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Master of Architecture or M.Arch is a postgraduate Architecture Engineering course which deals with the principles of design and construction of buildings and also gives way to research concepts.
It is a 2-year program which is generally divided into four semesters and can be pursued through regular batch or distance education. The minimum eligibility for an M.Arch course is a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture with a minimum aggregate score of 50%, completed from a recognized institution.
The average course fee for M.Arch course ranges from INR 60,000 to 2.6 lakh per annum depending on the specialisation of the course and also upon the mode of entrance exam. The Council of Architecture in India regulates the curriculum and professional applications of this field.
Successful M.Arch postgraduates are hired in capacities such as Town Planner, Draughtsman etc. The average annual salary offered to M.Arch postgraduates varies between INR 3 and 10 Lakhs based on their skills and areas of specialization.
M.Arch explores on an advanced level, the goals of sustained development, planning, and urban and rural physical and social dimensions.Admission Process
M.Arch Admission Process
Admission to Master of Architecture (M.Arch) is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance examination, such as GATE, CEED, TANCET etc.
Also, there are some colleges and universities that conduct their own entrance tests for admission to the M.Arch , while some offer direct admission too.
M.Arch Eligibility Criteria
- Any Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) passed students from a recognized university are eligible for M.Arch Degree course. B.Arch final year appearing candidates can also apply.
- The eligible candidates need to acquire a minimum of 50% in the entrance examination.
- Some Institutes require an aptitude test and an Interview for admission into the Master of Architecture degree.
Tips to crack M.Arch Entrance Exams
- Aspirants should be familiar with the syllabus and exam pattern of the entrance exams.
- Candidates should go through all original previous years papers and solve them in the stipulated time and analyze the mistakes.
- Candidates should keep a track of the latest happenings in the related fields and read newspapers regularly.
- Aspirants should solve mock tests regularly to keep a check on the progress.
- Aspirants should focus on time management and make a proper timetable covering all the topics in the syllabus.
M.Arch Course Highlights
The following table shows some major highlights about the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) course as a whole.
| Course Level | Post Graduation |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years (4 semesters) |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | Graduation in Architecture (B.Arch.) |
| Admission Process | Based on merit at the graduation level, 50% in entrance tests and interviews in case of some institutes |
| Course Fees | INR 70,000 to 3 lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 5,95,000 per annum |
| Top Recruiting Organizations | DLF, L&T, Sahara Group, Eros Group |
| Top Job Profiles | Design Architect, Project Architect, Architect, Landscape Architect, Urban Designer, Assistant Professor, Project Manager, Sr. Associate Architect, Senior Project Architect, Urban Planner etc. |
M.Arch: What is it About?
M.Arch: What is it About?
Architecture is a discipline of designing and constructing buildings which involves concepts of planning, architecture, and design fundamentals.
- Master of Architecture (M.Arch) incorporates elements of both rural and urban, residential and commercial infrastructure, imparted through a professionally oriented curriculum.
- The Council of Architecture (COA) is the regulating body concerned with education and practice of this profession.
- The Master of Architecture or M.Arch course also involves designing or construction of Parks, Museums, Garden, Theme Parks, etc.
- There are several specializations in this field like Landscape Architecture, Green Architecture, Naval Architecture and many others.
Course Comparison
The table below shows the differences between M.Arch and its alternative course M.Plan.
| Overview | Master of Architecture [M.Arch] | Master of Planning [M. Plan] |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Master of Architecture (M.Arch), is a postgraduate course dealing with the advanced way to approach the design, planning and structures and also giving way to research concepts. Landscape Architecture, Environmental Planning, | Masters of Planning (M.Plan) is a postgraduate course in planning urban, rural, environment, transport, etc. settlements and resources |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Candidates must have passed B.Arch, B.Plan with 55% marks in aggregate Candidates must also have a minimum one year of work experience (depends on the colleges) | Candidates must have passed B. Arch. / B. Plan. OR B. E / B. Tech in Civil Engineering with a minimum 55% aggregate OR M.Sc. / M.A. in (Geography/ Economics / Sociology) with a minimum 55% aggregate |
| Course Fees | INR 50,000 to 2 lakhs | INR 1 to 3 lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3 Lacs to 10 Lacs | INR 2.5 to 4 Lakhs |
Why Study M.Arch?
Why Study M.Arch?
- Master of Architecture [M.Arch] is an advanced and detailed study of Architecture which is tangible.
- As demand for commercial space increases, there is strong growth in non-residential construction.
- Architectural course (M.Arch) enables one to design any kind of structure system which includes a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment buildings, schools, churches, factories, hospitals, houses, and airport terminals.
- An Architect acquires a multi-dimensional role whose guidance is required in the execution of construction projects, client discussions, and preparation of the blueprint, budget decision, and supervision.
M.Arch Syllabus and Course Structure
M.Arch syllabus provides specialization in one’s chosen line. The Master of Architecture does not only involve just buildings; but also designing a variety of environments like Gardens, Parks, and Theme Parks etc.
Each architectural field has a specialist, thus we have Green Architect, Landscape Architect, Museum Architect, Naval Architect, Theatre Architect etc. The following table gives a brief description of M.Arch Syllabus.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Processes in Architectural Design I | Contemporary Processes in Architectural Design II |
| Urban Conservation and Practice | Performance Evaluation of Buildings |
| Traditional and Contemporary Landscapes | Services in High Rise Buildings |
| Sustainable and Green Building Design | Urban Landscape Design |
| Urban Design Studio | Web Design and Portfolio Production |
| Landscape Ecology and Planning | Advanced Architectural Design Studio I |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Emerging Practices in Housing | Building Information Modelling |
| Research Methodologies in Architecture | Thesis |
| Architecture and Critical Theory | Building Management and Control Systems |
| Dissertation | Appropriate Technologies and Sustainable Construction |
| Advanced Architectural Design Studio II | GIS Modelling in Urban Planning |
| Sustainability and Energy Conservation in Landscape Architecture | Material Conservation |
College Comparison
There is quite a difference between the government and private M.Arch colleges. The table below is a comparison between two top Master of Architecture colleges of india.
| Parameters | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee | School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | The Institute offers undergraduate courses in 10 disciplines and postgraduate degrees in 55 disciplines. The college offers doctoral programs in management, science, engineering, and architecture streams. | SPAV is one of the leading institutes in the country known for its quality of education and focus on research . SPAV offers courses in planning and architecture at undergraduate and postgraduate level. |
| Location | Uttarakhand | Andhra Pradesh |
| Specialization Subjects | Offers only the general course | Sustainable Architecture |
| Average Course Fees | INR 53,000 | INR 2,23,800 |
| Average Salary | INR 5 to 6 lakhs per annum | INR 3.6 lakhs per annum |
Jobs and Career
M.Arch Jobs and Career Prospects
The scope of Architecture has varied applications even in non-related areas as it is interdisciplinary in nature. Since M.Arch relies on principles of science, arts, mathematics etc., it makes one somewhat skilled and can have many M.Arch job opportunities, including other fields as well.
Most M.Arch graduates find lucrative career opportunities in areas such as:
- Central and State Public Work Departments
- Urban Development Corporations
- State Housing Boards
- Town and Country Planning Organization
- Department of Railways
- National Institutes of Urban Affairs and Housing
- National Building Organization
- City Development Authorities
Successful M.Arch postgraduates of the course are hired in capacities such as Architectural Consultant, in organizations such as DLF, L&T, Sahara Group, Eros Group etc.
The table below provides an idea of the sought after professions on successful completion of a M.Arch Degree.
| Job Role | Job Description | Annual Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Technician | Architectural technicians work with architects and other building professionals and provide architectural design services and solutions on construction projects. | 11,79,172 |
| Project architect | A Project Architect oversees the architectural aspects of the development of the design and production of construction documents and specifications. | 6,01,688 |
| Landscape Architect | Landscape architects create natural and built environments that are aesthetically pleasing as well as practical, in both urban and rural areas. | 3,95,646 |
| Design Architect | Design Architects create plans and gather design requirements for new structures and focus on the style and look of the project while adhering to all building requirements and codes. | 3,76,763 |
| Architecture Professor | Architecture Professors teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. | 3,60,000 |
| Architectural Conservator | Architectural Conservators assist in activities related to research and planning and to execute preservation and conservation projects through coordination of disciplines and by following principles of scientific methods of conservation, mainly dealing with materials. | 4,88,832 |
| Building Inspector | Building Inspectors determine the structural soundness of buildings and construction projects. | 7,25,000 |
| Building Control Officer | Building control officers examine and comment on plans for new buildings, alterations or extensions, oversee the work of building surveyors and provide them with supportive management. | 5,35,704 |
Masters in Singapore
Masters in Singapore is typically a 1-2 years program that is offered both as a taught coursework and research-based program. Most of the top universities in Singapore admit students willing to pursue MS in two intakes, in August and January. For an international student, a master’s degree in Singapore costs around 35,000-45,000 SGD. Thus, an Indian student willing to study in Singapore can estimate an annual expense of 19-24 Lakh INR.
Singaporean higher education landscape is incredibly varied, including local universities and foreign institutions. Apart from offering high-quality education, Singapore also leads the business industry in Asia from the frontline. Rising start-ups and foreign investment by firms and companies in Singapore make some of the master’s degrees from Singapore worth the time and investment. Some of the best-paying master’s programs in Singapore are Masters of Law and MBA, with alumni earning an average salary of 100,000 SGD annually.
MBA in Singapore is highly recognized from Private institutes like INSEAD and PSB academy with average annual tuition fees of 80,000-1,20,000 SGD. Another popular masters course to pursue in Singapore is MA in Singapore. Why Singapore
Why Study Masters in Singapore?
Much more than a holiday destination, Singapore is a hub for academic excellence in South-East Asia. It boasts top-ranked universities, high standards of teaching and learning, world-renowned academics, and state-of-the-art research facilities.
Here are a few more reasons why you should consider a Masters in Singapore:
- Two of Singapore’s six publicly-funded universities are among the world’s top 100 higher education institutions. The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are ranked 25th and 45th respectively on THE World University Rankings 2021.
- Singapore is often named one of the world’s safest countries, and its cleanliness and low crime rates make it a heaven for foreign postgraduates.
- Public universities like NUS and NTU provide tuition fees of 5,000-40,000 SGD (depending on the subject area) to international students.
- The median annual income for Singaporean workers is 55,500 USD. Graduates in certain fields especially business and technology still stand to enjoy better employment prospects.
- Singapore usually ranks high up in the list of top nations for study and work, government institutions provide a one-year post-degree work visa in Singapore after graduation.
- To further sustain growth and maintain a reputation for top-quality education, Singapore has attracted various leading international institutions as research collaboration, joint degree or exchange programs.
Course Structure
Masters in Singapore: Course Structure
Masters study in Singapore is generally referred to as “graduate study”. The duration of the course may vary between one to two years with full/part-time options. There are two types of Master’s Degree:
- Graduate studies by Coursework: Academic oriented taught Masters and professional courses. Students are typically required to submit projects towards the end of the course.
- Graduate studies by Dissertation/Research: Research-oriented Masters courses. Students are required to work and submit a supervised dissertation/thesis within a specified period after the commencement of the course.
| Duration | 1-2 Years |
| Oldest University | National University of Singapore (1905) |
| Average Fees | 35,000-45,000 SGD |
| Academic Year | August to July |
| Average Salary | 70,000 SGD |
| Popular Recruiters | Amazon.com Inc, Dow Jones & Co Inc, Singtel, HP Inc |
| Work-Study Program | Up to 16 hours per week |
Admissions
Admission Process for Masters in Singapore
Applications to universities of Singapore are normally done via the graduate office, although individual programs may have their own online form. Decisions on admissions are most often made by the relevant faculty after careful evaluation of all applications. Evaluation is carried out based on a combination of factors such as previous degrees and academic record, references, test scores and relevant work experience.
Candidates must demonstrate readiness for graduate study and may be required to submit entry examination scores. The majority of graduate programs will admit students twice a year, in August and January, each intake having a specific deadline for application.Eligibility
Masters in Singapore: Eligibility Criteria
- GMAT / GRE Requirement: In order to pursue a Master’s in Singapore one may be required to submit entry examination scores. Mostly National Universities in Singapore will need a GMAT or GRE for their programs.GMAT score should be above 650. Private Institutions in Singapore will not require a GRE / GMAT.
- English Language Requirement: TOEFL and IELTS cut off scores depend on the University’s range. The Malaysian University English Test is also sometimes accepted. The scores from tests required to study in Singapore are an intricate part of the eligibility criteria.
- TOEFL iBT: 80-100
- IELTS: 6.0-7.0
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University. International applicants must make sure that the previously obtained degree is in accordance with specialization opted for.
- Work Experience (Depending on the University): For MA fine arts and similar programs, applicants must have a prior work experience or samples to produce at the time of application.
- Candidates (30 years old and above) who are Diploma holders or hold equivalent qualifications with a minimum of 5 years of working experience. Preferably 2 years work experience in IT and/or operations related work for STEM courses.
Documents Required for Masters in Singapore
The documents required when sending in your applications for Singaporean Universities and B-school are discussed below. For most of the documents scanned copies can be sent along with the applications. Original documents may be required to be submitted at the time of enrollments with the university:
- Application fees Receipt
- Passport details
- Student Pass (for non – Singapore citizens)
- Past academic documents
- Tuition grant: if applied for any
- Financial aid applications
- Awards/ Recognitions/ co-curricular activities/ extracurricular activities/ competitions
- Criminal Offence records, if any
- Medical report stating any disability or illness
- Scores of tests that are required for studying in Singapore.
Student Visa
Study Visa of Singapore
All international students with an admission offer are required to hold a valid Student’s Pass issued by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). As in many countries, a tourist visa is not sufficient to study in Singapore.
The basic costs involved are:
- Processing Fee – 30 SGD
- Issuance Fee – 60 SGD
Discussed below are the visa regulations and how you can apply for a Singapore study visa. Normally it takes a time period of 2-3 weeks for the documents to get processed and to get the Singapore student visa passes. In order to get the student pass you would need the following documents:
- Student Visa application Form-ICA form 16 and form V36
- Passport
- One Passport size photo( preferably the one in passport)
- Visa application fee bill
- Transcripts (Mark sheets from class 10 to graduation)
- Affidavit of Support to be given by the sponsor on Rs.20 stamp paper(nonjudicial)
- Work experience Certificate
- Bank loan sanction letter(if necessary)
Costs & Fees
Cost to Study Masters in Singapore
Singapore is keen to encourage international students and a range of funding and support options are therefore available to assist postgraduates. As a general rule, an international student can expect to pay a tuition fee around 35,000-45,000 SGD for a graduate program at one of Singapore’s top universities. In addition, there are expenses they face prior to leaving for the study destination and after reaching the destination.
Given below are the details of these expenses:
Pre-Arrival Cost
Students’ pre-arrival cost constitutes expenses like visa application and different entrance examinations fees, which are mentioned below.
| Categories | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application | 42 |
| IELTS Fee | 185-190 |
| TOEFL Fee | 160-250 |
| GRE Registration Fees | 205-230 |
| GMAT Registration Fees | 250 |
Note: The application fee which varies among universities has not been included in the table. Though it is an important aspect of pre-arrival expenses.
Cost of Living in Singapore
After the admission process, once you arrive in Singapore to study there are costs which you would like to consider. The annual cost of living in Singapore below reflect a reasonably comfortable lifestyle, excluding the vacation period. The actual amount could be higher or lower depending on each student’s expenditure and lifestyle.
| Particulars | Average Annual Costs (SGD) |
|---|---|
| On Campus Accommodation | 2,800-5,500 |
| Meals | 2,600 |
| Personal Expenses | 2,200 |
| Transportation within Singapore | 800 |
| Average Cost of Books | 400 |
| Total Cost Excluding Accommodation | 6,000 |
| Total Cost Including Accommodation | 10,400 |
Tution Fees
Tuition Fees for Masters in Singapore
| Universities | Fees per Annum (INR) |
|---|---|
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 26,28,960 |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | 12,25,479 |
| Singapore Institute of Management | 18,75,325 |
| Singapore Management University | 18,69,410 |
| James Cook University-Singapore | 21,09,740 |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | 27,90,532 |
| TUM Asia | 10,54.870 |
| Management Development Institute of Singapore | 13,36,169 |
Subsidized Tuition Fees for Masters in Singapore
Foreign students who take admission to the Singapore Universities and self-finance their studies can choose to pay a subsidized tuition fee rate. This is not open to students who receive any kind of scholarship.
Not all programs are eligible for the subsidy and these are selected based on the needs of the labor market. The subsidy amount for overseas students ranges from 5,000-40,000 SGD, depending on the subject area. To qualify, you need to sign an agreement, called a Service Obligation (SO) with the MoE to work in Singapore-based companies for three years after graduation.
Although attractive financially, the length of the SO is fixed at three years, regardless of how long your Master’s program is, so make sure you understand the terms and that you have plans to work in Singapore.Scholarships
Scholarships to Study Masters in Singapore
Financial assistance for graduate students in Singapore is available in the form of scholarships from universities and from external agencies. Some of the top universities offering scholarships to international students in Singapore are mentioned below:
- Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships at NUS: Amount offered- 21,338 SGD
- INSEAD Antonio Borges Endowed Scholarship: Amount offered – 15,051 SGD
- Nanyang Scholarship: Amount- 8,668 SGD per year + full coverage of subsidized tuition fees
External Scholarships to Pursue Masters in Singapore
Some of the scholarships you can avail while pursuing MS in Singapore are as follows:
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA): It awards an amount of 2,000 SGD.
- The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program: Amount awarded to international students 1,333 SGD.
- BrokerFish International Student Scholarship: International students are awarded around 1,333 SGDunder this scholarship.
Part-Time Work while Studying Masters in Singapore
Getting an opportunity to work part-time while studying is an additional way of funding your education. Part-time work is not available to students studying in private universities. For students studying in Government Universities students 16 hours of part-time work is available for international students in a week.
Part-time work is allowed under certain conditions and is subject to approval by the university that you are studying in. Local employers are allowed to offer part-time employment to overseas students from local universities. As a student, you will have to present a letter of authorization from your institution allowing you to pursue part-time employment.Job Scope
Masters in Singapore Career Prospects
In Singapore, a Master’s degree is often a prerequisite for PhD in Singapore but it also opens up a number of career options. As a hub for business and high-tech industries in South-East Asia, Singapore offers a wide range of opportunities, notably in key sectors such as banking and finance, biomedical sciences, chemicals, communications and media, electronics, healthcare, and information technologies.
Post-Study Work Options in Singapore
Students studying at private universities in Singapore who want to stay back and work after completing their degrees usually receive a 1–3 months visa extension. Once they get employed, an S pass is issued to them by the ICA. On the other hand, government institutions, polytechnics, and some foreign leading campuses of overseas universities usually issue Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), a one-year permit.
The average salary offered to a master’s degree student in Singapore is 70,000 SGD annually. Graduates from NUS are offered the highest salary ranging between 102,000-139,000, followed by other public and private university alumni offered an average annual amount of 70,000 to 90,000 SGD.
Tabulated below are some job sector and average salary offered to graduate students:
| Job Sector | Average Annual Salary (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Legal Department | 109,000 |
| Airline | 93,000 |
| Legal and Paralegal | 88,000 |
| Financial Services | 71,000 |
| Finance Control and Strategy | 70,000 |
| Sales and Business Development | 65,000 |
Post completion of the course, Singapore has ample job opportunities to offer. Being Asia’s leading commercial and technology hub there is no dearth of companies ready to intake students with good GPA and other academic scores.
Some top companies hiring postgraduate students in Singapore are:
| Popular Employers | Annual Average Salary Offered (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Amazon.com Inc | 65,000 |
| Dow Jones & Co Inc | 44,000 |
| Control Risks Group | 80,000 |
| Singtel | 65,000 |
| HP Inc | 49,000-77,000 |
| Micron Technology | 53,000-74,000 |
| GlaxoSmithKline | 60,000-90,000 |
Universities regularly arrange and participate in job fairs, where students get to meet representatives of international and local businesses. Students present their resumes and have discussions with the company representatives. Successful candidates are then called for an interview for further evaluation.
Masters in Singapore vs Other Study Abroad Destinations
| Parameter | Singapore | Hong Kong | Malaysia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1-2 Years | 1-2 Years | 1-3 Years |
| Fees | 19.34-24.8 LPA | 8.5-20 LPA | 3.80-4.7 LPA |
| Salary | 38.69 LPA | 20.04 LPA | 18.08 LPA |
| Exams Required | IELTS: 6.0-7.0 TOEFL: 80-100 | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 80 | IELTS: 6-6.5 TOEFL: 80 |
| Work-Study Program | Up to 16 Hours per week | Up to 20 hours per week | Up to 20 hours per week |
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