Architecture Professional Practice MA

The context within which architecture is created has changed significantly in recent years, as have the ways in which architecture is practised. If you would like to sharpen your existing skills, develop the new skills and strategies necessary to keep up to date in the complex and diverse arena of architectural practice, this course is ideal. It enables you to take the time to re-inform and redefine yourself as an independent, competent and reflective practitioner.

What will you study?

Your primary learning environment is your practice environment, but you will also use scenario-based examples to extend and test your knowledge base and its application. You will examine and critically evaluate the ethical, social and economic basis of professional practice. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own professional skills and identify areas for improvement or specialisation.

Many of the staff in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
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Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Core modules

• The Context of Architecture

• The Context of Architecture

  Architecture is a profession as well as a discipline. The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of the concepts of professionalism and of a profession. You will:

  • look at the institutional structures and processes involved in establishing and maintaining a profession, with particular reference to the architectural profession and the development of other professions within the construction and development sectors;
  • relate theoretical concepts, techniques and operational methodologies to the current complex social and economic environment; and 
  • develop independent learning skills and the ability to apply knowledge and skill to unique situations (the learning and teaching strategies are designed to encourage this).

  Assessment is through a series of scenario-based assignments.

  
   
• The Management of Architecture

• The Management of Architecture

  The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of the processes involved in delivering architectural designs. These will include the economic, social, organisational, regulatory and ethical context.

  You will explore and critically evaluate the techniques and criteria for creating, managing and maintaining quality, within a design project, from inception to completion. Areas for consideration will include:

  • the development of statutory frameworks in the construction and development industries;
  • the development of public and private sector initiatives for regeneration and new build projects; and
  • the potential conflicts and synergies in the current systems and anticipated future trends.

  Assessment is through a series of scenario-based assignments.

  
   
• The Management of Construction

• The Management of Construction

  The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of the processes involved in delivering architectural projects from design, through to fabrication and completion. You will:

  • explore the relationship between the design process and the construction process and the techniques and criteria for creating, managing and maintaining quality;
  • look at how different procurement routes and methodologies are evidenced in contract forms and current and future trends for construction as an industry;
  • compare and critically evaluate current procurement systems and how these modify the role and responsibilities of the architect; and
  • look at how time, cost and quality are balanced and how risk is appropriately apportioned.

  Assessment is through a series of scenario-based assignments.

  
   
• Integrative Project

• Integrative Project

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  This module provides the opportunity for you to:

  • complete a study of a topic of your choice; and
  • work as a group to make a project proposal.

  In the individual task, you will both develop and communicate a critical evaluation of a selected area of contemporary practice. The group work includes the formulation of a virtual practice to present a fee proposal for a given range of projects and a presentation to an invited audience.

  The module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the presentation skills so important to the practising architect.

  
   
• Research Methods
• Dissertation

• Dissertation

  You will produce a substantial, original body of authoritative work for this double module. It will:

  • be on a subject of your own choice;
  • embrace both primary and secondary research at a level consistent with a masters' award; and
  • provide the opportunity to achieve a comprehensive understanding and application of the key issues of the subject selected.

  It enables you to pursue an avenue of individual interest and develop skills to assist in your further professional and/or academic career.

  
   

Option modules (choose three)

• Health and Safety
• Conservation and Heritage

• Conservation and Heritage

  The module investigates the culture, legislation and technologies associated with working with the historic environment. Delivery includes visits to a range of listed buildings and sites in the local area, and lectures and seminars by expert practitioners.

  Assessment is through a case study and a project proposal for the future use of an existing building of historic significance.

  
   
• Design Control and Management

• Design Control and Management

  This module covers:

  • how to deal with the complexities inherent in an architectural project systematically and creatively, and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data; and  
  • the design and production process as information transfer and how this might be supported.
  
   
• The Context of Sustainability
• Design Finance and Administration

The range of events and lectures in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture enhances your studies and adds an extra perspective to your learning.

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You will have access to the state-of-the-art Archilab, as well as other facilities.

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We want to make sure you get all the support you need while you are with us. Here you can see the range of support we can offer you while you're doing this course.

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