Find out more about studying MA Expanded Spatial Practices at Leeds Beckett University? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
City Campus
Part Time
Sep 2026
30 Month
Develop interdisciplinary approaches to the design and production of spaces of social relations and critique through practice. Spatial practice is often approached from within tight disciplinary and professional boundaries. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach by integrating knowledge and methods from multiple fields. You’ll draw on architecture, interior, and landscape, as well as: art, performance, choreography, history, public policy, criminology, health, and creative technology, to critically interrogate the ways in which space is thought, represented, produced, and used. Join a diverse academic community Aimed at students with a design background, we also welcome students from other disciplines or experiences looking to expand their practice or enter a new career. As part of this course, you’ll: Propose new areas for investigation and critical enquiry by expanding your engagement with contemporary social, cultural, political, and ecological issues, debates, and public policies Embrace interdisciplinary methodological approaches to spatial practice with a view to contributing to both theory- and practice-led research in the field Expertly organise expanded spatial practices, and proficiently realise and communicate high-quality projects including the documentation and dissemination of outputs Develop a high level of collaborative competency as well as your effectiveness and efficiency in leading and working with multi-disciplinary teams and complex organisations Your development The course will help you develop into a competent spatial practitioner and researcher. You’ll be confident leading change, working across disciplines, delivering complex projects with positive social impact, and undertaking independent and collaborative scholarship.
This module will introduce you to the key ideas and issues in the changing debates on space and spatial practice. You’ll use case studies to examine a range of contemporary and historical examples which integrate knowledge and methods from other fields. You’ll critically examine practices which adopt cross-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary approaches, including artistic, architectural, urban, performative, and curatorial practice. This module will also encourage you to explore written work and examples of other practices which take collaborative and participatory approaches. You’ll understand how to identify ways of expanding spatial practice beyond disciplinary boundaries in preparation for further study on this course. You’ll also propose, develop, and implement your research project. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Learn to contextualise historical and theoretical perspectives that underpin spatial practice. You’ll be encouraged to explore new areas for investigation and critical enquiry by engaging deeply with contemporary social, cultural, political, and ecological issues, as well as with current public debates, and policies. You’ll critically analyse a range of conceptual, theoretical, and technical frameworks concerning space as you pay particular attention to cross-, intra-, and trans-disciplinary methodological approaches to spatial practice. The module will enable you to develop the knowledge to formulate a theory- and practice-led project proposal. Your proposal will expand your spatial practice, inform your choice of option modules, and provide the basis for your own research in the field. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Develop the skills you’ll need to carry out and synthesise rigorous research in response to your proposed area of enquiry. You’ll work on innovative and ambitious projects that address clearly identified issues, challenges, and opportunities. Projects can fit different categories including, but not limited to, artefacts, devices and products, exhibitions, installations, events, performances, digital media, and written work. The work produced in this module will provide you with the basis for your project’s implementation in the self-directed module. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
This module will give you the skills to organise expanded spatial practices. You’ll develop the proficiency to realise and communicate a high-quality project. This will include producing the documentation and dissemination of outputs for specialist and non-specialist audiences. Projects can take a variety of formats including but not limited to artefacts, devices and products, exhibitions, installations, events, performances, digital media, or written work. You’ll be encouraged to develop collaborative skills including interpersonal, interprofessional, organisational, and networking skills as well as the capability to lead and work with multi-disciplinary teams and complex organisations. This module will foster your initiative and self-direction, and further develop your research skills and intellectual autonomy. You’ll enhance your ability to work independently and collaboratively in the expanded field of spatial practice. The module will also develop your critical awareness of ethical principles, your strong professional values, and your understanding of codes of conduct. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on and take responsibility for individual and collective outputs. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
