Course description
Architecture is explored and redefined in its wider sense, drawing from a variety of disciplines that include critical studies, visual arts, social and urban studies, and architecture, its theories and histories, its discourses and techniques. While working within multidisciplinary research teams, students are encouraged to develop a personal focus and independent research within the programme.
For the MA, the research explores an area of architectural design across disciplines and various uses of media. The ultimate aim is to perform a 'theory-rich-design' and produce a theoretically informed and considered research project by design. The MSc research aim is to enhance criticality in architecture and produce a theoretical research (dissertation) that questions architecture and its practices in an informed critical way.
Both programmes are co-ordinated with these postgraduate programmes: Diploma Architecture, MA Urban Design, MSc Built Environment, MA/PhD in Media Arts Philosophy (School of Humanities & Social Sciences), and MA/MSc in Architecture at MSA University Cairo. Neither award is accredited by a professional body, and so do not provide exemption from Part 2 of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) professional examination or from Part 2 prescription from The Architects' Registration Board (ARB).
Courses
* Applied Technologies
* Critical Thinking and Research Methods or Research Methods Seminar
* Design Issues
* Influences, Theories and Techniques in Architecture
* Dissertation
* Reading Seminars
* Design Research (MA)
* Elective (MSc): one elective course is chosen among the courses offered by the School and the university (subject to approval by the programme leader)
Career Options
Architect. Suitable for those aiming to develop their intellectual and critical abilities in architecture, and for those hoping to enhance their academic skills and/or go on to doctoral study