Architecture (Joint Programme with MTU) MArch

Program Overview

The Master of Architecture (MArch) program is a 12-month course designed to prepare students for careers in architecture. It combines a design-based culture with technical explorations, critical questioning, and advanced spatial analysis to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the architect's role in shaping modern cities, with a focus on cultural and theoretical influences. The program features studio-based learning, guest critics from architectural practice, and international fieldwork experiences. Graduates are well-suited for careers such as architect, designer, or urban planner, as well as further research opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Architecture (MArch) program is a full-time, 12-month course offered by the Cork Centre for Architectural Education (CCAE) in collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU). It is designed to provide a qualification in architecture that meets the requirements of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) for registration and membership. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge to understand the role of the architect in shaping the modern city. It emphasizes a design-based culture, encouraging conceptual and innovative design through technical explorations, new design trajectories, and advanced spatial analysis. The program's philosophy is rooted in the CCAE's commitment to excellence in design and consideration of broader cultural and theoretical phenomena. Students are encouraged to engage in critical questioning and explore the spaces and cities we inhabit through text and assemblage.

Outline:

The MArch program is structured over three teaching periods within the academic year (September to September). Students complete modules totaling 90 credits:

• AT6011 Design Research: Cultures and Context (5 credits): This module explores the cultural and contextual influences on architectural design.
• AT6012 Design Research: Technology Transformations (5 credits): This module examines the impact of technological advancements on architectural design and practice.
• AT6013 Design Research Studio: Investigation and Formation (20 credits): This studio-based module provides students with the opportunity to conduct in-depth investigations and develop their design concepts.
• AT6014 Design Project (30 credits): This core module focuses on the development and realization of a major design project.
• AT6015 Exhibition Design and Implementation (15 credits): This module explores the principles and practices of exhibition design, including the presentation and communication of architectural ideas.
• AT6016 Documentation and Dissemination of Design and Design Process (15 credits): This module focuses on the documentation and dissemination of architectural design and the design process.
Each year, the program typically focuses on a major European city, with specific scenarios or narratives established at the beginning of the year.

Teaching:

The program's teaching methods are characterized by a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, studio-based learning, and fieldwork. Students are encouraged to participate in a stimulating academic environment and benefit from the expertise of prominent academics and architectural practitioners.

Careers:

Graduates of the MArch program are well-equipped for a range of careers in architecture and related fields. They are highly sought after for their critical thinking skills, advanced spatial analysis capabilities, innovative design approaches, and international context awareness. Potential career paths include:

• Architect
• Architectural Designer
• Urban Planner
• Interior Designer
• Landscape Architect
• Exhibition Designer
• Film and New Media Designer
The program also prepares students for postgraduate research, with opportunities to pursue a PhD by Creative Practice.

Other:

The program emphasizes the development of a distinctive, design-based culture through conceptual and innovative design. Students are encouraged to find new trajectories in design and develop programs for advanced spatial analysis. The program has a strong track record of student success in national and international architectural competitions. Notable achievements include:

• Áine Walker (MArch 2019-2020) was awarded the distinguished Serjeant Award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for her design project Anamnesis: Connective (Re)Collections.
• Kieran Cremin and Eoghan Horgan's project Entangled City: Reconciling Cultural Dissonance was awarded a European Architectural Medal in Architecture (Prize for Innovation) in 2015.

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025 Deposits If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January. Fee payment Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January. page. Any questions?