Architecture (Master of) MArch - 2021 Entry

Course Structure

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

Core

• Architectural Design Studio 4A

  This module introduces ideas around population and policy and sustainable thinking, considering how these ideas can be integrated into architectural design, with an emphasis on creativity as problem solving. 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 initially undertake a series of projects around sustainable thinking, which may include one of more 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 work on a 'live project' that will be locally based with scope to use sustainable/local materials.

• Architectural Design Studio 4B

  This module introduces 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 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.

• Architectural Technology 2

  Introducing you to contemporary construction methods and technologies, building upon knowledge gained from your undergraduate studies, this module focuses, in particular, on sustainable technologies, the climate emergency and advanced tools to investigate the relationship between architecture, the environment and people, to inform architectural design practice.

  Gaining a deeper understanding of the technical role of the architect, you will examine 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 2

  This is one of two Professional Practice Modules, designed to consolidate your understanding of professional practice, in the context of the range of possibilities for Architects and of ‘professionalism’ and ‘activism’ as key drivers.

  This module considers theories of urban design, aspects of planning including the legal basis of planning and governmental policy; statutory instruments; National Planning Policy Guidance and how neighbourhood planning works. You will look at the effects of regeneration on communities and how social justice and economic inequities arise from policy decisions. You will also explore contract law and regulatory frameworks and the roles of the design team, client and contractor.

• Research Methods

  This module will introduce you to a broad range of research methods that can be successfully applied to architectural research questions. The focus will be on demonstrating the practical application of research methods for architecture, helping you to understand the distinction between research for design, research about design and research through design. A range of methods will be explored, ranging from quantitative through to qualitative methods, as well as research ethics and different application domains.

Core

• Advanced Technology 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.

• 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.

• 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.