Lancaster University Architecture
The new School of Architecture is based in the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), the new MArch Architecture programme aims to be one of the UK’s leading destinations for aspiring architects.
Overview
The driving principles behind our new Master's degree in Architecture are sustainability and an ethical approach to professional practice.
Our School of Architecture aims to produce graduates who are equipped with the skills, knowledge and competency to address key global problems that deeply impact society.
Lancaster University is ranked as one of the top universities in the UK, with a strong track record for graduate employment. Building on our institutional reputation for excellence in teaching and research, the new Master of Architecture programme (MArch) has been designed from scratch and incorporates the latest thinking and reseach in the field. You will work with some of UK’s leading designers, architects, academics and researchers in a collaborative atmosphere that strives towards positive social, economic, technological and environmental change.
- You will develop advanced digital skills to enable the production and fabrication of ideas including advanced Parametric, GIS and BIM techniques, alongside relevant presentation skills supported through dedicated IT facilities.
- Professionalism in practice is developed through casework, contextual studies and work placements, which will enable you to develop understand the future direction of the profession.
- Design studio is the core activity for the M.Arch. This is a collaborative community of academics, practitioners and students all engaged collectively in the pursuit of architectural design and research excellence.
- You will have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that will enable you to be agile and ethical in your practice, and ready to meet the challenges posed by contemporary global problems such as climate emergency, work force automation, data security and the ageing population.
Through the Part 2 Architecture programme at Lancaster University you will gain both advanced research skills as well as a high level of technological knowledge, and skills in application and innovation. This combination is indispensable within design, fabrication and construction teams.
School of Architecture sketchbook
Please email us if you'd like us to send you a free architect's sketchbook.
Lancaster University School of Architecture
The newly established Lancaster School of Architecture is an affiliate of ImaginationLancaster, the globally recognised design-led research lab at Lancaster University. We conduct research into current and future design and architecture challenges facing cities, communities, factories, workplaces and homes.
ImaginationLancaster’s internationally acclaimed researchers work together in an open culture delivering new knowledge and concepts for places, processes, technologies buildings and policies. With partnerships across multiple sectors and industries, ImaginationLancaster’s rigorous and unique approach facilitates innovation and provides fresh perspectives on real world issues. As a new School of Architecture, our ambition it to contribute to a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable world through our work.
Our forthcoming studio design project themes include:
- Parametric and Generative Architecture
- The Climate Crisis
- Arts and Crafts in Architecture
- Adaptive Biomimetic Facades
- Policy and Community
Events
We run regular events featuring talks and discussion with leading experts on the theme of Technology, Environment and Architecture (TEA talks!). Visit our TEA talks webpage to find out more and sign up for the next event.
Facilities
As well as an individual working space in our studios, in Part 2 Architecture you'll use our workshops which provide facilities for model-making at various scales, encompassing hand tools and digital fabrication equipment including 3D printers and laser cutters. Digital facilities will include laser scanning, visualisation equipment and large-scale printing, as well as access to the full Adobe Creative Suite and other specialist software.
“At Lancaster School of Architecture, we are striving to be different: the profession of architecture is undergoing more changes, and at a faster rate, than any period since the 1950s. To respond to these changes, we need to be agile, flexible and responsive, something that is far easier for us to do as a new school, without a legacy of set ways of doing things. The future practitioner will need to be highly research-literate to respond to external drivers of change such as the global climate crisis, social/ethical concerns, and the digital economy. As an architecture school embedded in a research-intensive university like Lancaster, we will help you develop the research skills that, combined with an inquiring and creative spirit, you will need to help lead our profession into the future.”
Des Fagan, M.Arch Course Leader
Accreditation
The MArch Master of Architecture (Part II) is fully accredited by the ARB (Architects Registration Board). It is expected that validation by the RIBA will follow when our first Master's cohort graduates.
Masters of Architecture – Apprenticeship L7
We intend to launch a new postgraduate Apprenticeship soon. Please register your details with us to be sent updates.
Your department
Entry Requirements
2:1 (UK Hons) degree or equivalent in architecture or a related discipline
A digital portfolio of your work will be required
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Core
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Fees and Funding
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| Full Time (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK | £9,250 |
| International | £20,930 |
Scholarships and bursaries
At Lancaster, we believe that funding concerns should not stop any student with the talent to thrive.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover the cost of tuition fees and/or living expenses.
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small which supports the running of college events and activities.
For students starting in 2022, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2023 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Fees in subsequent years
The University will not increase the Tuition Fee you are charged during the course of an academic year.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year's duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. The way in which continuing students' fee rates are determined varies according to an individual's 'fee status' as set out on our fees webpages.
Professional Accreditation
The Master of Architecture (Part 2) is fully accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Architecture at Lancaster
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2022/2023 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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