Architecture MArch

Modules

Thematic Design Studio 
A series of thematic design studios are offered to explore areas of various design specialisations offered by exhibited designers, respected educators, or via masterclasses with leading/award-winning metropolitan or internationally based architects or practices. A series of supporting contemporary digital communication and fabrication classes are also offered simultaneously

Contextual Design
A series of contextual studios or study abroad studios are offered, exploring a range of diverse philosophical approaches to architectural design. Studios are developed around various contexts and discourses. Prior sites of study have included Athens (study abroad), Washington, and Palermo

Humanities Specialisation
In addition to core studies on architectural texts and treatises, students undertake seminars with published scholars and work at a level of current research in the humanities. Past seminars have included topics in Phenomenology, Urbanisation, Nationalism, Architectural Fiction, Housing, Digital Heritage and Gendered Space

Technical Realisation
In addition to core technical, systems and environmental studies, students undertake seminars with published scholars and work at a level of current research in the sciences. Past seminars have including advanced studies in lighting, building performance modelling, conservation science and material studies. 

Dissertation 
Students undertake an academic study of an architectural subject supervised by academics to develop a position in architectural thought

Management Practice and Law
An innovative module supported by professional architects, consultants and educators explores the development of your ethics, business acumen, good practices in practice and business management, awareness of legalities, understanding of contracts and architectural advocacy in the public sphere

Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS)
The Architectural Design Research Study allows students an opportunity to undertake a detailed investigation of a chosen architectural research topic. 

Integrated Technology 
This advanced technical module is aligned with the final year design thesis project. Students demonstrate the ability to apply and integrate technical knowledge and understanding on a complex building design. 

Design Thesis
Students are encouraged to develop a stake in the current industry, and develop design projects that allow their leadership and visionary abilities to emerge or develop a project that demonstrates a comprehensive project demonstrating specific skillsets to service the industry

Full-time students

Full time students are expected to fully engage with simultaneous tasks, averaging a full working week of contact and independent study/design time. The schedule of modules are as follows:

Year one

• Thematic Design Studio
• Humanities / Technical Realisation
• Contextual Design Studio
• Dissertation

Year two

• Management Practice and Law
• Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS)
• Integrated Technology
• Design Thesis

Part-time students

Part time students are expected on average to be present two days a week, with the addition of an assortment of ten additional pre-arranged days throughout the year. Modules are as above, however the schedule is as follows:

Year one

• Thematic Design Studio
• Contextual Design Studio

Year two

• Humanities / Technical Realisation
• Management Practice and Law
• Dissertation

Year three

• Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS)
• Integrated Technology
• Design Thesis

Overview

The course takes you through a series of academic challenges that will cultivate your independent position on architecture, hone your academic acuity, expand your architectural skill set and develop your individual design flair beyond the undergraduate training that you possess. You are supported with current digital tools for visualisation and fabrication, as well as traditional mechanised fabrication tools and manual implements.

These are tested through a supporting range of humanities and technical specialisation seminars, thematic/masterclass and contextual design studios in the global context. Culminating studies are undertaken through a scholarly dissertation, and a demonstration of architectural stake either through an exploratory Design Thesis, or a demonstration of a skillset through a determined Comprehensive Design Project.

Assessment is through coursework, which is undertaken either individually or in groups. 

Contact hours
In the first two terms of each year you will normally attend around 10 hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 25 hours of independent study each week. Your third term each year will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week 

Part-time study is normally undertaken on a half-time basis.

ARB/RIBA

The course results in a professional level award that is prescribed by the ARB, and accredited by the RIBA for Part II exemption from their examinations.

A team of career architectural educators actively developing teaching, scholarly research or academic projects support the programme, who are in turn supported by a team of adjunct educators who are active professional architects, engineers, urban advisors and technologists.