The programme takes a current perspective on issues of criticism and interpretation in architecture, and on recent architectural ideas. It has an introduction to architectural interpretation: how to read and how to write architectural texts, including contributions from journalists as well as historians: other key components are on architecture and the poetic, on representation, and on theories of recent architectural practice. The focus of the programme is on building, and developing innovative ways of writing about it. Most of its material involves studying recent books that have developed new ways of thinking about the making of architecture and of interpreting it. There is an openness and sense of enquiry about the work which its students have produced, and it values work which is the development of a personal voice.
This programme forms part of a new and enriched Masters in Architecture programme within the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts, including MSc Computing & Design, MSc Material Matters, MA Sustainability & Design and MA Alternative Urbanisms . The programme is organised in two generic taught modules followed by the Thesis module. The taught Modules comprise a series of distinctive component options designed for each specific award. Students are able to take two options across the practice based components (component 2) , based on the individual studen t’s interest and ability. The programme is an introduction to advanced studies in the history and theory of architecture.
It aims to concentrate its debate on the ideas and production of architecture itself: the programme is shaped by a reading of architecture which sees it as inevitably determined by philosophical and cultural issues and deals with the key ideas of the nature of history and criticism, issues of architectural representation, architecture in relationship to the poetic, and theories in modernist and current architectural practice.
The programme is located in the new School of Architecture and the Visual Arts in Docklands, the biggest redevelopment area in Europe. It takes advantage of the University’s London location with visits to architectural sites as well as lectures and visits linking with the culture of the city. Its teachers are abreast of current developments in the field and currently working on publications, conferences and other projects.
This new programme re-frames the offering of the MA Architecture: History and Theory, which has been running successfully since 1996. Over forty graduates of this earlier programme are now teaching at several architectural schools in the UK as well as India and China, or working at a high level in architectural practices in the UK, continental Europe and Asia.
A number of students are currently working at UEL on PhDs in the area on theories and recent history, and participate in regular research seminars.
Applications are invited from students with first degree or equivalent in architecture or history of art or architecture: other subjects such as literature and philosophy may also provide a suitable background. Applications are welcomed from the EU and overseas, in particular, lecturers from Higher Education Institutions wishing to increase their qualifications.
Students whose first language is not English will have achieved a score of 7.0 in ILTS or equivalent. Eligibility for students without degree equivalent qualifications will be assessed on the basis of a short essay, statement and a portfolio. Places will be offered after a successful interview with a member of the programme team.
This programme has also been designed to attract professionals from practice who are seeking to upgrade their qualifications, or who are looking for the opportunity to validate aspects of their professional remit, or to research and develop internationally relevant cultural issues that they have encountered in professional practice.
Wherever possible, students are invited for interview
For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk