are eligible for admission. In addition, st

...Read more

L

Liyansha Gaurav

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 weeks ago

There are a total of 20 seats available for MArch at Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology. Out of the total, 20 seats are available in each MArch specialisations. The institute offers seats to candidates based on merit. Once selected, candidates are offered seat based on their rank

...Read more

N

Nishtha

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, without entrance exam candidates can get admission for the MArch course at Periyar Maniammai University. Besides, aspirants must also complete their Bachelor Degree in Architecture to apply for the MArch course. Aspirants scoring equal or above the cutoff score are offered seat in the institute.

P

Pragati Taneja

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

If you are an international student who desires to pursue Engineering Management in Germany, you will have to meet the eligibility criteria listed below:

  • A bachelor's degree programme in Architecture or any relevant discipline (or equivalent);

  • GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale);

  • Work experience (if r

...Read more

R

Raushan Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The cost of pursuing Master of Architecture in Germany depends upon the type of university you are enrolled in. If you get admitted in a public university in Germany, you won't have to pay any tuition fee. However, at the start of every academic year, you will be required to pay a semester fee rangi

...Read more

R

Raushan Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, Germany is one of the best international student destinations and offers world-class education for students around the globe. Some of the best reasons to study Master's in Architecture are affordable education, low cost of living, top-notch education, post-study work permit, wide variety of sch

...Read more

R

Raushan Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

MArch Admission Process: The admission process for MArch at San Academy of Architecture is through Anna University. Aspirants who want to apply for MArch course need to complete BArch or Equivalent from a recognised university. Further, candidates are required to apply and appear in one entrance exa

...Read more

S

Sumridhi Anand

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

San Academy of Architecture admissions to MArch course is completely entrance-based. Candidates must fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria as per the course requirement. Those who passed BArch are eligible for apply for this course. Further, candidates are selected based on a valid score in one en

...Read more

M

Mukul Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

San Academy of Architecture offers entrance-based admission to MArch. Applicants are selected based on GATE and CEETA-PG score. To be eligible for admission applicants need to apply and appear in one accepted entrance exam to apply for admission. Further, applicants are required to fill out the basi

...Read more

D

Divya Dixit

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Refer to the table below to know the CEPT University MArch placement packages trend:

CourseMedian Package (2021)Median Package (2022)Median Package (2023)
MArchINR 4.95 LPAINR 5.50 LPAINR 7.50 LPA

NOTE: The above salary details are fetched from the NIRF report 2024. 

A

Aarushi Kalra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Over the past three years of placements, a fluctuating trend was recorded in the MArch placement rate. Refer to the table below to know the exact numbers:

ParticularsMArch Placement Statistics (2021)MArch Placement Statistics (2022)MArch Placement Statistics (2023)
Total Students 208 202218
Students placed 200 153204
Placement Rate96%  76%94%

NOTE: The placement details mentioned above are from the NIRF report 2024.

A

Aarushi Kalra

Contributor-Level 10

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