Finally an Architect!
What Now?
After a long and grueling graduate degree in architecture, we are all faced with the dilemma of choosing the path ahead. Choosing to continue to study and pursue a master’s degree is one option that presents another growing confusion as to which degree to enroll for. Specializations ranging from a master’s in architecture to an MBA in Construction Management; all are viable options. To give some clarity to the various options for those wanting to apply for a master’s degree, here are some programs one can consider.
1. Masters in Architecture | Architecture Masters
One of the most popular choices after completion of B.Arch., it is generally a two-year program. With a more in-depth approach to the field of architecture, various schools like Harvard Graduate School of Design, Sir JJ School of Art and Architecture, MIT have diverse curriculums for M.Arch. degrees. A master’s in architecture further allows specializations into various fields like,
2. M.Arch. in Conservation and Restoration
With good programs from schools like SPA Delhi, CEPT Ahmedabad, and many schools internationally, for individuals with an incline towards conservation, this master’s degree provides an ideal way forward.
3. M.Arch in Architectural History and Theory
A program gaining momentum for students interested in research meant to help professionals aspiring to enter the teaching profession, architecture journalism, and cultural entrepreneurs. The program is offered in colleges like CEPT Ahmedabad, Edinburgh College of Art, etc.
4. M.Arch. in Landscape Design | Architecture Masters
A degree offered in most colleges in India and internationally, this specialization is targeted to equip designers to make interventions at larger scaled territories with implication factors like the social statistics, the economic outlook, etc.
5. Masters in Urban Planning | Architect Masters
A program offered at prestigious universities worldwide like MIT, Harvard Graduate School, etc. all designed to impart knowledge about urban issues and the ideal concepts for city planning keeping in mind the contemporary context.
6. Masters in Urban Design
A masters program focuses on being a creative tool that helps to form the interface between urban design and city planning, it offers an understanding of various urban theories, focuses on the design of urban areas for public use, etc. It is offered as a one-year program at UCL London as an M.Sc. and at UC Berkeley as a post-post graduate program.
7. Masters in Urban Housing
Further diversification into the realm of urban design is a focused program that tackles the urban issue of housing, Urban Housing. It is offered at CEPT Ahmedabad in India and at UCL in London. The M.Sc. degree focuses on planning policies and their implementation in different socio-political and economic scenarios. It lays emphasis on the most basic unit of cities shelter.
8. M.Tech in Construction Engineering and Management | Architect Masters
A specialization stream open to both engineers and architects, this M.Tech program is offered mostly in Indian colleges and deals with the coordination and management aspects of construction.
9. M.Tech in Building Energy Performance
With the changes in current building construction techniques and building functioning practices, this unique program allows the ideation and design of energy-efficient buildings and gives the means to assess and maintain a building’s efficiency.
10. M.Des in Interior Architecture | Architecture Masters
Often considered the same as a master’s in Interior Design, this program is offered by several top design schools in the world; like RSID, Parsons, MIT, NID India. The studies are structured to induce design thinking which yields design interventions that change the existing structures through interior interventions.
11. M.Des. in Furniture | Architecture Masters
Another master’s in Design program focuses on a niche field, furniture design. Several architects are renowned for their furniture pieces and learning of furniture design was once part of the holistic educational model practiced at the Bauhaus, but in recent times; only the architects with an active interest in the finer touches or architects who also design the interiors, focusing on furniture design. Again, the program is offered in several international universities, as well as NID and CEPT in India.
12. M.Des. in Industrial Design
Product design or Industrial design is a program that is concerned primarily with designing and evolving products to respond to the needs of the user in the most efficient way possible.
13. M.Sc. in Geomatics
Geomatics is concerned with the collection, analysis, management, and visualization of geographic data to generate spatial knowledge about the environment. It utilises advanced technology to collect and analyse geographic data which can be used to identify issues and ways to resolve them. It is one of the top programs at TU Delft in the Netherlands.
14. Masters in Design Engineering | Architect Masters
The degree program is offered in various universities like BITS Pilani, Milan, etc. The program is dedicated to cultivating an approach that combines creativity and analysis, observation.
15. M.A. in Spatial Performance and Design| Architecture Masters
The approach of this program blurs the lines between art and architecture, it aims to create a collaborative design approach combining various disciplines into the resultant architecture, art or spatial performance space. It is offered in UCL London & AA London.
16. M.A. in Art History and Criticism
A distinctive option for those who wish to pursue a career in architecture journalism, the program is designed to enhance and inform the perspective on different works of architecture. The program currently lacks a footing in India but is a fairly popular career path internationally.
17. Masters in Project Management
The degree focuses on the key optimization of a project’s resources, adherence to its timelines, and assurance of works as per the drawings. This program trains individuals and makes them competent enough to oversee project execution.
18. Masters in Construction Management and Law
This program is of key interest to professionals who seek to diversify into construction law and arbitration.
19. Masters in Graphic Design | Architecture Masters
Although due to the excessive amounts of presentations required, architects are well-versed in graphic design software. Formal education for individuals with a keen interest in the same could prove to be very beneficial.
20. M.BA. in Construction, Economics and Quantity Survey
This business-oriented program equips architects from a creative background to diversify into key management personnel for all tasks related to the project. They manage the teams, regulate the activities on-site, conduct surveys and reports to allow users to make informed decisions.
