Course summary
This one-year MA Architectural Design programme explores architecture, design and urbanism, with an emphasis on the critical investigation of space through practical, theoretical research interests and creative activities. Design is the crucial agency for exploring spatial creativity, coupled with a contemporary view of experimental design practice that operates from a core architectural discipline, yet celebrates the blurring of disciplinary boundaries to forge innovation and new disciplines in spatial enquiry. Following completion of the MA Architecture programme, you have the opportunity to continue study on our RIBA-validated M.Arch Architecture and/or MPhil/PhD Architecture programmes. Graduates have career opportunities in architectural design, public realm design, urban/landscape design, interdisciplinary design practice, spatial innovation and architectural humanities associated to the architectural profession. Key Features • Encouraging discovery and critical development in a studio-based culture that fosters a unique research-led practice, converging theory, practice and technology. • Co-taught with the RIBA-validated Part II programme, sharing coursework, projects and studio space. • Advances the understanding of the role architectural design plays in today’s most pressing societal, environmental and cultural challenges. • Encompasses a wide range of skills, theory and practice from urban situation to building performance. • Develops the capacity to conceptualise spatial thought in relation to architectural design and production at all levels of design, fabrication and use. • Framed by issues of place, people, tectonics and environmental concerns.
Modules
You will undertake architectural design studio projects that immerse you within spatial debates and cross-disciplinary activities, including working on live projects, community engagement and public events. Supporting your work in the design studio, you will engage with emerging research in architecture, connecting sustainable practices and integrated technology. You will generate a dissertation through detailed design development of a selected aspect of your design studio work. Support is provided in the design studio through weekly tutorials, workshops and seminars. All students will be encouraged to develop a personal and critical path of design discovery. The studio culture fosters a unique design-led research practice, converging theory, design and technology.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. You can apply for one of our postgraduate courses directly using our online application form. For details on how to apply, and to access the online application form, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/international-students-postgraduate-applications. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A minimum £2,000 tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
A 2:2 degree in architecture (or similar-design related discipline subject to APL) with a minimum of 55% in final year design module(s). A suitable portfolio will be required, plus a discussion with the Programme Manager via Skype or similar. Work experience for approximately 12 months in an architect’s office or other professionally relevant activity is highly desirable, though not required. Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may also still be considered in exceptional cases, this might be demonstrated by a strong academic or other professional reference, or a combination of professional or related academic or work experience. Overseas or EU students must attain a recognised English Language qualification. Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website at www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.
English Language Requirements
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
* Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA