MSc Architecture
Design for a changing world at one of Europe's most international, design-forward schools. Taught entirely in English in the heart of Madrid, IE's studio-based master blends architecture, technology and sustainability — and opens a 12-month post-study permit across the EU.
- ✓ Study at one of Europe's most international, design-forward schools — taught in English
- ✓ Studio-based learning blending architecture, technology and sustainability
- ✓ Study in the EU — 12-month post-study permit and Europe-wide mobility
IE's Master in Architecture is intensive and hands-on: you'll work through design studios and real briefs, developing skills in advanced design, computation, materials and sustainable urbanism. The cohort is genuinely global, and the faculty draws from leading international practice.
Graduates work across architecture, urban design, computational design and consultancy in Europe and worldwide. Studying in the EU opens a 12-month post-study job-seeking permit and pathways to practise across the continent.
Same field, different universities
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE (Architecture) ★ This programme | 🇪🇸 Spain | Master's | 15 months | €31,000 |
| Polimi (Architecture) QS #10 arch | 🇮🇹 Italy | Bachelor's | 3 years | €3,900 |
| Polimi (Design Eng) QS #5 design | 🇮🇹 Italy | Master's | 2 years | €3,900 |
| UPM (Engineering) QS #422 | 🇪🇸 Spain | Master's | 2 years | €6,500 |
What you'll need
| Academic | Bachelor's in architecture or a related design/engineering field | |
| Portfolio | Portfolio of design work required | |
| English | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (English-taught) | |
| Interview | Admissions interview / assessment | |
Portfolio is the heart of a strong application. Your counsellor helps you curate and present your best design work to IE's standards.
Core areas
Career outcomes
€30k+
Typical starting salary in the EU
12-month permit
Post-study job-seeking in Spain
Fields
Architecture, urban & computational design
EU mobility
Work across the European Union
Application timeline
Tuition fees & costs
| Tuition (international) | Full 15-month programme | €31,000 |
| Reservation fee | To confirm your place | Varies |
| Student visa fee | Type D (national) | ~€80 |
| Health insurance | Required for visa | ~€50/month |
Funding you may be eligible for
Alternative funding options
Collateral-free loans for international students at leading European schools, assessed on your future earning potential rather than a cosigner.
With a work authorisation you may work up to 30 hours per week during study — useful for studio-adjacent roles and internships in Madrid's design scene.
Monthly budget in Madrid
Madrid is one of Europe's more affordable capitals — sunny, safe and social, with excellent transport and a rich architectural fabric to learn from. Sharing a flat keeps costs down.
Student-visa financial requirement: €600/month (100% IPREM) in addition to tuition — via bank statements or a sponsor letter.
Spanish student visa requirements
| Visa type | Student Visa (Type D, national) | |
| Acceptance letter | Admission letter from IE | |
| Application fee | ~€80 | |
| Financial proof | €600/month (100% IPREM) + tuition | |
| Health cover | Private health insurance required | |
| Post-graduation | 12-month job-seeking permit (modificación de residencia) | |
Hear from our students
"IE's studios felt like a real practice — global classmates, live briefs and tutors from top firms. Madrid is beautiful and affordable, and the 12-month permit gave me time to land a design role after graduating. My counsellor shaped my portfolio."
"Studying in English in the EU opened doors across Europe. The computational design work was exactly what I wanted, and living in Madrid on a student budget was very doable."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply for Architecture?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows IE admissions and Spanish study pathways.