Welcome to your course
Welcome to MArch. The start of a new academic year is always an exciting time. We are keen to get started as soon as possible and we will be making the most of our welcome meetings and briefings to make sure that you are introduced to all the facilities and services available to you as an MArch student. This includes the opportunities presented by our unique location in central London, and the unrivalled resources of our Fabrication Lab. But, just as importantly, to meet the dedicated team of lecturers and design tutors that make the MArch course so successful.
Whether you are new to Westminster or whether you have studied here before, there will be important introductions to all aspects of the course. There will also be an exciting week of design and making in the Fabrication Lab. This workshop will contribute directly to the assessment of your first year Digital Design work.
We look forward to meeting you on Wednesday 10 September but in the meantime, on behalf of myself and the rest of course team, I wish you an enjoyable summer and every success with your future studies at the University of Westminster.
Richard Difford - Course Leader
Welcome to the School of Architecture + Cities
During your time in the School the focus is on your work and creative outputs – and we are committed helping you achieve your potential. As well as the full-time teaching staff, leading practitioners teach on our courses, and employers mentor students. The School brings together a variety of disciplines to address future environmental and social challenges – urban and environmental design to architecture, architectural technology, interior architecture, planning, and tourism and events. Our Marylebone campus is perfectly placed for exploring London, and houses some of the most advanced teaching and fabrication spaces in the city.
During your welcome week, there will be a programme of activities arranged for you, so please attend all the events on your individual timetable – as well as the formality of enrolment, you will get to work with your course tutors and fellow students.
Best wishes
Kate Cheyne
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
As part of your induction and to complete your enrolment, you'll need to collect your student ID card.
Your time slot for collection is:
4pm, Monday 15 September 2025
Marylebone Campus
For more information about enrolment, including related FAQs, visit our Enrolment for new students page.
Course induction schedule
Your course induction events may take place online or on campus – check the details for each event below.
The timing and venue for events may change, so double check this page closer to the date.
All today's event are on the Marylebone Campus
Course Introduction
11–1pm
Room M416
General introduction to the course by course leader Richard Difford. It will also be a chance to meet some of the other key staff and learn about the culture of the school.
Essential information
2–4pm
Room M416
This will include essential information about the course and about the facilities available to you at Westminster.
All today's event are on the Marylebone Campus
Introduction to the Fabrication Lab and the introductory fabrication workshop
10–11.30am
Room, Wood Lecture Theatre
Introduction to the Fabrication Lab and to the first part of the introductory fabrication workshop. Attending this session will be crucial if you are to take full advantage of the exciting possibilities presented by the Fabrication Lab and to successfully engage with the requirements for digital design and making on the course.
11.30am
Fabrication workshops begins.
Fabrication workshop
Fabrication Lab, Marylebone Campus
The fabrication workshop aims to provide an engaging and enjoyable introduction to the equipment and facilities available in the Fabrication Lab. From the outset, you will be designing and making using a range of techniques and materials from computer-controlled machining to hand craft. It is also a chance to get to know some of the people you will be working with throughout the year. This workshop is also a vital part of your studies and will contribute to the Digital Design component of the course.
The Fabrication workshop will introduce you to the principles of prototyping and design through making, as well as developing your knowledge and skills in both traditional and digital manufacturing processes. You will have the week to design, test and fabricate a collection of spatial installations, physical artefacts and sensory devices. Along the way, you will be guided by a team of architecture lecturers and Fabrication Lab staff who will provide instruction, tutorials and discussions about the work. You will learn how to work productively and creatively and have the opportunity to generate, test and realise your designs.
Fabrication Lab, Marylebone Campus
6.30–9pm
The Fabrication workshop ends with a celebratory event. Guest critics will be on hand to offer comments on the work.
Course resources
Blackboard
Blackboard is our online learning platform, which you'll be able to log in to after you've set up your University email address and password.
Teaching timetables
Teaching starts in the week commencing Monday 22 September and you can check your teaching timetable to see when and where your classes are being held.
Course handbook
Full details on the course structure, modules and course team are included in the course handbook, which can be found on Blackboard.
Reading list
Your reading list can be found in the course handbook on Blackboard.
Equipment and materials
Digital technology
While you can borrow laptops through the University for 24 hours, it's better to have your own. If you're not sure what to buy, our technical support team can advise you once you've enrolled.
You'll be eligible for a student discount on computer purchases.
A smart phone with a good camera function is very useful for recording your work and for online communication.
Support and services
Welcome to Westminster
Visit our Welcome to Westminster page for everything you need to get started at Westminster.
Student Centre
If you need help with enrolment or have any questions, please use the live chat.
Academic English
If you'd like to hone your academic English skills, watch our Academic English for Disciplinary Study Module video for starters and consider joining one of our Academic English Modules. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Academic English team at [email protected].