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M-ARCH in General at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is General at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun?
This M.Arch program at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies focuses on advanced architectural knowledge, research, and design innovation. It addresses the evolving challenges in the built environment, emphasizing sustainable practices, urban development, and cutting-edge design technologies. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and leadership in architectural practice within the Indian context, preparing professionals for complex design roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Architecture graduates (B.Arch) seeking to deepen their understanding and specialize in advanced architectural domains. It caters to those aspiring for research-oriented careers, complex project leadership, or academic roles. Working professionals can also leverage this program to upskill, gain expertise in contemporary design issues, and transition into leadership positions within the Indian architecture and urban planning industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Senior Architects, Urban Designers, Architectural Researchers, Conservation Architects, or Project Managers. Entry-level salaries range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA. The program aligns with professional body guidelines, offering strong growth trajectories in leading architectural firms, government agencies, and academic institutions across India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodologies and Studio Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding architectural research methods and applying them in initial studio projects. Actively participate in design critiques, seek feedback, and iterate designs based on constructive criticism. Focus on developing strong conceptual frameworks and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, UPES library resources, Design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Builds a strong foundation for thesis work, fosters critical thinking essential for complex problem-solving in architectural practice, and improves design communication.
Engage with Environmental and Urban Challenges- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in courses like Architecture, Environment & Building Performance, and Urban Development & Housing. Supplement classroom learning with field visits to sustainable buildings and urban development sites. Seek out online courses or workshops on climate-responsive design and urban planning best practices in India.
Tools & Resources
Green building standards (IGBC, GRIHA), Urban policy documents, Online platforms like Coursera/edX for related courses, Local municipal corporation reports
Career Connection
Develops expertise in critical areas demanded by the Indian green building and smart cities initiatives, making graduates highly desirable in these growing sectors.
Cultivate Academic Writing and Re-Learning Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the Life Long Re-Learning & Writing Skills course to refine academic writing, critical analysis, and self-directed learning abilities. Practice summarizing complex architectural texts, structuring research papers, and giving effective presentations. Form study groups for peer editing and discussion.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Zotero/Mendeley for referencing, UPES writing center, Academic workshops
Career Connection
Essential for thesis development, publishing research, and professional communication, enhancing credibility and career progression in architectural academia or advanced practice.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Design Specialization through Electives- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose disciplinary electives that align with your career interests (e.g., urban housing, heritage, BIM, project management). Immerse yourself in the chosen area, pursuing additional certifications or workshops. Network with professionals working in these specialized fields.
Tools & Resources
Industry-specific software (Revit, ArchiCAD), Professional body memberships (IIA, ISOLA), Specialized workshops/seminars
Career Connection
Allows for focused skill development, making you a specialist in a niche area, which can lead to higher-paying and more fulfilling roles in the Indian architectural market.
Initiate and Structure Thesis Research- (Semester 3)
Begin early identification of your thesis topic, leveraging the Thesis I course. Conduct extensive literature reviews, refine your research question, and establish a robust methodology. Engage regularly with your thesis advisor for guidance and feedback, making consistent progress.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (JSTOR, Scopus), UPES research portal, Academic writing guides, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Develops advanced research capabilities, crucial for academic careers, high-level policy-making roles, or innovative design solutions in practice.
Seek Practical Industry Exposure and Networking- (Semester 3)
Pursue internships or part-time work in architectural firms or relevant organizations. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and architectural events in Dehradun, Delhi-NCR, or other major Indian cities. Build a professional network and seek mentorship from experienced architects.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry associations (IIA, Council of Architecture), Career fairs, Alumni network
Career Connection
Translates theoretical knowledge into practical skills, provides real-world experience, and opens doors to placement opportunities and future collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Execute Comprehensive Thesis Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate maximum effort to the Thesis II project, ensuring meticulous design development, thorough research, and compelling presentation. Seek critical feedback from a wide range of peers and faculty. Focus on the novelty and practical implications of your work within the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Advanced rendering software (V-Ray, Lumion), Graphic design tools, 3D printing/model making facilities, Professional printing services
Career Connection
A strong thesis acts as a portfolio centerpiece, showcasing advanced skills and research acumen, significantly boosting placement prospects and readiness for high-level roles.
Develop Professional Portfolio and Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Systematically compile all your best studio projects, research papers, and thesis work into a professional, well-curated portfolio. Practice interview techniques, focusing on articulating your design philosophy, technical skills, and problem-solving approaches relevant to the Indian industry.
Tools & Resources
Adobe InDesign/Illustrator for portfolio creation, Online portfolio platforms (Behance, Issuu), Mock interview sessions, Career services at UPES
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for job applications and interviews, ensuring you can effectively present your capabilities to potential employers in top Indian architectural firms.
Explore Entrepreneurial and Leadership Avenues- (undefined)
Investigate the possibility of starting your own architectural consultancy or taking on leadership roles within existing firms. Network with architectural entrepreneurs and understand the business aspects of the profession in India. Consider applying for architectural competitions or awards to gain recognition.
Tools & Resources
Startup incubators, Business plan workshops, Indian architectural business publications, Entrepreneurship cells at UPES
Career Connection
Positions you for leadership, innovation, and potentially self-employment, offering significant long-term career growth and impact within the architectural landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in B.Arch. Degree or equivalent recognized by Council of Architecture with minimum 50% marks
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for theory courses; varies for studio/project based courses), External: 50% (for theory courses; varies for studio/project based courses)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARC7001 | Architectural Design Research Methodologies | Core | 4 | Research paradigms in architecture, Quantitative and qualitative research methods, Data collection techniques, Statistical analysis and interpretation, Research proposal development, Academic report writing |
| MARC7002 | Advanced Architectural Design Studio I | Core (Studio) | 8 | Contemporary design theories and philosophies, Urban design strategies and interventions, Sustainable design principles and applications, Advanced building technologies integration, Complex architectural project development, Design synthesis and presentation |
| MARC7003 | Architecture, Environment & Building Performance | Core | 4 | Climate-responsive architectural design, Energy conservation in buildings, Building performance simulation tools, Thermal comfort and indoor air quality, Daylighting and natural ventilation strategies, Water management and site ecology |
| LLRW7001 | Life Long Re-Learning & Writing Skills | Open Elective | 4 | Academic writing and critical analysis, Literature review and synthesis, Effective referencing and citation, Presentation skills and public speaking, Research ethics and plagiarism, Self-directed learning strategies |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARC7005 | Advanced Architectural Design Studio II | Core (Studio) | 8 | Addressing complex architectural problems, Advanced spatial concepts and organization, Form-finding strategies and computational design, Materiality, construction, and detailing, Integrated building systems and technologies, Urban scale interventions and public spaces |
| MARC7006 | Advanced Construction & Building Services | Core | 4 | High-rise and long-span structures, Advanced facade and envelope systems, HVAC and plumbing systems design, Fire safety and building codes, Smart building automation technologies, Building acoustics and noise control |
| MARC7007 | Urban Development & Housing | Core | 4 | Urban planning theories and models, Housing policies and programs in India, Affordable housing strategies, Slum rehabilitation and urban renewal, Smart cities concepts and infrastructure, Inclusive urban design |
| DISC7001 | Dissertation | Open Elective | 4 | Research problem identification, Formulating research questions, Developing research methodology, Literature synthesis and critical review, Data analysis techniques, Preliminary report writing and presentation |
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARC8005 | Thesis II | Core (Project) | 16 | Advanced design development and detailing, Comprehensive project documentation and drawing sets, Research data analysis and synthesis, Critical analysis and evaluation of findings, Final thesis report writing, Public presentation and Viva Voce |
