Architecture and Urban Design - MA

Teaching

Teaching and assessment

Assessment is by coursework and the dissertation.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

• ensure that you achieve excellence in your knowledge of architecture and cities through the development of your understanding, research, design and other related abilities
• promote creativity and excellence in architecture and urban design; from understanding concepts to thoughtful project development and the integration of research, strategically and in detail
• develop your knowledge of the theoretical, historical and professional contexts of architecture and urban design and ensure that you are aware of your responsibilities
• develop your understanding of architecture, cities and urban design within a broader cultural context that would include studies of arts and humanities
• promote and support independent research and high-quality skills
• accommodate a wide range of views and develop your specialised original interests
• develop understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research and promote originality in applying knowledge in architecture and urban design
• develop initiative, responsibility and sound critical judgement in making decisions about complex architectural and urban design issues
• enable you to develop strategies for self-improvement and commitment to research and learning
• support you in achieving your full potential in all parts of the programme.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the ways in which human activities shape and influence the environment and how the physical environment in turn affects and influences humans
• the complexity of circumstances and constraints to which architecture and urban design has to respond
• the histories and theories of urban design, architecture, the history of ideas, and the related disciplines of art, cultural studies and landscape studies and their application in critical debate
• a critical awareness of the nature of architecture, cities, and conditions of emergence of urban space, in all its manifestations, including buildings, infrastructure, open spaces and landscape
• a conceptual understanding that enables you to develop strategies and/or sound urban design proposals for new architecture and urban areas and the improvement of existing ones, in ways that are socially and culturally agreeable, economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

Intellectual skills

You develop intellectual skills in:

• the ability to develop analytical and critical skills in the understanding of architecture and urban transformation applied to urban areas in relation to social, historical, organisational and political processes
• the ability to independently define and appraise ideas in architecture and urban design and form considered judgements about spatial, aesthetic, technical and the social qualities of an urban context within the scope and scale of a wider environment
• the ability to question and critically evaluate past and current design methods and tools
• the ability to refer to, and analyse, case studies competently
• the ability to speculate and apply relevant research to the proposed design ideas, development and tasks
• the ability to formulate a research proposal with its appropriate methodology
• the ability to develop strategic proposals/masterplans that deal with the built environment in a culturally sensitive, socially just, and environmentally and economically sustainable manner.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in:

• the ability to produce documentation and clear, analytical reports covering a range of issues in relation to culture theory and urban design
• the ability to use visual, verbal and written communication and appropriate media (including sketching, digital and audiovisual) to present critical appraisal and analysis of design proposals to professional and general audiences
• the ability to formulate viable, original and well-supported design proposals and advice aimed at dealing with the complexity of urban contexts
• the ability to acquire advanced negotiation skills and professional attitudes in dealing with stakeholders
• the ability to acquire research skills including the formulation of a conceptual framework and use of a range of information sources
• the ability to develop excellent graphic and other visual presentation skills to be applied to the design projects or the submission of written reports.

Transferable skills

You will gain the following transferable skills:

• the ability to prepare and manage well-supported critical analyses (written, visual and oral) based on theory and empirical evidence
• the ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provide advice
• the ability to reflect critically on your own ideas by becoming more open and acquainted with unfamiliar ideas and practices
• the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, multicultural environment
• the ability to negotiate and work as part of a team
• the ability to systematically plan, carry through and manage a project programme in a given time
• the ability to be self-critical about your own work and constructive in how to address and progress it.

Careers

Our Master’s programmes have been devised to enhance your prospects in a competitive world. Professionals in the architectural, planning, environmental design and conservation fields who develop higher-level skills, accredited by relevant bodies, will find themselves well-placed to progress in their field. Our students have gone on to work for major public agencies and universities, as well as leading practitioners in the private sector.

Study support

Postgraduate resources

The School of Architecture and Planning studios include a dedicated computing suite with a range of environmental construction software, and a Digital Crit Space. There is a fully equipped architectural model-making workshop for constructing models and large-scale prototypes.

Professional links

The School has excellent contacts with businesses and culture in the local area, including regional organisations such as the Kent Architecture Centre, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Kent County Council and European Association of Architectural Education (EAAE). The Sustainable Communities Plan is particularly strong in south-east England, making the region the ideal place in which to debate innovative solutions to architectural issues.

Kent also has excellent links with schools of architecture in Lille, Istanbul, Rome, Tokyo, and in the USA, Virginia.

Academic study is complemented by a mentoring scheme organised in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and involving students in events with local practices.

Dynamic publishing culture

Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Architectural Research Quarterly; The Architectural Review; Building and Environment; The Journal of Architecture; and The World of Interiors.

Global Skills Award

All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.