MA Architectural Design

at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

You will undertake architectural design studio projects that immerse you within spatial debates and cross-disciplinary activities, including working on live projects, community engagement and public events. Supporting your work in the design studio, you will engage with emerging research in architecture, connecting sustainable practices and integrated technology. You will generate a dissertation through detailed design development of a selected aspect of your design studio work. Support is provided in the design studio through weekly tutorials, workshops and seminars. All students will be encouraged to develop a personal and critical path of design discovery. The studio culture fosters a unique design-led research practice, converging theory, design and technology.
 

Core modules

Building Design (ARCH772)
This module develops the project and urban and technical strategies selected in ARCH771 as a comprehensive and integrated detailed architectural design enabling students to develop their own theoretical position.
 

Integrated Technology (ARCH773)
This module will enable students to develop their understanding of the integration of construction and environment via a complex building design proposal. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of materials, structure, and construction and building physics focusing on relevant issues in creating a sustainable integrated design solution.
 

Dissertation by Design (ARCH776)
Students undertake an independent programme of design study, building upon work in ARCH771 / ARCH772. This work will be resolved as a comprehensive, detailed architectural design. While it has a general syllabus content, it will also be informed by the students proposal for a detailed design inquiry (subject to approval by staff).
 

Emerging Research (ARCH762)
Students will undertake a programme of Masters-level research. It has no pre-ordained syllabus content, and will be informed by students' own investigations and staff knowledge drawn from their own research interests. Students will receive tutorial support for their approved research topic within the scope of the module content, seminar discussion and wider reading. This work will be advanced in the context of students gaining key research skills.
 

Urban Design (ARCH771A)
This module will enable students to position themselves within a contextual and theoretical framework. This exploration will be pursued through group investigation of a given place and will include study of precedents, identification of project sites and briefs and individual development of urban design and technical strategies for a chosen site and brief.
 

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

• You are required to have a 2.2 degree (50 per cent or above) in degree studies, design mark of 55 per cent or above in final degree year design. Plus submission of a satisfactory portfolio and a successful academic interview.
• We also require references from previous university, employer and / or similar.
• Work experience for approximately 12 months in an architect’s office or other professionally relevant activity is highly desirable, though not required.
• The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5.

International - £15,700
 

Graduates have career opportunities in architectural design, public realm design, urban/landscape design, interdisciplinary design practice, spatial innovation and architectural humanities associated to the architectural profession.