Cities Design and Urban Culture

London Metropolitan University - London North Campus
Islington, London
Masters Degree
1 Year FT, 2 Years PT
www.londonmet.ac.uk
The course provides foundations in understanding space-making as a political act bearing social and cultural implications. Research is based on the principle of 'practice driven theory' with design as a form of knowledge production alongside a strong theoretical component.
The course aims to identify and study situations of urban conflict created in the wake of radical political and cultural transformation. It focuses particularly on developing a cultural and political critique of planning practices, aiming to open an interdisciplinary discourse, but also to propose alternative planning strategies. The course recruits internationally. It is aimed at architects, planners and urban designers who are interested in engaging with the social, political and cultural dimension of space (geography, critical theory, urban studies, art history, art practice, sociology and politics), in exploring design methods as well as in testing these against theoretical reflections.


The course is design-based and consists of a specialist taught module, a research methods module, two double research and design-based modules and a thesis. The modules are:
Critical Transformations
Research Methods for Design and Practice
Design Research and Techniques
Design Project
MA Architecture Thesis
Places are open to graduates from a range of disciplines related to architecture and urban design. You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) an Honours degree and a good portfolio of practical and/or scholarly work. Experience in design and/or design research and a demonstrable interest in critical spatial practices are essential. 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