Architecture and Historic Urban Environments

This new Master's programme pioneers the development of a more diverse and creative approach to the reinterpretation and reuse of historical environments in cities around the world, such as through imaginative architectural designs and urban strategies, and including issues of cultural heritage.

This programme is exceptional in linking the core research challenge of innovative design with in-depth processes of urban surveying, recording, mapping and analysis. As such, the programme has a strong international component, viewing cities around the world as fascinating laboratories for investigations of architectural and historic urban environments, with London being the prime example.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (90 credits), one optional module (30 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

Core modules

• Design Practice for Historic Environments
• Design Research Methods for Historic Environments
• Issues in Historic Urban Environments
• Surveying and Recording of Cities
• Urban Redevelopment for Historic Environments

Optional modules

Students choose one of the following:

• Theorising Practices/Practicing Theory: Art, Architecture and Urbanism
• Representations of Cities
• Multiple Modernities Architecture
• Sustainable Strategies

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words or major design project with a minimum of 5,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, fieldwork visits, and individual and group tutorials. Assessment is through project critique reviews, project portfolios, coursework essays, individual and group presentations, dissertation/major project and a viva voce examination with an external examiner.

Fieldwork

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

Departmental stipends of c. £250 are normally available. Maximum cost to the student is £500.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Candidates who hold either a professional or other qualification, obtained by written examinations and approved by UCL, together with at least three years of appropriate professional experience may also be admitted.