Dept/School | The Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, University College London | |||
| Duration | 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time | |||
| Entry Requirements | Second class degree and significant work experience or international equivalent | |||
| Course Contact | Ian Lewis | Study Options | Full-Time/Part-Time | |
| Start Month(s) | September | Taught/Research | Taught & Research | |
MSc Advanced Architectural Studies |
| The MSc Advanced Architectural Studies (AAS) is centred on furthering the understanding of architecture and urban design as instruments in the development of society. Using the theoretical and analytical framework of ‘space syntax’, the course involves the study of architecture from the scale of buildings to small scale urban design through to planning entire cities. Each year the course is updated to reflect the latest design work being done in London and worldwide. During the first two terms, students undertake a structured programme of lectures, seminars, study tours and workshops. This establishes a common base in terms of theoretical inputs, shared experiences and programme requirements, from which the student is encouraged to define his or her particular field of interest. Students are encouraged to develop a research path based on their own background and interests and guided by the course curriculum and the research expertise of the course staff. As the year progresses, students acquire a variety of research skills, which they bring to bear on their research thesis, the AAS report, which is a significant 15,000 word written document. The course involves a variety of field trips in and around London to study current design and urban projects and students are taught by a range of internationally leading architects, researchers and design consultants. The MSc Advanced Architectural Studies course aims to let students: • develop an in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of the built environment and its functions considered as spatial, physical and human systems • acquire a high level of skill in research and analysis of the built environment and its functions in support of better and more humane design • communicate this through clarity of argument and written expression • acquire and demonstrate operational skills in managing their intellectual advancement and • set attainable goals and exercise imagination and creativity in the pursuit of an understanding of their field through individual and team work. The MSc AAS course is closely linked to the Bartlett's 'SPACE' research group, one of the world’s leading architecture research groups. It is also linked with Space Syntax Limited, who offer internships to AAS students that provides an opportunity of hands-on experience in the use of space syntax in architectural and urban design consultancy and practice. Over the past decade, the Space Syntax Laboratory and Space Syntax Limited have worked on major projects with some of the world's leading architects, including Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, Terry Farrell, Rick Mather and Zaha Hadid. Research findings from many of these projects form part of the core curriculum of the course. The course has an international reputation and students come from throughout the world as well as the UK. Most students taking the course come from architecture and urban design backgrounds, but we encourage applications from students with complementary backgrounds such as architecture, art history, landscape design, anthropology, archaeology, geography, urban design, and history. Many graduates of the course go on to achieve eminence in research, academic life and as architectural practitioners. The course is closely related to a large doctoral research programme and such is also suitable as research training for a PhD in architecture or urban design. The course is taught through study tours, seminars and lectures, and hands-on computer workshops. Student coursework includes group and individual projects, written essays, classroom exercises and take home exams. |