Overview
The MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Pt2) is a two year full-time Masters course which, in addition, leads to exemption from ARB/RIBA Part Two.
The course has an international reputation and is generally regarded as one of the leading Part 2 courses in the country.
The course encourages both a rigorous professional approach to architecture within a highly speculative and creative context.
There is an emphasis on work being conducted at a graduate level, with the expectation that students will, through reading and research, define a particular area of study. The course operates through a design unit system that stresses innovation and continually highlights the value of propositions, their social impact and professional requirements. Design is thus always conducted within a broad and rigorous intellectual framework provided by the unit tutors, the culture of the school and the external expectations placed upon it. We expect a high level of skill in design, resourceful research and substantiated argument as well as the thoughtful application of technological and environmental criteria.
Each design unit provides a range of design, technological and related skills, as well as a clear and particular intellectual position within which to conduct those skills. Each of the units thus provides a strong identity within which the student is encouraged to develop her/his own particular approach to the study of architecture.
Structure
MArch Architecture Students must complete and pass 300 credits made up of 150 credits for each of the two years. All modules are compulsory. Progression from Year 1 to Year 2 is dependent on passing the three Year 1 modules and graduation is dependent on passing both Year 2 modules.
Year 1
BENV GA01 Advanced Architectural
Design
Credits:
90
Assessment:
Coursework
Term: 1,2
& 3
BENV GA02 Advanced Architectural
Studies (History and Theory)
Credits:
30
Assessment:
Coursework
Term: 1
BENVGA08 Design Realisation
(Technology and Professional studies)
Credits:
30
Assessment:
Coursework
Term: 2
Year 2
BENV GA04 Advanced Architectural
Design
Credits:
105
Assessment:
Coursework
Term:
1,2&3
BENV GA05 Thesis
Credits:
45
Assessment:
Coursework
Term:
1&2
Content
Year 1
Advanced Architectural Design 1 - GA01 90 credits
Advanced Architectural Design 1 is treated as an introductory year where all students must demonstrate a competent, inventive and authoritative approach towards architectural design and how it may be realised in the context of the architectural profession and allied disciplines. The aim of this course is, therefore, to bring students to a point where they can demonstrate through their portfolios, competence in designing an appropriately complex architectural proposition, presented to a professional standard.
All students must undertake a building design project in the first half of the year in such a way that the outputs and assessment criteria for course BENV GA08 (Design Realisation) can be fully addressed in the Design Realisation report. Building designs presented through the portfolio must illustrate informed strategic choices about key aspects of technical design, including proposed construction and environmental strategies and how they are incorporated into finished design proposals. Students are encouraged to adopt a critical and innovative attitude towards the technical and professional requirements and approach them with intelligent curiosity and ambition, the exact nature of requirements is to be interpreted through the ethos of the individual unit.
Advanced Architectural Studies - GA02 30 credits
All Year 1 students must complete the taught History and Theory Module and participate in its associated events, including lectures, seminars and tutorials. The module accounts for approximately one fifth of a student’s work in Year 4. It is a distinct part of the Year's programme and MUST be passed independently of all other work. More information about this module can be found here, and about architectural history & theory in general at the School here.
Design Realisation - GA08 30 credits
The course provides the opportunity for all Year 4 students to consider how buildings are designed, constructed and delivered. Students will be asked to reflect upon their relationship too technology, the environment and the profession. This will be explored through an iterative critical examination of the major building design project taught within the context of individual design units in 4th year (See BENV GA01 Advanced Architectural Design 1). The course runs concurrently with The Building Project and is supported by an extensive lecture series, seminars, cross unit crits, with each design unit being supported by a dedicated practice based tutor.
The course aims to introduce students to core knowledge that is required in the realisation of buildings in professional architectural design practice. Students will be asked to consider the influence of and develop an attitude towards the construction, technology and the profession, which are all seen as having an integral role within the creative design process. The course will introduce students to elementary matters involved in running of architectural consultancies and building projects; the progression of works from commission to completion and the broad range of strategies that influence the design and construction of buildings.
Year 2
Advanced Architectural Design 2 - GA04 105 credits
The aim of this module is to bring students to a point where they can demonstrate a fully professional approach to design and the integration of an in-depth technical investigation into a design proposal.
Thesis - GAO5 45 credits
The Thesis is the place where Year 5 students have the opportunity of developing the theory which underpins their work, whether this is derived from science, cultural theory, technology, architectural history, philosophy or the psychology of perception. We expect work to be undertaken in depth, with the help of specialist tutors who are individually allocated to students in consultation with their unit tutors. We expect the work in the Thesis to inform the design portfolio, and work in the design portfolio to inform the Thesis. More information about the architectural history & theory possibilities within this module can be found here, and about architectural history & theory in general at the School here.
Students must attend and participate in the associated programme of events, including lectures, seminars, reviews and tutorials. The Thesis accounts for 30% of a student’s work for the year. It is a distinct part of the MArch Architecture degree, and must be passed independently of all other work. It runs alongside Design from October - May.
Staff
MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
Programme Coordinator
Julia Backhaus
Send Julia an email
Chair, MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
Professor Jonathan Hill
Send Jonathan an email
Advanced Architectural Studies (History and Theory)
Tania Sengupta
Send Tania an email
Design Realisation (Technology and Professional Studies)
James O'Leary
Send James an email
Thesis
Peg Rawes
Mark Smout
Send Mark an email
Year 4 & 5 Design Unit Tutors
Unit 10
CJ Lim
Send CJ an email
Bernd Felsinger
Unit 11
Laura Allen
Send Laura an email
Mark Smout
Send Mark an email
Kyle Buchanan
Send Kyle an email
Unit 12
Unit 14
Unit 16
Unit 17
Unit 18
Nannette Jackowski
Unit 20
Unit 21
Unit 22
Siv Helene Stangeland / Reinhard Kropf
Unit 23
Applying
Application procedures, fees, funding and scholarships
Please visit the UCL Postgraduate Application and Entry page for information on how to apply.
Programme-specific information follows below.
When to apply
The official deadline for applications is Friday 2 August 2013, but it is strongly recommended that applicants apply earlier than this date.
Entry requirements
A first degree or equivalent qualification in Architecture from an institution approved by UCL, and a high level of design achievement are required. Bartlett and non-Bartlett graduates apply on equal terms for entry into the MArch Architecture programme and are admitted according to merit and the availability of places: there is no automatic right of entry. North American applicants for the MArch Architecture programme should note that the standard of entry roughly equates to that for courses leading to an MArch after one year. German applicants should note that the Vordiplom is not a sufficient qualification for entry to the MArch Architecture.
Students who are applying from outside the UK are required to submit an A4 portfolio of their work, however all students are advised to submit A4 examples of the design work to help facilitate the selection process.
Opportunities
Graduates of the MArch Architecture programme are sought-after by many of the world's leading architecture practices.
Examples of professional work produced by graduates of the Bartlett School of Architecture can be seen in the Bartlett Works book.