Architecture MArch

Program Overview

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The MArch program at Leicester School of Architecture emphasizes critical thinking, architectural skill development, and personal design flair. Through enquiry-led teaching, students explore contemporary issues in architecture, blending theory and practice to prepare them for professional registration and careers in various architectural specializations. The program is accredited by ARB/RIBA for Part II exemption, ensuring graduates meet industry standards.

Program Outline

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Program Extraction: Architecture MArch

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle contemporary issues in the architectural field.

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It employs an enquiry-led approach to teaching, encouraging students to develop a personal perspective and critical position within the global architectural landscape.

The program blends theoretical and professional practice components to provide a well-rounded educational experience.

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Objectives:

• Develop independent and critical thinking in students.
• expand architectural skillsets
• Nurture individual design flair through exploration and experimentation.

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Description:

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The program is built upon a foundation of historical and philosophical thought while also addressing contemporary topics such as:

• Urban inhabitation
• Sustainable ecology
• Technological ramifications
• Legal and economic contexts
• State of the profession
• Students participate in research-led design studios and explore a variety of specialized pathways, such as:
• High-density housing
• Sustainable futures
• Advanced material investigations
• The program fosters open-ended inquiry and encourages experimentation as a means to advance knowledge.
• Participants collaborate with experienced faculty and professionals to redefine the future of architectural practice.

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Key features:

• ARB/RIBA Part II exemption
• 90% student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2022).
• real-world issues
• industry and research experience
• Dedicated postgraduate studio space with advanced facilities.
• RIBA President's Medals, RIBA Awards, and prestigious RIBA scholarships
• Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia and the Commonwealth Association of Architects

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Other:

• The program offers a range of scholarships for international students.
• Graduates have been employed by leading architecture firms like Foster + Partners and Make Architects.

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Careers:

• Graduates qualify to take professional registration/licensure examinations, allowing access to markets worldwide.
• The program prepares students for careers in various architectural specializations.
• Graduates can pursue further expertise and research through PhD studies.

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Outline:

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Course Structure:

The program is structured as follows:

• Duration: Two years full-time, three years part-time.
• Start date: September 2024
• Modules:
• Thematic Design Studio
• Contextual Design Studio
• Humanities Specialisation
• Technical Realisation
• Dissertation
• Management Practice and Law
• Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS)
• Integrated Technology
• Design Thesis

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Module Descriptions:

• Thematic Design Studio: Explores various design specializations through masterclasses and sessions with leading architects.
• Contextual Design Studio: Explores diverse philosophical approaches to architectural design through study abroad opportunities or local investigations.
• Humanities Specialisation: Seminars with published scholars delve into architectural texts, treatises, and current research in the humanities.
• Technical Realisation: Seminars with published scholars delve into advanced studies in lighting, building performance modelling, conservation science, and material studies.
• Dissertation: Students undertake an academic study of an architectural topic supervised by academics to develop a position in architectural thought.
• Management Practice and Law: Develops professional skills in ethics, business acumen, good practices, legalities, and architectural advocacy.
• Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS): Allows for a deep investigation of a chosen architectural research topic.
• Integrated Technology: Aligns with the final year design thesis project, demonstrating the application of technical knowledge in complex building design.
• Design Thesis: Students develop visionary design projects that showcase their leadership abilities or projects demonstrating specific skillsets for the industry.

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Schedule:

• Full-time: Students fully engage with simultaneous tasks, averaging a full working week of contact and independent study/design time.
• Part-time: Students attend on average two days a week with additional pre-arranged days throughout the year.

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Modules by Year:

• Year 1 (Full-time): Thematic Design Studio, Humanities / Technical Realisation, Contextual Design Studio, Dissertation
• Year 2 (Full-time): Management Practice and Law, Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS), Integrated Technology, Design Thesis
• Year 1 (Part-time): Thematic Design Studio, Contextual Design Studio
• Year 2 (Part-time): Humanities / Technical Realisation, Management Practice and Law, Dissertation
• Year 3 (Part-time): Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS), Integrated Technology, Design Thesis

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Assessment:

Assessment is conducted through coursework, either individually or in groups.

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Contact Hours:

• 10 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures, tutorials, workshops, studio sessions) per week in the first two terms of each year.
• 25 hours of independent study per week in the first two terms of each year.
• 35 hours of independent study per week in the third term of each year.

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Part-time:

Normally undertaken on a half-time basis.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Approach:

• Enquiry-led: Encourages students to develop their own critical positions.
• Collaborative: Fosters interaction between students and faculty from various backgrounds.
• Open-ended: Encourages exploration and experimentation.
• Supporting: Provides guidance and support to help students achieve their potential.

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Faculty:

• Team of experienced architectural educators actively engaged in teaching, scholarly research, and academic projects.
• Adjunct educators from the professional field (architects, engineers, urban advisors, technologists) provide additional expertise.

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Facilities:

• Award-winning Vijay Patel building with modern and sophisticated workshops, labs, and studios.

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Other:

• The program employs the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach, offering various support options and technologies for all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.
• DMU Replay provides access to audio and visual recordings of lectures for flexible review.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by ARB/RIBA for Part II exemption.
• Graduates with six months of prior experience can gain exemption from Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia Part II, allowing them to pursue professional registration in Malaysia.
• DMU Global offers international experiences, including study abroad opportunities.

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UK students:

• 2024/25 Full-time tuition fees: £9,250 per year.

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International students:

• 2024/25 tuition fees: £15,750