Creative Arts Facilities at Lancaster University
As a student within LICA, you will have access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to catalyse your studies.
Overview
Why Lancaster?
- Our unique location adjacent to a small wood, on the edge of the Lake District World Heritage site, provides an excellent base from which to investigate the global climate emergency
- Our collaborative community of students, researchers and practitioners are collectively engaged in the exploration of ethical practice.
- Work with practices on significant UK projects including Eden North and Lancaster Garden Village to influence the future direction of the profession.
- We teach in a boutique environment that equips students with essential skills including fabrication and prototyping, parametricism, machine learning and carbon calculation.
- You will work in your own dedicated studio space, open 24/7 for you to draw, model and think in.
The architecture industry is changing in response to the climate crisis. To keep up, you need to be agile, flexible and quick at finding sustainable solutions. Join us at Lancaster to perfect the skills you need to be a leader in this profession and tackle the pressing problems facing the world today.
Addressing the big questions
Our team of architects are committed to looking closely at how to design thoughtfully and ethically to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. The course has been designed to prioritise three themes to drive this change.
- The Climate Emergency
- Future Practice
- Digital Crafting
Studying here, you’ll spend half the time in studio, and spend the rest of the time in workshops, lectures or seminars. Our design project themes cover a diverse range of areas, from policy and community to parametric and generative architecture. You might also look at the climate crisis or Arts and Crafts in architecture.
Spend time in the studio
As well as an individual working space in our studios, you'll use our workshops where you can do model-making at various scales, use hand tools and become familiar with digital fabrication equipment. Our digital facilities also include laser scanning, visualisation kits and large-scale printing, as well as access to all the specialist software you need.
Carrying out your own piece of research will be a key part of this course. It will also be your opportunity to look at an area of architecture through an ethical lens. We’ll prepare you for this project by exploring the methods you can apply to address the crucial questions in this area.
Please email us if you'd like us to send you a free architect's sketchbook.
Accreditation
The M.Arch. Master's 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.
TEA Talks
We run regular events on the theme of Technology, Environment and Architecture. These feature talks and discussion with leading experts. Find out more and book a place at our next event.
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.
Our new School of Architecture
Our lecturers talk about the benefits of studying and working within the new School of Architecture at Lancaster University.
A collaborative campus
Adam Blaney (Lecturer in Responsive Architecture) finds that a campus-based university provides opportunities for collaboration and sharing resources.
Reflections for the future
Dr Mirian Calvo (Lecturer in Participatory Architecture) discusses how establishing a new school of Architecture enables fresh reflection about practice and skills for future architects.
Building a new School of Architecture
Dr Ana Costa (Senior Lecturer in Architecture) finds unique opportunities in the development of a new School of Architecture from scratch.
Architecture competition
Lancaster School of Architecture invites submissions to its ideas competition to design a mobile coastal laboratory for environmental research.
Architecture competition
Careers
By the end of this programme, you’ll have advanced research skills, as well as a high level of technological knowledge and skills in innovation. This combination is indispensable within design, fabrication and construction teams.
Your organisation and communication skills will make you stand out too. You’ll also be able to impress potential employers with your ability to solve whatever problem you’re faced with.
Career paths you might consider include:
- Architect
- Sustainability Expert
- Property Developer
- Construction Manager
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
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2024/25 entry fees have not yet been set.
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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 College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities.
For students starting in 2023, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2024 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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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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Fees in subsequent years
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. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2024-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2023-entry applicants as guidance.
Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries.
Professional Accreditation
The Master of Architecture (Part 2) is fully accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Imagination Lancaster
ImaginationLancaster is an open and exploratory research lab that investigates emerging issues, technologies and practices to advance knowledge and develop solutions that contribute to the common good. We conduct applied and theoretical research into products, places and systems – using innovative strategies including disruptive design techniques that combine traditional and social science methods with practice-based methods arising from the arts.
ImaginationLancasterArchitecture at Lancaster
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 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.
Why Lancaster?
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League tables and reputation
A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.
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Colleges and community
Your college will be your home away from home.
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Careers and employability
Career support for our students through university and beyond.
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Student life
Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.
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Where is Lancaster?
Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.
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The campus and the city
Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.
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Your global experience
Build your global community on campus and around the world.
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Wellbeing and support
Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.
