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MArch Architecture and Urbanism

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

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Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Creative Arts
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years Part Time, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements
To access this Programme, applicants are normally expected to hold a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification in Architecture or related discipline of an equivalent standard. Related disciplines include degrees in spatial design practices, history and theory, social and cultural studies, geography, human centre-design and building, construction and engineering.

It is advised that applicants hold a BA(Hons) in Architecture or equivalent, ARB prescribed Part I, but this is not compulsory.

Selection is based on a portfolio interview, after which students may be required to provide more information about previous studies or design experience.

Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are particularly welcomed from students with previous work experience in design and from a variety of backgrounds.

Entrance is not usually permitted directly at the Year 2. Exceptions will be considered on case-by-case scenario, evaluating previous qualification and relevant work experience.

Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria:
1. Academic attainment
2. Satisfactory academic reference
3. Personal statement or letter of application
4. Alternative or additional experience within architecture and design or appropriate subject areas.
In addition to fulfilling the general entry requirements of the University, applicants will normally be expected to attend an interview and provide evidence of previous architecture related design study through a portfolio, which demonstrates a range of art and design experience such as:
- 2D work such as drawing, painting, technical drawing, design, media experimentation, photography
- 3D work evidenced by photography, models and prototypes
- an awareness of the cultural, historical and professional contexts of architecture and the role of the architect in society and the design process.
All international students are required to demonstrate suitable levels of English language competence. This can be through previous study in English, but we often require specific performance in English tests. All applicants must be able to prove a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

About the course

MArch Architecture & Urbanism is a Masters of Architecture award within the Design programme at the School of Creative Arts. Within the programme there is strong emphasis on professional practice and the real-world applications of design. You will develop key research skills and gain a good understanding of the work of other practitioners in your field.

The aim of the postgraduate programme is to equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to practice at an advanced level, to foster your creativity and enhance your employment opportunities. You will work alongside artists and designers who are involved with a wide variety of media and forms and will benefit from visiting architects and design professionals. Induction, seminars and social events for students and staff mean that you will be part of a friendly and supportive postgraduate community, which also includes film makers, musicians and professionals working in new media. Senior research staff and internationally renowned artists work with postgraduate students, helping you to develop original and challenging work.

Why choose this course?

This programme focuses on architectural typologies and the built environment in the region, with an international and global view. The MArch Architecture and Urbanism pays particular attention to contemporary urban and architectural questions, including fringe conditions, peripheries, rapid and sustainable urban growth, gentrification, new towns and garden cities, future, smart and digital cities, suburbia, edge urban conditions, in connection with local communities and inclusive societies.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Lab 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module prepares students of the architectural studies at postgraduate level. It is a combination of practical and transferrable skills and understanding of key principles and notions underpinning architectural and urban design. The skills include a combination of urban and architectural sketching, advanced use of software and 3D modelling, parametric design and principles of computational design, architectural composition and advanced model making. Both skills and know ledge are to be applied critically to the design process. This module contains elements of professional practice for architects, with specific information about the context of the architect and the construction industry, including the architect's role in the processes of procurement and building production, and under legislation. The module will equip students with an advanced understanding of research methods and critical approaches to architecture, including history and theory, and current debates on buildings, cities, urban expansion, and social conditions.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Lab 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module deals specifically with the economic, social and professional context within which architecture is practiced. It will involve complex problem solving and unpredictable circumstances, associated with creating and delivering a real architectural design. Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of business management and the variety of opportunities and uncertainties faced by the architect in practice. It will also address business and professional ethics, communication and teamwork in a multi-disciplinary environment, and the management of the design process.
Specialism Studio	60 Credits	Compulsory
This module will involve the creation of complex design projects, in which students explore current architectural and urban issues, and test ideas. Students will be able to select from a range of diverse specialist streams of design study. These streams will be aligned with tutor interests, expertise and research. Students will explore their ideas through design, technology, and communication methods. To help them achieve this, students will have opportunity to practice and employ methods introduced in Lab 1 and Lab 2.
Thesis Studio	60 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables students to develop and defend a design position. Students will identify an area of study, and define a thesis question. They will devise a strategy for their thesis exploration and work with appropriate advisers. Students will have meetings with advisers, and proceed with independent research and experimentation. They will produce both written and drawn design work to support their thesis. Elements of their design should support the thesis argument - to justify and prove their work students will utilise elements of architectural design such as brief, programme, site, technology, representation, history and theory (culture, art etc.). They will present their final Design Thesis to a panel for review.
Dissertation	60 Credits	Compulsory
Architectural practice is situated within a rich lineage of historical precedents and theoretical frameworks, and to be a successful practitioner the architect must have a systematic understanding and critical awareness of this context. This module will enable students to carry out an advanced, in-depth dissertation into a historical and/or theoretical topic of their choosing – towards the development of a distinct critical position that will shape and inform their studio work. Students will be free to generate an area of research that relates to either the historical or contemporary issues and drivers that shape architectural or urban design. The dissertation will dovetail with the student’s design thesis to create an integrated body of work that demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge and advanced scholarship. Students will be supported by specialist workshops and tutorials to refine their research and writing skills, and through independent study will become experts in their chosen area of investigation.

Careers

This course provides students with knowledge and skills to understand, analyse and transform the built environment. This includes buildings, cities, and people in consideration of cultural values, societal aspects and communities both at the local and global scales. The skillset acquired by our students allows graduates not only to be aware of international and global questions regarding cities and people, but also to be able to design professionally in any context from local to international.

The curriculum of this course has been developed with the support of regional and international architectural practices and consultancy agencies ensuring a high-level business-facing approach to all activities and projects. This, and the continuous collaboration and input from our industry partners (through live projects, design competitions and projects reviews), ensures a high level of employability for our graduates.

Our students are trained in an ambitious working environment, where every project represents a positive challenge to respond creatively and professionally. The nature of the curriculum is highly enterprising, stimulating students to find and create new ways of changing cities and architecture, and establishing professional businesses working on a global market.

Fees and funding
Fees 2020
UK/EU Students

Full time
- £8800 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £730 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £13750 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £1145 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 academic year
We are currently looking into the funding options for this course and hope to confirm the details before the start of the academic year. If you have any queries in the meantime, please contact Student Funding & Financial Support: funding@herts.ac.uk

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Course fact sheets
MArch Architecture and Urbanism	Download
MArch Architecture and Urbanism	Download

Programme specifications
Postgraduate Architecture	Download
Postgraduate Architecture	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

International applicants

Apply through our international application portal

Home and EU applicants

Apply using the links below:

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Part Time)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Part Time)

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

MArch Architecture and Urbanism

About the course

Why choose this course?

Careers

Fees 2020

UK/EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students