The Master in Architecture in Research at the Paris School of Architecture introduces students to a variety of disciplines within architecture to provide guidance ahead of specialising in their individual practices.

School: Paris School of Architecture
Course: Master in Architecture in Research
Location: Paris, France
Course duration: 2 years
Application deadline: Friday 10 January 2025, with late spring enrolment deadline of Friday 11 April 2025

The Paris School of Architecture (PSA) is an independent graduate-level institution based in Paris. Founded in 2019 and located in the vibrant Canal Saint Martin area, the school's mission is to cultivate independent thinkers, makers and entrepreneurs interested in the transdisciplinary aspects of architecture.

PSA offers a unique approach to architectural pedagogy, centred around individual research projects at the Master's level. These projects begin in September and conclude in June, allowing for one full academic year for completion. Known as integrated research projects, the majority of the Master’s research outcomes are assessed through a single year-long project with various outcomes.

For students interested in further developing their academic skills, a research option is available. This enables them to continue their work throughout year two, culminating in a high-quality dissertation to be defended alongside the final project. This research effort is supervised through both collaborative and individual sessions with PhD tutors.

In term one, students research areas of interest and formulate a brief to be submitted before the Christmas holiday winter break., and in term two, students develop an architectural response to their individual briefs and in term three, students refine the presentation of their projects for a final jury and public exhibition.

The integrated research project involves the production of an architectural project over one academic year, set within the greater Paris region, Île-de-France. This course includes weekly tutorials and term project reviews. The studio project begins with rigorous research into an area of interest, supported by studio tutors, culminating in a brief that elaborates on a scenario written by the student, to be presented at the beginning of term two.

In conjunction with studio research projects, PSA offers selected workshops and masterclasses tied to the studio project, aligned with students' selected coursework and specific studio briefs. These cover topics such as narrative tools, film, generative AI, diagramming, 2D/3D software, BIM, project management, health and safety and construction.

The PSA curriculum is designed to be student-centred. Students receive extensive one-on-one critique time with each tutor, masterclass instructor and invited guests. Additional school resources include access to robust drawing and model-making facilities and career counselling services.

Assessments of the year-long studio project are conducted following a final presentation on the day before the opening night of the end of year show, a public gallery exhibition held in central Paris.

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