MArch Architecture

• n honours degree of 2:1 or above from a RIBA Part I validated course; or
• A first degree in Architecture from an overseas institution that can be demonstrated to be equivalent to a 2:1 or above from a RIBA Part I validated course; or
• An honours degree of 2:2 from a RIBA Part I validated course, plus a minimum of 60% in the final year design project and/or evidence in your portfolio of significant development since you completed your degree; or
• Successful completion of the ARB Part I examination; or
• Appropriate academic or professional qualifications equivalent to the above which you should describe in detail in your application.

Year 1

The Masters of Architecture course comprises of 240 credits delivered over two years full-time or three years part-time.  All modules are core to the award and students are required to successfully complete all modules to achieve the award.

For full-time students, the first year combines Design Studio A with Architectural Representation And Modelling, Advanced Cultural Studies, and Professional Practice modules.

Core modules:

• Design Studio A (60 credits) - Typically involves two or more projects, including a 'live' project involving hands-on construction, or working with a client or user group in small groups, as well as a more theoretical individual design project. Involves a taught Technical Substantiation course.
• Advanced Cultural Studies 1: Narratives of Built Form (15 credits) - Explores the relationships between buildings and ideas by applying theories from a range of disciplines, including architecture, art and design, archaeology, psychology, and science.
• Professional Practice: 1 (15 credits) - This client-facing module develops your knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of architects, clients and other interested parties through live projects with real clients.
• Architectural Representation and Modelling (30 credits) - Fine-tune your knowledge and ability in drawing, modelling and other relevant media for analysis, formal experimentation and conceptual speculation when designing and representing projects.

Year 2

Year 2 is where you begin to specialise, with 60 credits allocated to your choice of design units. These vary from year to year, to reflect current issues in architecture and urban design, as well as faculty research and specialisms. You can also explore your specialist modules in more depth in the Design Research module. This introduces the principles of research that are ideal preparation for the dissertation aspect of an MA Architecture degree (should you choose to go on to further study). There are also modules in Advanced Cultural Studies and Professional Practice.

Core modules:

• Design Studio B (60 credits) - This is where you produce your final year design thesis, and focus on your choice of Sustainable Architecture, Conservation or Urbanism.
• Advanced Cultural Studies: Narratives of Architectural Theory (15 credits) - In this module, you look critically at the theories behind architectural phenomena, including philosophical approaches to the social, economic, political, technological and aesthetic cultures architecture emerges from.
• Professional Practice 2 (15 credits) - Introduces you to the understanding and competence you will need to pass the threshold for professional validation in Part 3 and develops your understanding of the issues surrounding effective practice and project management.
• Design Research (30 credits) - Generate your own design research project, experiment and work directly with materials, drawings or film.