Course summary
The MA in Architecture and Urbanism builds upon UEL's legacy of world-leading form generation through computational design explored through the work of the University's late senior lecturer, Paul Coates. This involves using parametric and object-oriented design methodologies seamlessly with rapid manufacturing and visualisation techniques available within the school. Whether you want to expand your field of expertise or deepen it, this unique one-year course will enrich your knowledge and enhance your career in the fields of computational design, design for digital and robotic construction, or urban design. The course is aimed at architecture graduates wishing to specialize in advanced digital design processes, and at those within the 'built environment' - such as planners, engineers, or designers. Along the course, computational design, design for digital and robotic construction, and urban design will be developed across the year following a common digital platform that simulates the state-of-the-art design processes in contemporary architectural practices. The goal is to experiment with new possibilities for architectural spaces and cities connecting the design to advanced fabrication techniques and sustainable strategies in order to generate research leading to a secure impact in the industry.
Modules
Core Modules: Design 1 This module aims to teach advanced design and fabrication techniques through the development of a project-based portfolio. At this level (semester A) the key objective it to establish the backbones of the students' design process in order to get them prepared to the second semester of the programme. You will learn how to set a research-based project pushing their creative routines beyond standardized workflows while looking at the recent developments of the discipline and the forthcoming innovations that are set to reshape the building industry. Design agendas are provided according to the MA programme of choice. The aim is to deliver a choice of research-based architectural itineraries to support and facilitate you in this process through an explorative approach to design. Design 2 This module builds upon the work developed in Design 1 during semester A. Having successfully learned appropriate skills and methods to tackle complex architectural and urban schemes, you will further develop your portfolio to achieve a higher level of multidisciplinary integration and use of innovative technologies. The research agenda set by the programme will be clearly proven and embedded within the design proposal. Basic cross-discipline coordination, advanced presentation skills and ground-breaking manufacturing technologies will be introduced to you. Mental Wealth The overall objective of the module is to enable you to work with complex, spatial and contextual design tasks that are developed through a critical understanding of theoretical, societal and ethical positions on architecture and the built environment. The key objective of the module is to develop cutting edge design skills and processes aligned to the most innovative industry standards in order to prepare students to successful career progression. Design, theoretical and practical agendas are provided according to the MA programme of choice. The aim is to deliver a choice of research-based architectural itineraries to support and facilitate you in this process through an explorative approach to design. In doing so you will begin to recognise the areas for your own personal and professional development (including emotional, social, physical, cultural and cognitive intelligences) through taught and workshop activity. Fundamental to this module is the open studio environment which allows you to partially mentor a variety of skillsets to your peers in the year below. Theory and Processes 1 The aim of this module is: To study and critically reflect on key issues in the theory of architecture and the culture of the built environment, with specific regard to their relationship to advanced architectural design and urban design at a postgraduate level through a choice of particular perspectives (the chosen theory route). Theory and Processes 2 The aims of this module are: To study and critically reflect on key issues in the theory of architecture and the culture of the built environment, with specific regard to their relationship to advanced architectural design an urban design at a postgraduate level through a choice of particular perspectives (the chosen theory route). Applied Project
Assessment method
The two taught modules are assessed through an essay/report and design portfolio and by your contributions to seminar discussions and design exercises. The work culminates in your master's thesis which will focus on the digital fabrication of parts of the projects developed across the year.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2.2 Honours in an Built Environment Discipline. We would normally expect you to have Grade C in GCSE English and Maths.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of East London
Docklands Campus
4-6 University Way
Newham
E16 2RD
Course contact details
Visit our course pageApplicant Relations Team
0208 223 3333