Course and Module Catalogue

The overall aims of the M.Arch course are therefore: To promote an holistic philosophy of architectural design that not only takes into account the needs and aspirations of clients and users but also fosters sensitivity to and an ethical sense of responsibility for the wider impact of building development on … For more content click the Read More button below. To enable students to engage in the study of architecture in depth, to undertake meaningful and authentic research and to enhance and develop their skills in the field of research and research methodologies, and to demonstrate an academic rigour appropriate to study at Master’s level. To enable students to develop a critical response to contemporary cultural theory and to encourage them to develop and apply original thinking to the resolution of architectural and urban design problems. To enable students to identify and analyse the physical characteristics and significant contextual issues that influence urban and architectural form and to develop critical understanding of the way in which context can be used as a determinant for future development. To encourage concern, sensitivity and ethical responsibility to the issues of climate, culture, technology and context towards appropriate and sustainable design resolution. To promote understanding of the environmental impact of building development and to enable the design of buildings that reduce to the minimum practicable their impact on the local and global environment. To enable students to further develop their ability to integrate theoretical, contextual, environmental and technical issues within an holistic architectural design solution to a standard of resolution that pertains in professional architectural practice. To enable students to obtain further understanding of the role and responsibilities of an Architect, of the management of architectural practice, of Building Control and Planning legislation in the UK, of the costing of buildings and of the legal and contractual procedures involved in building procurement. To engender a sense of responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of those engaged in the building construction industry and for the well-being of building users and the impact of building development on society at large. To enable graduates to continue onto the Part 3 course and subsequent Registration as an Architect in the UK and the entitlement to become Chartered members of the Royal Institute of British Architects. To prepare students for the necessity of Continuing Professional Development and to be flexible and adaptive to the requirements of the constantly evolving professional workplace.

Teaching and Learning During Year One: ‘Year Out’ students will record their ‘work experience’ and keep in regular contact with the University’s Professional Studies Adviser (PSA) designated by the school. A RIBA Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR) will be maintained, where appropriate, which requires three-monthly reviews of the student’s … For more content click the Read More button below. Students are expected to retain regular contact with the University through e-mail, telephone or other appropriate systems to establish regular dialogue. They will develop practical skills by doing and observing work in an appropriate employment, but are also encouraged to undertake private study, take part in learning opportunities provided by their employer, attend public seminars or lectures available in their locality (such as open lectures on architecture, or CPD opportunities provided by their regional RIBA office etc), and attend similar sessions at the University of Huddersfield Students attend a ‘recall day’ at the University of Huddersfield, which allows them to share their experiences with others in the peer group, learn from the experience of others and receive advice from the PSA and other tutors. During the subsequent 2 years of full time study: the course is delivered through a combination of formal lectures, seminars and the personal and group tuition of practical design projects, several of which include elements of field study and group working. The course also makes extensive use of external professional consultants throughout all years, contributing to the delivery of teaching in the areas of design, technology, and practice. In the Third Year of the course, each group of M.Arch-3 students will work with tutors throughout the final year based on the themes and theoretical drivers outlined by the tutors, and the types of design projects / sites, graphic  representations and dissertations. Student’s visits to proposed locations for design and research projects are made on an individual basis and associated costs, born by each student, will inevitably vary. Students who take the International option are therefore likely to incur higher travel and subsistence costs. Where appropriate and possible, students are organised to work within groups, which may include small team-work, vertical units and/or year groups.Research Centres Research active staff, aligned to our research centres within the School, provide valuable input into the modules on the programme. This programme is aligned with our diverse research centres, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in activities and events led by a community of research-active staff within the School. The development of research impacts on the content delivery and expertise on the Masters programme, bringing research-led and practice-led activities together to reflect the aims and ambitions of the School. Guest lectures and events All students are regularly invited to guest lectures and special events housed within the School. As postgraduate students, they are encouraged to participate in a variety of academic and enterprise activities, to fully assimilate into the culture of the School and to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers. Such events and activities include: field trips, attending guest speaker sessions from industry, and participation in staff-led activities through the research centres. As part of this programme, a number of guest lectures from leading edge practitioners will be delivered, ensuring students are exposed to the latest industry developments (focus on practice based learning). The guest lectures will be delivered as part of the modules and also as extra curricular sessions. The external guest lectures help support learning within modules but assessment is based upon knowledge and understanding communicated through teaching provided from staff within the University. Technical Workshops Some modules have technical workshop delivery embedded into them, with the aim of guiding students through a sustained and directed approach to practice. The conceptual and process-led focus of these workshops will support students in their self-directed research activity, leading towards their major project.  All students on the Masters programme are supported through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Some seminars take place through the School’s themed research groups. The variety of support through formal lecture delivery, guided tasks and discussions in a seminar and tutorial setting, allow for a variety of different learning experiences, on an individual basis and as part of postgraduate peer-groups. Group Activities Group work forms part of an enriching postgraduate student experience, and opportunities are made available for students to participate in team work activities and group projects. Group work allows for the development of a deeper understanding of a subject discipline through interactions with others. In this respect, we encourage participation in group activities at postgraduate level and foster new insights into subject knowledge, through multi-/cross-disciplinary exchanges. On-line resources The on-line resource development takes the format of open-source educational resources, written synopses of different creative methods, and workbook tasks. Students are also supported by guided skills audits, the design and use of working documents and briefs, the effective use of library resources, the identification of relevant literature sources, academic reading and note-taking, academic referencing skills, project planning, time-management and the protocols of research ethics and academic integrity. VLE allows learning resources and teaching materials to be made available to all students 24/7, with contents that maximise interactivity in the learning experience. The variety of materials available support both formative and summative assessments. It also supports students to engage with peers and tutors through interactive tools.