Chatham University

What you'll study

This master's emphasises the technical and scientific foundations of contemporary architecture alongside advanced digital design and fabrication methods. Core topics typically include building science (thermal, moisture and hygrothermal performance), environmental building systems, materials and assemblies, and construction detailing. Students also study computational design, parametric modelling and scripting, and advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflows for integrated design and delivery.

• Design studios and applied projects that integrate performance analysis, fabrication and construction sequencing into architectural design problems.
• Building performance modules covering energy modelling, daylighting, acoustics and indoor environmental quality.
• Digital technologies including parametric design, scripting, 3D printing and CNC fabrication.
• Materials and construction technology focused on assemblies, detailing, structural interfaces and durability.
• Research methods and thesis or capstone enabling original investigation into a technical problem, performance evaluation or technology integration.

Students work through a mix of seminars, laboratory sessions, studio work and an independent research or design project. Many courses encourage interdisciplinary collaboration with sustainability, landscape and engineering disciplines and make use of Chatham's hands-on learning facilities and the Eden Hall Campus as a living laboratory for resilient and regenerative design.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor's degree such as architecture, architectural technology, civil engineering, construction management, environmental design or a closely related field. Admissions typically consider the applicant's academic record, a portfolio demonstrating technical and design capabilities, a personal statement outlining interests and goals, and professional or academic references.

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• A portfolio that highlights technical drawings, building details, computational work or project-based research where applicable.
• A personal statement that explains the applicant's motivation, areas of interest within architectural technology and intended career direction.
• Letters of recommendation and a current CV or résumé.

Prospective international applicants should also meet Chatham University's demonstrated English language proficiency requirements. Some applicants without a directly related undergraduate degree may be admitted with prerequisite coursework or by demonstrating professional experience that shows preparation for graduate-level technical study.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles where building performance, digital workflow and constructability are central. Typical career paths include:

• Architectural technologist or technical architect focusing on details, specifications and coordination.
• BIM manager or coordinator responsible for digital project delivery and integrated information management.
• Building performance analyst or sustainability consultant conducting energy, daylighting and thermal simulations.
• Facade engineer, specification writer or construction technology specialist working on envelope design and detailing.
• Design technologist and computational designer developing workflows, scripts and customised design tools.
• Research or academic roles in building science, materials research or performance-based design, often leading to further doctoral study.

Graduates typically find work in architecture and engineering firms, specialised consultancies, construction companies, product manufacturers and government or non-profit organisations focused on building performance and resilient design.

Why study at Chatham University

Chatham offers a small, studio-focused learning environment that supports close faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university's strong commitment to sustainability and healthful environments is reflected across its programmes and facilities, including the Eden Hall Campus, which provides real-world research and teaching opportunities in resilient site design, material systems and energy strategies.

Students benefit from faculty with professional experience, hands-on lab and fabrication resources, and opportunities to collaborate with sustainability and landscape programmes. The programme's emphasis on applied projects and industry-relevant digital workflows prepares graduates to meet contemporary technical challenges in the building professions while drawing on Chatham's regional connections with design and construction practices.