Study this cutting-edge, research-led and career-focussed RIBA/ARB Part 2 architecture course, with added work experience.
Participate in an innovative learning experience focussing on critical design, ecological attitudes and the role of architecture in society.
Explore diverse, cutting-edge forms of architectural practice.
Develop a local and global understanding of the subject.
Engage in exciting projects alongside diverse communities, organisations and architects.

On this two-year course you will develop a sophisticated and progressive approach to architectural design. Teaching and design projects are centred on a set of priorities that include social and ethical architectural practice, user and community participation, environmental sustainability, ecological forms of construction, and innovative and alternative models of architectural practice. The course promotes and delivers excellence in building and urban design, and explores architecture as a complex, interdisciplinary and dynamic ecology. You’ll graduate not only with a Part 2 architecture qualification, but with a rigorously developed and creatively explored position within the discipline.

There is the option of taking a year of practical experience between year one and year two.

Work and Study

The 2 year route follows the traditional Part 2 format and enables students to build a strong M.Arch culture in the school of architecture. The shared Praxis of Architecture strand ensures that students on this route benefit from discussions, visits, reviews and other engagement with a range of established architects and practices.

In Year 4, students undertake Studio 4 Extended for the year, a design studio based in Sheffield which explores a different theme each year, and introduces some of the working approaches of the course, such as mapping, field notes, scenarios, and experimental design processes. Studio 4 Extended is supported by two modules on The Praxis of Architecture: 1 Theory and Recent History, and 2 Expanding Practice.

Ecological architecture and creative construction practices are also explored in the Construction Ecologies module. 

In Praxis 3 Developing your Agenda for Practice, students reflect on experience of architectural practice to date and your future aspirations and plans, and in Critical Study Extended, students are able to develop an advanced piece of postgraduate research.

Live projects

All of the design modules are embedded in existing communities, in the UK or abroad, and your design project will engage directly with these conditions before exploring creative future scenarios and architectural strategies and interventions. You will work with a range of actors including local community members, architects and other design professionals, artists and local authorities.

Field trips

Throughout the course, you’ll undertake field trips to witness a diverse range of architectural projects and organisations who work at the cutting edge of architectural practice and debate.

Networking opportunities

The school's national and international network of allows you many opportunities to network with students, academics and practicing architects. The Praxis trip to London provides the opportunity to visit a range of leading, innovative, architectural practices.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

On this course, you'll experience creative studio teaching culture, and develop critical skills for future career in architecture.

We use our extensive local, national and international networks of architects to inspire and inform your work — allowing you to explore the subject in all its diversity.

The course provides a friendly, supportive and yet challenging experience, to which your own input and expertise is essential. Based around principles of collaboration, the course has three main agendas: The Praxis of Architecture, Social and Political Design, and Ecological Architecture. 

You learn through

• design portfolio
• lectures
• workshop sessions
• coursework
• exhibitions
• essays and reports
• field trips and practice visits

This course prepares you for a career in

• architecture
• design
• planning and urban design
• various spatial practices
• research and academia
• construction

 

Typically an Honours degree in Architecture, 2:2 or above, with RIBA Part 1 validation and ARB prescription, or Equivalent European qualifications, satisfying the EU Architects Directive 85/384/EEC.

In addition to the above, in all cases, suitability for entry will be judged by panel interview with presentation of design portfolio of academic work and where relevant, practice based work.

International or non-EU applicants will need to have a qualification from one of the RIBA Validated International Schools. A high level of English language competence will be required to complete the award successfully.

If the language in which the first degree was taught is not English then typically IELTS 6.5 will be required.

For entry onto the 2 year route of the course typically students would have had some experience of architectural practice, normally 6-12 months, but we are able to consider applications from students without practical experience.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

The modules for the 2 year full-time course are listed below as Year One and Final Year.
The modules for the 3 year full-time course are listed below as Year One, Year Two and Final Year. Year Two presents an option to take a year of practical experience.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Construction Ecologies	15	Coursework
Design Studio 4A (Extended)	75	Coursework
The Praxis Of Architecture 1: Theory And Recent History	15	Coursework
The Praxis Of Architecture 2: Expanding Practice	15	Coursework

 

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Postgraduate Placement

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Critical Study (Extended)	30	Coursework
Design Studio 6	65	Coursework
Integrated Practice	15	Coursework
The Praxis Of Architecture 3: Developing Your Agenda For Practice	10	Coursework