Master in Applied Design in Architecture (ARB and RIBA part 2)

Learning and assessment

Year 1 focuses on gaining an in-depth knowledge of an architecturally important field of study. And utilising that knowledge in design. To do this you will choose one of the six 'design specialisations'. The specialisations are deliberately diverse to cater for the changing nature of the profession in practice.

The design specialisations are:

• Advanced Architectural Design
• International Architectural Regeneration and Development
• Development and Emergency Practice
• Sustainable Building: Performance and Design
• Research-led Design
• Urban Design.

In Year 2 you will incorporate a broad range of complex cultural, aesthetic, research and technical factors into your major design project and portfolio. Design-specialisation learning is included in the structure of the year.

You will participate in one of seven design studios. Design studios are taught by some of the brightest designers and tutors in the country. Your design thinking, skills and production will be raised to the highest possible standard.

Compulsory modules

Research Methods for Design (20 credits)

Choose one of the following design specialisations:

• Advanced Architectural Design
• International Architectural Regeneration and Development
• Development and Emergency Practice
• Sustainable Building: Performance and Design
• Research-led Design
• Urban Design.

Each of the design specialisations includes a design project or projects.

Representation (10 credits)

This module will identify your strengths and build up your weaknesses, both in terms of visual and verbal communication methods. You will be able to dedicate time to fine-tuning techniques or building from basics in sketching, model making, 2D and 3D CAD. Your presentation of methods and actual practice will enable you to build confidence in verbal communication skills.

Management, Practice and Law 1 (10 credits)

Through a series of workshops, you will work on topics that are essential to the practice of architecture. Management, practice and law is part of the design delivery of the programme and you will be expected to approach the coursework from a design position. This module asks that you approach this subject with a very different mindset than the traditional position.

Advanced Technology for Design (30 credits)

This module designs through technology and fully complements and parallels your work in the design studio. There is a very strong emphasis here upon the creative possibilities for architectural technology. We ask for an open and experimental approach to technology, but also a clear understanding of its context and aims.

• Advanced Architectural Design Representation and Realisation (50 credits)
• Conflict, Violence and Humanitarianism (20 credits)
• Working with Conflict: practical skills and strategies (10 credits)
• Refugees: Forced Migration, Protection and Humanitarianism (20 credits)
• Critical Inquiry Development and Emergencies: Theory and Policy (20 credits)
• Shelter After Disaster (20 credits)
• Disasters, Risk, Vulnerability and Climate Change (20 credits)
• Human Rights and Governance (20 credits)
• Humanitarian Action: responding to crises in 21 st Century (10 credits)
• Building Physics (20 credits)
• The Sustainable Built Environment (20 credits)
• Building Simulation and Design in Context (40 credits)
• Architecture, Culture and Tradition (20 credits)
• Regeneration and Development Project (30 credits)
• Applications in Regeneration (20 credits)
• Master Classes (10 credits)
• Urban Resilience (20 credits)
• Research-led Design I (40 credits)
• Research-led Design II (40 credits)
• Design Studio I (30 credits)
• Design Studio II (50 credits)
• Advanced Technology for Design (30 credits)
• Management, Practice and Law 2 (10 credits)
• Independent Study (10 credits)

Exhibition

The end of year exhibition is the culmination of each year’s academic programme. It is not only a showcase for your work, but is in itself an important opportunity for you to develop spatial and presentation skills in a very immediate and hands-on way. All students must play a full role in designing, organising, making and maintaining the exhibition. To this end, the exhibition is an integral part of your design studio and design specialisation programme.

Optional modules

• Programming and Partnerships (10 credits)
• Urban Design Studio I (10 credits)
• Urban Design Development Seminars (10 credits)
• Contemporary Approaches to Urban Design (30 credits)
• Urban Design in Challenging Contexts (30 credits)

The modules Management Practice, and Law 1 and 2, include guidance on the necessary professional skills that are required both for ARB Part 2 and for preparation in commencing ARB Part 3.

The design studio generates a portfolio of work that not only demonstrates the learning for ARB Part 2 but also written, research and visual skills.

The design portfolio is intended as the vehicle for students to synthesise all facets of their learning in order to seek practice employment.

In addition, the school maintains a jobs wall that advertises vacancies locally, nationally and internationally.