Architectural History

This MA is unique in architectural history, theory and criticism postgraduate study, providing a coherent and intensive forum in which students develop independent approaches to the subject. Graduates progress to academic, journalistic, curatorial and architectural professions with diverse skills in established and emerging subjects, theories and methodologies.

The programme examines architecture and cities from early-modern 16th-century to contemporary 21st-century contexts. Rather than focusing on the work of individuals, stylistic classification or normative categories, the programme locates architecture within social, ideological, creative, political and urban processes, exploring the boundaries of what constitute legitimate architectural objects and sites of study.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a report (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, two core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits), full-time nine months is offered.

Core modules

• Critical Methodologies of Architectural History
• Research and Dissemination of Architectural History

Optional modules

Students choose four of the following:

• Architecture in 19th- and 20th-Century Britain
• The Representation of Cities
• Theorising Practices: Architecture, Art and Urbanism
• History and Theory of Digital Design
• Materialist Ecological Architectures
• Multiple Modernities Architecture
• Practices of Criticism

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation and an oral examination.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, building and gallery visits, film screenings, group working and one-to-one tutorials, and a field trip (optional). Assessment is through coursework, consisting of short exercises, classroom presentations, and longer essays for individual modules, a 10,000-word report and oral examination, and verbal presentations.

Fieldwork

An annual programme field trip (optional) takes place, normally in May.

Departmental stipends of c. £220 are normally applicable. Maximum cost to the student is £250.

The normal minimum qualifications are a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
A second acceptable qualification is a degree of lower than second-class Honours standard, or an equivalent overseas qualification, in a subject appropriate to the programme, plus extensive background and experience in the field. The latter implies considerable experience as a professional at a senior level. For applicants without a first degree or full professional membership, but with relevant and substantial work experience in the field, a special qualifying examination may be set. Details of this route can be obtained from the Bartlett's Faculty Office.