MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies

University of Cambridge

The MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies (MAUS) is a programme of advanced study on modern and contemporary architecture and the continued development of cities around the world. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds work in an interdisciplinary environment with urbanists, environmental specialists, architectural theorists and historians and design practitioners. Students will explore a wide range of ideas, research methods and theoretical approaches in order to undertake a critical and rigorous analysis of issues relating to both architecture and the challenges and complexities of the world’s rapidly changing cities.The course offers a flexible structure that is tailored to the needs of individual student’s research interests. Seminars and lectures are organised along two basic streams: 1) one focuses on the socio-political and cultural context of architecture and cities with an approach rooted in the humanities and social sciences; 2) the other one offers a more technical approach to architecture and urban planning (including transport, health and well-being, sustainability and environmental design). Students are encouraged to participate in and draw from both streams, but focus on one only. In the second term, there is a choice of more specialist seminars within both streams. Students are actively encouraged to explore issues across these basic disciplinary boundaries. The course asks students to expand upon their own experiences by pursuing research in their areas of interest.Teaching in the course is closely integrated with the Department’s research arm, the Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban Studies, which has a world reputation for research on a wide range of issues and geographical areas. The MPhil benefits from direct input in the form of lectures, seminars and individual supervision from the Martin Centre’s research groups.By the end of the programme, students will have acquired the type of research training required to carry on to the PhD, or if conceived as a standalone degree, will have acquired the skills to specialise and enhance their professional prospects.