The Master of Advanced Studies in Collective Housing (MCH) course, run by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Zurich Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), spans the disciplines of architecture, design, cities and housing.

The Master of Advanced Studies in Collective Housing (MCH) is a full-time, international postgraduate programme in architecture, design, cities and housing, jointly presented by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and ETH Zurich.

Since its foundation in 2006, the MCH has established itself as one of the world's leading postgraduate programmes in architecture and housing.

The programme comprises 600 hours (60 ECTS) and offers an intensive, practice-oriented learning experience.

Participants develop their design skills through seven one-week workshops, while complementing their training through a series of specialities covering a broad range of topics, including climate change, metabolism and architecture, housing practice, construction and technology, leadership, processes and entrepreneurship, urban design and city sciences, low-resources and emergency housing, sociology, economics and politics, and new technologies in architectural design.

Each specialty is coordinated by a technical director and enriched by a distinguished group of guest lecturers and more than 100 international experts who visit Madrid throughout the academic year.

Through intensive collaboration, critical debate and hands-on design work, participants develop new perspectives and produce innovative responses to the complex challenges facing collective housing and contemporary cities.

The programme also includes study trips in Madrid and Switzerland. These visits provide participants with the opportunity to explore exemplary buildings, housing projects, institutions, and universities, accompanied by architects and experts who offer first-hand insight into their design, construction, management and social context.

By combining rigorous academic content, intensive design practice, international exchange and direct engagement with leading figures in the field, the MCH offers a unique environment for developing the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking required to shape the future of collective housing and cities.

School: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Zurich Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)
Course: Master of Advanced Studies in Collective Housing (MCH)
Location: Madrid, Spain
Type: Postgraduate
Course dates: March 2027 to December 2027
Application deadline: 29 January 2027

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Advanced skills in collective housing design, urban strategies, construction, and sustainability
– Architectural and housing research capabilities paired with analytical problem-solving
– Communication, teamwork, and professional design execution across specialist fields

What are the requirements?

– Degree in architecture or an equivalent qualification permitting professional practice in your country of origin
– Portfolio along with supporting academic and professional documentation

What facilities and resources are available?

– Access to ETSAM's architecture facilities, studios, workshops, and library
– Academic and professional networks, study trips, office visits, lectures and reviews with international specialists from UPM and ETH Zurich

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates can pursue careers in architecture, collective housing, urban design, housing development, research and related fields. The programme includes a dedicated Career Advice System to help each student define a realistic professional path and support their job search.

Who teaches this course?

The programme is taught by internationally recognised architects, academics, researchers and professionals.

The Workshop Leaders include Hrvoje Njiric, Alison Brooks, Elli Mosayebi, Momoyo Kaijima, Jan de Vylder, Cino Zucchi and Anne Lacaton. In addition, around 100 specialists each year teach across the programme's different areas of knowledge.

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