Learning and assessment
How you will learn
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Tutorials
Our MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design programme deals with the application of the theoretical and technological aspects of environmental design and sustainable architecture in equal measures in creative studio design projects. This course emphasises problem solving, where technical and theoretical knowledge are integrated into design projects, and a unique learning method in environmental design education, where you learn the theory alongside applying it in practice.
You will learn principles of sustainable design and tools to develop and assess sustainability and carbon management through lectures, seminars and workshops. These principles and tools will then be used to inform studio design projects supported by tutorials. Studio project briefs are based as much as possible on real-life projects, and participation in national or international competitions will be supported. Students will also be encouraged to present their work in national or international conferences and events.
Expert staff will offer dissertation topic choices, but you are also able to choose a topic of your interest in the context that is most relevant to you, to develop your knowledge in integrated environmental design and sustainable architecture.
We will use the best of digital technologies to support both your in-person and online teaching. We will provide live, interactive online sessions, alongside pre-recorded teaching materials so that you can work through them at your own pace. While the mix of in-person and digital teaching will vary by course, we aim to increase the proportion of in-person teaching in the spring term.
We are preparing your lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, workshops and seminars so that you can study and discuss your subjects with your tutors and fellow students in stimulating and enjoyable ways. While we will keep some elements of online course delivery, particularly while Covid-19 restrictions remain in place or where this enhances course delivery, teaching is being planned to take place in-person wherever possible. This will be subject to government guidance remaining unchanged.
How you will be assessed
- Presentation
- Essay
- Dissertation
Each module has a set of marking criteria aligned with its learning outcomes. This is used to assess your work via studio reviews, portfolio submissions, essays and research papers. The same goes for the dissertation, which is marked by at least two staff who are experts in the chosen subject. None of the core modules require you to seat an exam. You must pass each module with at least 50% to progress. Your final degree classification will be calculated based on the weighting of each module, which reflects their credits.
Contact time and study hours
Teaching for this course comprises of circa 6 contact hours per week for the lecture-based modules and circa 6 contact hours per week for the studio-based modules during term-time. This is subject to timetabling and depends on which optional modules you choose. As a guide, one credit is equal to approximately 10 hours of work, and therefore you will be expected to do a significant amount of self-study time. For your dissertation, you will receive a minimum of 30 hours of support between meetings and feedback on your progress.
Class sizes vary with the modules. Studios are generally undertaken in small groups, usually between 10 and 20. Other core modules such as Advanced Sustainable Design and Case Study Project have medium size classes (usually 15-25 students), which allow us to run workshops effectively. In Research and Professional Skills, Tools and Methods you will join the whole masters cohort in a large group, which will allow you to meet others outside your course.