Requirements
Application Call Deadlines
Scholarships will be
given in this selection
The Master of Architecture in Collective Housing, MCH, is a postgraduate full-time international professional program of advanced architecture design in collective housing presented by Universidad Politécnica of Madrid (UPM) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). After several editions, it is rated as one of the best architecture master’s programs by architects and experts.
Next edition will start in March 2027. Applications for MCH2027 ARE OPEN and will be welcomed until 30.01.2027, or until no more vacancies are available. MCH is the first UPM-ETH official postgraduate program. It takes place mainly in Madrid.
MCH has always committed to the highest level of excellence combining teachers of international prestige and a thorough participant selection process in order to make the best out of this course.
Documentation and Experience
As MCH is a postgraduate degree, candidates will already have a Diploma as architects, a master’s degree according to the European Higher Education Area Framework* or equal level degree. The actual naming of the degrees may vary from country to country.
*The European Higher Education Area Framework establishes three cycles:
- 1st cycle: typically 180–240 ECTS credits, awarding a bachelor’s degree.
- 2nd cycle: typically 90–120 ECTS credits (a minimum of 60 on 2nd-cycle level), awarding a master’s degree.
- 3rd cycle: doctoral degree. No ECTS range given.
In most cases, these will take 3–4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1–2 years for a master’s degree, and 3–4 years for a doctoral degree, respectively to complete.
Once the candidates are admitted, following documents have to be presented:
Those who have a foreign degree, issued in a non EU country
- Photocopy of university degree with the apostille of the Hague accords or a stamp of the Spanish embassy in their country (all stamps must be original)
- Photocopy of academic transcripts of their degree, also with the apostille of the Hague accords or a stamp of the Spanish embassy in their country (all stamps must be original)
- Degrees, certificates and transcripts must be translated to Spanish
Those who have a foreign degree, issued in an EU country
- Photocopy of university degree
- Photocopy of academic transcripts of their degree
- Degrees, certificates and transcripts must be translated to Spanish.
Those who have a degree issued in Spain
- Photocopy of university degree
- Photocopy of academic transcripts of their degree.
Given the cultural diversity of the program, the official language is English, so participants must be able to communicate in English. Although no official certification is required, the required level of English is C1. Proficiency in other languages will be an asset.
The competency parameters can be consulted here.
Candidates’ dossier should include their best academic, research and professional projects.
Each applicant’s technical, design and graphic skills, as well as his or her ability to work in a group and other achievements will be considered for selection.
The MCH program will select participants from different nationalities and academic backgrounds for each edition. Each year, recent graduates are selected as well as students with a longer track record.
Although there is no minimum, it is recommended to apply from the second year after graduation or obtaining the degree, to ensure a minimum previous work experience.
Program Rules
It is compulsory to attend everyday classes unless justified, e.g. medical assistance must be submitted to the MCH Office.
There will be a daily control of attendance. Participants will be asked to sign a sheet and signature controls will be done from time to time to avoid cheating. Signing the attendance sheet and leaving or signing on someone else’s behalf will be considered a felony.
Participants will have a maximum of 5 minutes to go in the classroom before the class starts. Once the lecturer has started, participants won’t have access to the classroom until the break. Likewise, participants will not leave the class during a lecture.
Participants are allowed to have a maximum of 10 absences, that must be documented and justified. If exceeded, the participant shall not receive the MCH Diploma.
The use of mobile phones in the classroom is not permitted unless requested by the teacher.
Laptops will be turned off and closed during lectures.
Smoking is not permitted inside the University buildings.
Participants must carry out all the work and projects proposed. These will have to be submitted within the established deadline which cannot be extended. The submission documents must be sent as pdf files to info@mchmaster.com.
The level achieved by the participants after the course, personal interest shown, and the quality of the work presented will be an essential part to receive the MCH Diploma.
Program Changes and Cancellations
MCH keeps the right to make changes in this program.
Note that the Master in Collective Housing or the FGUPM (Fundación General de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) is not responsible for any prejudice as a result of the cancellation of the program due to reasons beyond our control.
Admission Requirements FAQs
Do I need an architecture degree to apply?
A degree in architecture is the most common background among MCH students, but the program is also open to graduates in related disciplines — including urban planning, interior architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, or other design fields. What matters is a demonstrated interest in housing design and a portfolio that reflects your architectural thinking.
What portfolio should I submit?
Your portfolio should document your design work and reflect your capacity for architectural thinking. There is no fixed format, but it should include projects that show your approach to space, scale, and program. The portfolio is one of the most important elements of your application — the admissions committee uses it to assess your design potential and fit with the program.
Is work experience required?
Work experience is not a formal requirement, but it is valued. Many MCH students apply directly after completing their degree, while others have several years of professional practice. What the admissions committee is looking for is intellectual curiosity, design ability, and a clear motivation to specialise in collective housing.
What level of English is required?
A minimum level of B2 (upper-intermediate) according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is required. All sessions, workshops, reviews, and deliverables are conducted in English, so a solid working command of the language is essential from day one.
Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
You are asked to self-declare your English level in the application form. If you are shortlisted for an interview, your English proficiency will be assessed during the online interview with the program directors.
Is my degree from outside Spain or Switzerland accepted?
Yes. MCH welcomes applications from graduates of universities worldwide. There is no requirement to have your degree officially recognised (homologado) in Spain to apply — the program issues its own UPM certificate upon completion.
What should my motivation letter include?
Your motivation letter should explain why you want to specialise in collective housing, what draws you to MCH specifically, and how the program fits your professional or research goals. It should be concise — typically one to two pages — and written in English.