Architecture (Master of) MArch - 2022 Entry

Course Structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Core

• Advanced Technology and Professional Skills 2

  The module aims to introduce you to contemporary construction methods and technologies, focussing on sustainable technologies, the climate emergency and advanced tools to investigate the relationship between architecture, the environment and people to inform architectural design practice. Work will interface with Research Institutes across the University including Data and Material Sciences.

  You will initially work as a group to produce a precedent study evidenced via a 1:20 facade model, then work individually to produce an integrated technology report, analysing strategies and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements which will align with your studio design for a public building. Specific reference will be made to fire spread, compartmentation and material specification as part of the 1:20 facade model.

• Architectural Design Studio 4A

  The module aims to provide you with a set of new tools and concepts embedded into the design process introducing ideas around population and policy (challenges of global population rises, migration and UK population changes against a backdrop of UK policy and regulations) and sustainable thinking and how these ideas can be integrated into architectural design with an emphasis on creativity as problem solving.

  You will initially undertake a series of projects around sustainable thinking, which may include one of the following themes: lean construction, urban master planning, use of local/re-using materials, CO2 cycles and the innovative use of technology. You will then go on to work individually on a 'live project' that will be locally based with scope to use sustainable/local materials.

• Architectural Design Studio 4B

  This module will introduce ideas around the city and urban design, bringing together physical, digital and social aspects of living in city and urban environments in order to address the complex challenges related to health and wellbeing, sustainable behaviours, safe and security. You will be working individually to a given design brief for a 1500-2500 sqm public building with an associated public, external space in the middle of a city/urban setting. The selected site is intended to be in a European city, contrasting with the local theme of the previous term’s design project. The module, where applicable, will feature live briefs, external visits, collaborations, and opportunities for site visits and field trips.

• Professional Practice 2

  The module is designed to consolidate your understanding of professional practice, in the context of ‘professionalism’ and ‘activism’ as key drivers. This module will consider theories of urban design, aspects of planning including the legal basis of planning and governmental policy, statutory instruments, National Planning Policy Guidance, how neighbourhood planning works and the effects of regeneration on communities and how social justice and economic inequities arise from policy decisions. The module will go on to explore contract law and regulatory frameworks in addition to exploring the roles of the design team, client and contractor.

  Selecting a case study, you will first produce a planning report, followed by an open book test on contracts and procurement, and the regulations and legislation that govern building design. You will then undertake group work to establish a mock architectural practice and explore the inter-relationship of roles.

• Research Methods

  The module aims to introduce you to a broad range of research methods than can be successfully applied to architectural research questions, helping you to understand the distinction between 'research for design', 'research about design' and 'research through design'. A range of established methods will be explored ranging from quantitative through to qualitative approaches, as well as research ethics and different application domains.

  You will first write an essay outlining your broad area of interest and develop a draft research proposal outlining a realistic programme of research in order to investigate this topic. This module is delivered through a variety of means, including lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Core

• Analytic Investigation

  In this module, you will undertake a piece of research applied to an architectural research question, considering concepts of radical design and activism. This research will be based on your proposal previously outlined, developed and approved as part of the Research Methods module.

• Architectural Design Studio 5A

  This module aims to provide you with a set of new tools and concepts embedded into the design process. You will work individually throughout this module and be given the freedom to select your own site (in a pre-selected city), undertake a rigorous site analysis and use this to develop your own brief informed by themes including community, public, home and living.

  In the second half of the module you will go on to develop this design to Concept Design stage, ready to begin Developed Design phase.

• Architectural Design Studio 5B

  In this module, you will develop responses to design briefs and sites, considering the topographical, social and cultural features at a different range of scales, from urban to construction detail. You will focus on Future Practice (discovering how emerging, digital technologies are radically changing the ways in which we design, make and work in the future) and how these ideas can be integrated into architectural design.

  This module will provide you with the tools to produce a cohesive and comprehensive building design at a variety of scales and media, including models that consider integrated structural and environmental considerations.

• Integrated Technology and Practice 2

  This module will introduce you to contemporary construction methods and technologies, building upon knowledge gained from the first year of the MArch. Exploring novel and innovative materials, as well as undertaking site visits and guest lectures, you will gain a deeper understanding of the professional and technical role of the architect.

  This module will focus, in particular, on looking at the increasing complexity of information requirements for architectural design, including less reliance on 2D and more emphasis on live models, embedded data and digital fabrication methods.

• Professional Practice 3

  Building on your learning from your undergraduate studies and from experience of architectural practice, this module is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of professional practice.

  This module will focus on the future of professional practice and prepare you for running your own practice. Topics covered will include the costing of buildings, the impact of developing technologies on future practice, the life-cycle of buildings and an architect's professional responsibilities at different stages as well as the skills required for running a practice.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.