StudyQA — Master: Architecture and Urban Design — University of Cambridge (Page 149)

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive education in the fundamentals and advanced aspects of designing built environments. This program is designed to cultivate both creative and technical skills, equipping students with the knowledge necessary to address complex architectural and urban development challenges in a rapidly changing world. The course emphasizes rigorous academic study combined with practical hands-on experience, fostering an understanding of architectural history, theory, structural design, and sustainable practices. Students will explore a broad range of topics, including spatial planning, environmental considerations, technological innovations, and societal impacts of design choices. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, inspiring students to develop innovative solutions that are functional, aesthetically compelling, and environmentally responsible. Throughout their studies, students will engage with a variety of project work, studio-based learning, and field trips that deepen their understanding of urban contexts and architectural processes. The curriculum is structured to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a nuanced appreciation of cultural and social factors affecting urban and architectural design. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in architecture, urban planning, design consultancy, or further research and academic pursuits. The program is delivered by leading academics and practitioners, providing students with mentorship, industry insights, and a strong professional network. Overall, the Architecture and Urban Design course at Cambridge aims to develop innovative architects and urban designers who are capable of shaping sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring environments for future generations.

Teaching is delivered through seminars, supported by individual supervisions. Students are also offered a series of studio sessions, hands-on workshops, offering support in computer modelling, physical laboratory testing and guidance on the use of environmental sensors and loggers. Throughout the programme individual supervision is provided regularly to assist, direct and monitor progress.

Individual research activities, oral presentations and written essays encourage students to identify and solve problems, and are supported by regular feedback sessions and in supervisions. These strategies, particularly through specialist supervisions, are built upon when the student embarks on their independent dissertation research programme.

The weekly seminars, plus additional research workshops, provide a framework to explore a variety of research approaches from a range of relevant disciplines available in the Department. Students receive general seminars and specific guidance on research methods, the use of libraries, and writing techniques. An initial comprehensive bibliography is provided prior to the start of the course to allow students to begin their preparation. Upon arrival to Cambridge, the bibliography is supplemented by guidance on further reading in the seminars and supervisions. Guidelines on coursework essays and dissertations are given in general terms and more specifically in supervisions. Research methods, techniques and analytical skills are developed through the lectures and coursework.

The course is intense and demands effective time management.

Supervision

Each student is entitled to arrange the following supervision and design input within full term time. The figures listed below are a maximum figure. Supervision arrangements and contacts will be suggested at the beginning of each term but it is the individual responsibility of each student to arrange supervisions, and to submit work promptly as requested by supervisors.

TERM 1

3 hours history / theory supervision
1 hour technical supervision
1 hour software supervision
3- 4 hours supervision with primary supervisor
2 hour critical review / external workshop
8- 10 hours studio supervision

TERM 2

4 hour specialist supervision
2 hours technical supervision
4 hours history / theory supervision
2 hour critical review / external workshop
8 hours studio supervision

Fieldwork Period (TERMS 3-5):

9 hours supervision
4 hours design tutorials / feedback / recall

TERM 6

4 hours history / theory supervision / draft review
6 hours technical supervision
2 hours external specialists
1 hour critical review
8 hours studio supervision

Thesis

The design thesis represents 60% of the overall mark and consists of a:

written dissertation of not more than 15,000 words (20%). The word count includes footnotes but excludes the bibliography. Any appendices will require the formal permission of your Supervisor who may consult the Degree Committee. Students submit two hard copies and one electronic copy of their thesis for examination at the end of May.
design project (40%) submitted for examination at the end of July in hard and electronic copy.

Candidates present their design thesis to examiners at an Exam Board held in their second year at the end of July.

Essays

Four essays or equivalent exercises of 3,000 - 5,000 words, including footnotes/endnotes but excluding the bibliography, on topics approved by the Course Directors will be presented for examination. The first three of these essays are submitted during Year 1; one at the beginning of the Lent (Spring) Term and two at the beginning of the Easter (Summer) Term. The remaining essay is submitted at the beginning of the Easter (Summer) Term in Year 2.

The first essay constitutes an essay or equivalent (5%) and an oral presentation (5%), the second is a pilot study (10%) and the third is a design submission (10%). The final essay is a project realisation essay (10%).

Students must submit two bound paper copies and one electronic copy of each essay or equivalent exercise.

The essays and equivalent exercises contribute 40% towards the final mark awarded.

Practical assessment

The course requires regular written, visual and oral presentations in the Studio. Effective communication of research findings and design concepts are an important criterion in all areas of the students' work, and assessed at all stages.

Other

A logbook of work and research carried out during the fieldwork period will be presented at the beginning of the Easter Term of Year 2 for assessment. The logbook is not awarded a mark.

Requirements

Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
Candidates accepted for this course will usually have a Part 1 qualification/Bachelor's degree prescribed by the Architect's Registration Board (ARB) and The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at a first class or high 2i level (at least 67%/3.6/4.0 GPA). Candidates are encouraged to take a year out but this is not mandatory.
Candidates without Part 1 status are encouraged to contact the Department before making an application in order to determine whether they are eligible. They will be expected to submit a portfolio of an equivalent standard to candidate holding a high 2i for a Part 1/Bachelor's degree. For further information email: grad.enquiries@aha.cam.ac.uk
IELTS (Academic) 7.5
TOEFL Internet Score 110
£50 application fee
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