Master Cities, Design and Urban Cultures

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London Metropolitan University

Comments about Master Cities, Design and Urban Cultures - At the institution - London - Greater London

• Objectives
  The course provides foundations in understanding space-making as a political act bearing social and cultural implications. Research is based on the principle of 'practice driven theory' with design as a form of knowledge production alongside a strong theoretical component. The course aims to identify and study situations of urban conflict created in the wake of radical political and cultural transformation. It focuses particularly on developing a cultural and political critique of planning practices, aiming to open an interdisciplinary discourse, but also to propose alternative planning strategies. The course recruits internationally. It is aimed at architects, planners and urban designers who are interested in engaging with the social, political and cultural dimension of space (geography, critical theory, urban studies, art history, art practice, sociology and politics), in exploring design methods as well as in testing these against theoretical reflections.
• Entry requirements
  Places are open to graduates from a range of disciplines related to architecture and urban design. You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) an Honours degree and a good portfolio of practical and/or scholarly work. Experience in design and/or design research and a demonstrable interest incritical spatial practices are essential.
• Academic title
  MA Cities, Design and Urban Cultures
• Course description
  Course structure
  The course is design-based and consists of a specialist taught module, a research methods module, two double research and design-based modules and a thesis.
  
  -Critical Transformations
  -Research Methods for Design and Practice
  -Design Research and Techniques
  -Design Project
  -MA Architecture Thesis
  
  Assessment
  Assessment is via essays, seminars, project presentations and design portfolios. You are also required to complete a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words, or an urban design project.
  
  Career opportunities
  We expect our graduates to be able to operate in both the private, public and NGO sector (i.e. project management, policy development and planning roles in urban and community renewal, working for organisations such as local authorities, government and architects). The cultural relevance of this course would also allow our graduates to be included in many centres of contemporary cultural production. Graduates are well placed to continue for MPhil/PhD in this or related areas.
  
  Attendance & duration
  
  Full-time: one year
  Part-time (day): two years
  

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