International Architectural Regeneration and Development – (M.A.)

Contents

The course is offered at three levels: as a postgraduate certificate, a postgraduate diploma and a master's degree. Normally candidates enrol for the master's degree, but it is possible to enrol directly on the PGCert or PGDip, either on recommendation from the admissions tutor or as an exit point from the MA.

In total, 180 credits are required to complete the MA in International Architectural Regeneration and Development. These are divided into two parts: 120 credits must be successfully completed to qualify for the postgraduate diploma. Research methods seminars and the dissertation itself account for a further 60 credits required to achieve the MA. During Semesters 1 and 2 all MA students take the core modules amounting to 90 credits and choose options amounting to 30 credits.

For the postgraduate certificate 60 credits are needed.

Core modules:

Architecture, Culture and Tradition provides an introduction to the anthropology of architecture and the field of international vernacular architecture studies. Drawing upon examples of vernacular building traditions from around the world, it seeks to analyse the dynamic interaction between architecture, social structure, cultural behaviour and the natural environment.

Applications in Regeneration is a lecture and seminar programme that introduces you to the principles that underlie sustainable regeneration and the key players involved in the process, from planning and management through to evaluation. Applications of regeneration will be examined through practical case studies and interdisciplinary participatory projects.

Regeneration and Development Project is a studio-based module developing design and project management skills to solve problems in adapting the inherited built environment to new and viable uses, including designing new interventions within a historic or vernacular context.

Globalisation, Environment and Development provides a critical examination of globalisation processes, global environmental problems and their relationship with the development process. Issues around global systems theory, industrialisation, trade, debt, aid, transport, communications, food, agriculture and the environment are reviewed.

Optional modules include:

Development and Urbanisation is concerned with the problems of development and of cities and inter-urban issues. It provides the theoretical and analytical base for the specialisation and introduces themes, policy issues and processes which will be further examined in more detail and in different contexts in other modules of the specialisation.

Vernacular Architecture, Sustainability and Development explores the inter-relation of cultural processes and building traditions, and examines how contemporary phenomena such as globalisation, tourism, resources depletion, conservation, population displacement and technology transfer have an impact on the nature and transmission of vernacular building traditions. Conversely, it discusses how vernacular knowledge may actively contribute to the development of sustainable built environments.

Urban Design Theory I and II are lecture- and seminar-based modules in which you are introduced to the theoretical concepts underpinning current urban design practice approaches. The modules include the history and theory of urban design, the introduction of design approaches such as responsive environments, and urban morphology. You are made aware of how urban form is produced and consumed and of the political and economic context of development.

Tourism Interpretation examines the role of interpretation and the interpretative process as a tool in managing the visitor experience in tourist places. The module explores the origins of interpretation, its application in different settings, moral and philosophical arguments, popular misunderstandings as well as the mechanics of interpretation, standards of presentation and design, and electronic media.

Independent Study Candidates with research experience or with substantial practice and field experience may select a predominantly research or practice-oriented route to the MA through the Independent Study option. Independent study could include literature reviews in preparation for dissertation work, reflecting on the outcomes and successes of already implemented projects, or work in progress.

Other compulsory modules for the MA are:

Research Methods encourages you to develop the skills needed in the research of environmental problems, including the formulation of research problems and methodology, data collection and analysis.

Dissertation/Design Project A dissertation or a major design project, supported by a project report, is a compulsory element of the MA programme. This component provides the opportunity to develop and apply research and design skills in a specific area of regeneration or development. The course is international in focus and throughout the course references and visits to international contexts are made. A field trip is organised each year to look at international examples of regeneration or development projects. The international body of students on the course are encouraged to reflect on and present experiences from their countries. The MA course culminates in the dissertation,/design project, giving you the opportunity to develop and apply research skills in a specific area of architectural regeneration and development.