MASA FAQS

1. What’s the difference between the MArch and the MASA programe? The MArch programe is the professional programe meant for those interested in becoming an architect. The MASA programe offers an opportunity for research in a chosen area of interest. Most of our MASA applicants have completed a professional architectural degree already.

• online application and fee
• transcripts from all post secondary education institutions [and translations if required]
• statement of research proposals and faculty supervisor[s]
• resume
• list of publications and memberships in scholarly or professional organizations
• Three letters of reference
• portfolio [if appropriate to your chosen area of research]
• TOEFL score [if applicable]

3. Where do I find the application form? The application form is online at http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/apply-online The application automatically goes to both Graduate Studies and the School of Architecture simultaneously.

4. What is the deadline date for September 2011? The deadline for applications is February 15, 2011 for September 2011.

5. Do you admit students at other times of the year than September? No, we only admit students in September.

6. Do you need to receive an application form before I send in pieces to my application? No, I keep everything that I receive for one year even if I have not yet received an application form. Pieces to the application are eventually matched up.

7. What are the education requirements for admission to the program? Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited university-level institution. At least four years of study with a B+ average in third and fourth year-level course work. If you are an international student, please check the Graduate Studies website under minimum admissions requirements for admissions requirements from your country. International students who do not meet the minimum requirement for entrance cannot be considered.

8. I do not meet the minimum entrance requirement. What can I do? If you do not meet the minimum entrance requirement, you might consider taking additional senior level courses at a nearby university to raise your GPA. Work experience rarely can be used as a replacement for academic ability. For international students, please review the information about minimum requirements on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. You must meet those requirements to be eligible.

9. Do references need to be on the referee form? No. You will note as you read through the referee form that the questions reflect more on your characteristics observed in an academic situation. Your referees are welcome to use their own letterhead if that would suit them better. This is particularly appropriate if your reference is an employer, or if you are applying to more than one architecture programme. However, if the form is to be used, it is found here.
UBC Graduate studies has recently initiated a secure online reference process. In the online application, if you have given the email address of your referee in the space provided, the referee will automatically be sent an email stating that she/he is to supply a reference for you with a link to the secure application site. The referee will write the recommendation, then submit it and it automatically comes to me. They do not need to submit a hard copy of this in a signed sealed envelope. Please ask your referee before you complete the online application to write the recommendation and let her/him know about this electronic option.

One thing that has been noticed about the electronic references (eref) is that some referees are not nearly as expansive as they could be. The “box” that they fill in on the eref is “expandible", and they can easily write a page long reference for you in the box – or copy from an existing letter.

10. What is a Research Statement?  Basically the statement of research should cover four things: the background to the question that you would like to research, the question, the methodology you will use to answer the question and a bibliography of about 10 books, journals, etc. This should be about two pages in length.  The  more specific and thoughtful your proposal, and the better the interconnection with an identified faculty member, the better your chances [assuming your grades are fine].