ArchitectureMA

Overview

Regardless of your background in architecture, arts, or humanities, you'll become proficient in architectural design. In a unique studio-based environment, you'll explore spatial theories and their environmental applications, tackle contemporary issues affecting the architecture and construction industries, and utilise innovative technologies to produce works at the forefront of contemporary design. You'll have many opportunities to put your study into practice on this Architecture Master's, such as collaborating with local and regional bodies on live projects, and taking part in work-based learning opportunities and community-led projects. Your design, professional, and technical skills will also be strengthened through them. By the end of this course, you'll be well-prepared for a career in many areas of the architecture sector, or you can continue your studies at PhD level.

You can study this Master's course in a year (September start) or 18 months (January start) full-time, or two years part-time (September start only).

What you'll experience

• Specialise in one of three disciplines to channel your expertise: building and heritage conservation, landscape and urban design, and spatial theories
• Learn in a practice- and design-based studio environment similar to industry settings, unique to Portsmouth
• Use facilities—such as the UK's first Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality—to realise your innovative architectural concepts and designs
• Collaborate with students on other courses to widen your team-working abilities and exchange knowledge
• Get involved in community-led projects to engage with the public and sharpen your understanding of how consumers interact with architecture and space
• Be taught by leading experts in architecture to learn the latest professional standards
• Work with actual clients on live briefs to enhance your professional and research experience
• Take part in competitions and live projects—within the Project Office and School of Architecture—to enhance your technical, creative, and professional reputation

Work experience and career planning

By graduating from this specialist Architecture Master's course, you'll gain a broad perspective on the way the built and non-built environment affects society, as well as a vision for a sustainable future. You'll be able to explore new systemic and integrated solutions for cities, landscapes and historic built environment, and help shape a greener, healthier, inclusive, and more resilient future for people and societies the world over.

Prospects (2022) estimates that the average salary range for the architecture sector is £35,000–40,000. The valuable skills, insight, and further experience you'll gain on this course will set the foundation for a successful career in the architectural and planning fields.

Teaching & Programme Assessment

Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.

You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.

Teaching methods on this course include:

• lectures
• seminars
• studio work
• research-led learning
• collaboration
• interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects
• crits and reviews

You'll be assessed through:

• portfolios
• written submissions
• blogs
• making artefacts

A good honours degree in a relevant subject such as Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Civil Engineering, Building Surveying, Geography, Spatial Practice, History, Fine Art or a design-related subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. Applicants without relevant qualifications will be requested to provide a portfolio to support their application.