Universities United Kingdom University of Westminster Courses MA Architecture

MA Architecture
at University of Westminster

London, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 14,000
Country Rank-
Duration12 Months
Score

Program Overview

The Architecture MA offers a unique opportunity for graduates interested in the intersection of architectural design, theory and research, encouraging students to develop their own positions and identities as creative practitioners and thinkers. A range of thematic and contextual concerns are offered and explored through the course using unconventional and imaginative methods of design, research and representation. These include cultural identity, architecture and society, political architecture, contested landscapes and digital design. These diverse fields of inquiry and their impact on our cities are underpinned by integrating ‘other’ voices such as post-colonialism, critical theory, feminist theory and race studies. The course promotes methodological and representational innovation, with participants using techniques such as social mapping, interactive installations, film and conceptual modelling to stimulate projects towards high-levels of spatial, material and formal resolution.

A distinct and unique feature of the Architecture MA is its use of specialist pathways, namely Cultural Identity and Globalisation, Digital Media, and History and Theory. Students can elect to choose one of these routes through the programme, all of which incorporate option modules – graduating with the related named specialisation award, or else select their own combination of modules in order to graduate with the title Architecture MA. No matter how participants navigate their way through the course, it will inevitably be a dynamic journey of self-reflection and positioning to affirm interests and future practice concerns.

The course is delivered within a generous studio culture characterised by inclusion, creative experimentation and intellectual rigour. Participants work individually and in groups, and are directed by experienced and committed tutors who are experts in their respective fields. The course is further supported and enriched by a network of renowned visiting speakers and critics from practice and academia, as well as high-quality studio spaces and state-of-the-art fabrication facilities.

The Architecture MA is part of a suite of Master's courses offered by the School of Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster, sharing dynamic design studio spaces. The school provides first-class shared facilities such as state-of-the-art digital design/fabrication equipment and a team of lecturers and researchers deeply immersed in the very latest developments in architectural design, theory, historical research, and technology.

The Architecture MA is intended to appeal to students and practitioners with an existing architectural degree qualification like BA, BSc, BArch, Dip Arch, March, or in related cognate design disciplines who wish to continue an advanced level of research with a strong design and theoretical output.

Course Content
Course structure

Full-time postgraduate students study 180 UK credits in one full year. Part-time students will normally complete 180 UK credits over two years. To be awarded the Architecture MA, you must take the two core modules and four option modules.

Students can elect to choose one of these routes through the course – all of which incorporate option modules – graduating with the related named specialisation award, or else select their own combination of modules in order to graduate with the title MA Architecture:
- Cultural Identity and Globalisation Pathway: using design and live projects, the pathway interrogates the role of architecture in responding to globalization, socio-economic condition and cultural identity. It unpacks themes such as race, gender, ethnicity, conflict, etc through creative design with a high level of spatial, material, and formal resolution
- Digital Media Pathway: it provides the opportunity for students conversant with digital design tools and architectural theory to further develop these skill, form a critical understanding of their application; and to explore the value and appropriateness of new technologies in design praxis
- History and Theory Pathway: it offers a platform for critical examination of architecture theory within the current socio-political context. The pathway promotes unpacking of the historical development of architectural theory and practice concentrating on more contemporary discourses in architecture and space beyond individual iconic forms
Core modules
- Research and Thesis Positioning (40 credits)
- Major Thesis Project (60 credits)
Entry Requirement
A minimum of second class honours degree (2:1 or 2.2) or equivalent in architecture or a related design discipline. If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing.

You must provide a sample of your work in the form of a digital portfolio demonstrating creative ability from your academic and professional experience (an average of 10 pages). You may submit a link to your portfolio an online gallery (e.g. dropbox or similar) or a website as part of your application.

Written statement guidance

Within your application you will be asked for a written statement. You are encouraged to provide an individual response reflecting your own particular skills and interests. Rather than a generic statement, we would like to understand why you are applying to join the Architecture MA. For example, which aspects of its content interest you? What are you hoping to experience on the course and how will it serve your longer-term ambitions? The more you can tell us about yourself, your creative and intellectual interests, and your aspirations, the better.

Portfolio guidance

The admissions process includes the submission of a design portfolio in electronic format to include one project or a range of projects demonstrating:
- spatial or design awareness using creative and analytical skills. Engage with, and respond to, people, context and place
- research and critical thinking skills
- working at a wide range of scales
- the use of a wide range of media that may include digital and/or hand drawing, sketching, model making, photography and film
- (optional) a sample of academic writing (an extract from an essay or dissertation previously written)
Fees & Scholarships
International tuition fee: £14,000 (Price per academic year)
Career Prospect
The Architecture MA aims to further the education of design graduates who will find employment in architectural practice or related disciplines. Our graduates have worked in architectural practices in the UK and overseas, with some having set up their own practice and others picking up academic teaching posts.

The specialist pathway options offered are intended to provide students with further employability skills related to traditional architectural design, urban design and multidisciplinary practices. Our graduates have been the lead architectural experts on multidisciplinary teams, NGO’s municipalities or government organisations in regeneration and reconstruction work as specialists in the field of urban design, urban renewal strategies and historical conservation, or experts in digital media, web/media, graphics, creative design practice including exhibition design/curatorship.

The Architecture MA may also form a platform for continuing study with a career in academia or a specialist research subject. The course can prepare suitable applicants for the opportunity to study for MArch (RIBA Part 2) or a Doctorate/PhD degree Research by Design/Research by Practice.

Cost Of Studying At University of Westminster

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

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MA Architecture at University of Westminster