Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch

Architectural Theory and Research Methods

• Supported by lectures and student-led seminars, this module will introduce you to a variety of current research in architecture and related areas, and discuss their relevance in relation to design and present day architectural thinking.
• You’ll look at key issues including the influence of history and theory in spatial, social, cultural and technological aspects of architecture; theories of urban design, cities past and present and the influence of fine art; epistemological and philosophical trajectories underpinning architectural research; and, humanities-based inquiry and the role of technology.
• By considering relevant methodologies, conducting literature reviews and establishing research questions, you’ll develop and extend your methods of analysis and interpretation in architectural thinking an design.

Architectural Technology and Construction Methods

• Studied over the course of Year One, this module will equip you with wide-ranging knowledge of sustainability, environmental, technological, and constructional aspects of architectural practice and thinking. It addresses issues of construction, technology, fire and life safety design environmental science, materials, components and systems, and the environmental strategies including the impact of specification choices and procurement.
• You’ll be introduced to innovative and emergent technologies in architecture, and their relevance to design thinking. You’ll consider issues relating to innovative structures and structural form, energy use in buildings and sustainable and low-carbon construction procurement and the selection of appropriate materials.
• Where possible, you’ll visit live projects and sites to gain first-hand experience of the issues involved.

Management, Practice and Law

• This module addresses professional issues relating to the architectural and construction industry, including the architect’s role in the process of procurement, building production and compliance with legislation.
• The purpose of the module is to strengthen your experience from your Part 1 qualification and from your time in industry.
• You’ll explore issues of ethics, health and safety, codes of conduct, legal rights and responsibilities and environmental sustainability, as well as looking at areas of business strategy, marketing, and practice. You’ll also consider legal responsibilities including briefing, contracts, negotiation, time and fee management, procurement options, warranties, and post-occupancy evaluation.

Vertical Studio I

• The Vertical Studio module is shared with Year Two MArch Architecture students, creating a cohesive studio environment and encouraging peer-to-peer mentorship and support.
• Working individually or as part of a small group, you will explore a complex technical condition with a focus on the relationship between context, structure, material, environment and users. You’ll apply relevant constructional, material and technological strategies, with knowledge supported and extended through other non-design modules studied, to develop a considered architectural response of appropriate complexity, producing visual, graphic and physical representations of your proposals.
• You’ll communicate your concepts creatively, and learn to interrogate and critically appraise your own proposals, to a professional level.

Intervening in the City

• This design studio module is the key design project of Year One and is based on the principle of ‘thinking and making.’
• The project links interrelated elements relevant to architectural study and practice, and draws from across your first year of study. It introduces the complexity of architecture and its operation within the urban context.
• The project will be based on a thorough analysis of a chosen urban area. Working both individually and in small groups, you’ll develop a network of infrastructure (urban strategy), establishing your own brief, and developing scheme and detailed designs. You’ll consistency address relevant theoretical issues in your design and explore technology and materiality through detailed tectonic resolution.

Dissertation/Research Project

• This module serves as the culmination of the research methods module in Year One, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your advanced research methodology, analytical and interpretation skills.
• You’ll produce an extended piece of academic research in an appropriate area related to your field of study; the format can either be a written dissertation, or a research project combining both written content and empirical work, such as laboratory-based experimentation or field work.
• Student-led research is at the heart of this module, which will be supported by group and individual tutorials with allocated supervisors.

Vertical Studio II

• The Vertical Studio module in Year Two will be delivered alongside Year One students, however you will now be expected to take a mentor and leadership role, supervised by a visiting practitioner or academic.
• You will have grown and matured in your design approaches, therefore this module offers the opportunity to demonstrate your ability and widen your understanding of the scope and challenge of current and emerging architectural issues.
• As in the Vertical Studio module in Year One, you will explore a complex technical condition, with a focus on the relationship between context, structure, material, environment and users. You will develop your own personal leadership and design mentorship skills in your work with Year One MArch Architecture students.

Design Thesis

• This studio project module forms the key design module in Year Two. Your design thesis is the culmination of design work in your MArch course, and is a demonstration of: advanced architectural design ability, and the ability to apply technological, material, environmental and sustainability knowledge; the use of relevant legislations, regulations and policies (including fire and safety design); and a clear understanding of contemporary architectural debates
• You will develop and execute an extensive, complex design project, showing originality in the application of subject knowledge, exploring themes including architecture, urban design, sustainability and technology.

Optional modules

In Year Two, you will have the opportunity to choose between two optional modules. Both of these choices offer a chance for you to develop cross-disciplinary appreciation of the professional interrelationships, ways of working and areas of responsibility in disciplines allied to the architectural profession.

Heritage and Conservation

• This module focuses on architectural history and conservation, and heritage philosophy and practice.
• You’ll focus on historic environments in the UK and consider selective international examples, learning how to identify different architectural styles, appraise culturally significant buildings, and manage proposed uses and associated interventions in line with current international approaches (e.g. UNESCO and ICOMOS international charters and debates).

Digital Design

• This module provides experience of using advanced digital design techniques and methodologies to support the architectural/urban design process. It aims to develop conceptual, methodological and technical skills in digital architectural design.
• The module is linked to the Design Thesis module, and you will be able to choose from three different options including parametric modelling, mixed environment and architectural narrative and building information modelling.