Programme Specification for Architecture: Computing and Design MSc
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Final award |
MSc |
|
Intermediate awards available |
PG Dip |
|
UCAS code |
N/A |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Architecture |
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Date specification last up-dated |
November 2011 |
The summary - programme advertising leaflet
Programme content
This programme aims to provide students with advanced CAD skills and at the same time to introduce ways of thinking about the role of the computer in architectural design beyond the current practice in offices. The programme uses CAD as an introduction and vehicle for design research, and is concerned with space and form and their determinants. Graduates have entered academia or practice as specialists, and set up new media and modelling businesses
MSc Architecture: Computing & Design at UEL
This programme introduces ways in which computers can be used to explore and generate architectural designs. It is founded on the notion that architectural outcomes can be seen as the result of dynamic processes; that its three dimensional form can be described not just geometrically, in the conventional top down way, but as a set of rules derived from an analysis of the design problem couched in a different dynamical perspective. Since 1991 the programme has pioneered work in this expanding field of generative modelling, and has developed a range of new tools for designers which are available for students to explore and extend.
The use of Evolutionary Algorithms, Cellular Automata, Neural Networks, Diffusion and Reaction processes and other topics introduces the student to formal models of emergence of form and spatial organisation that provide both radical approaches to design, and an extension of the critical armoury of the architect. These topics are taught both through lectures and seminars where a range of prominent workers in this field join the staff in presenting the latest research, but crucially through learning to program these algorithms within commercial CAD applications such as AutoCAD. This means that students gain a fundamental understanding of the design and operation of these key generative approaches. The project based nature of the course allows students to experiment with these ideas and develop their own approach to the subject in a practical way. Students are encouraged to develop their work for publication and presentation at international conferences.
A number of students are currently working at UEL on Ph.Ds in the area of computing and design, and participate in regular research seminars and international research projects.
This programme forms part of a new and enriched Masters in Architecture programme within the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts, including, MSc Material Matters, MA Sustainability & Design MA Alternative Urbanisms. And MA Interpretation & Theories 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 elective options across the practice based components, based on the individual student’s interest and ability.
Admission requirements
The programme is intended for building professionals and those interested in this specialist area in relation to the design and management of the built environment. Applicants must demonstrate that they will benefit from and contribute to the programme. Particular requirements are: - Honours Degree in Architecture or exemption from the RIBA Part 1 or an Honours Degree in a subject connected with the built environment.
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 issues that they have encountered in professional practice
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 6.0 in IELTS 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. Professionals returning to the industry after career break are considered an important sector for recruitment.
All applicants will be interviewed.
Programme structure
The MSc programme can be followed over twelve month full time or twenty four months part time
Learning environment
The programme is divided between lectures and seminars, and workshops and classes and tutorials.
Presentations of work in progress in formal settings will provide opportunities for students to make measured judgements on the achievements and progression of both their own projects, and those of their peer group
Assessment
Postgraduate programmes strictly adhere to the University regulations on assessment. All coursework for assessment is double marked; practical 3d work, seminar papers and presentations, - essay assignments are supervised and double marked. The two taught programme modules are assessed through an essay/report per component, at least two relating to the core fields of the programme, and by the student’s contributions to seminar discussions and design exercises. The work culminates in the Masters Thesis, on a subject of the student’s choosing, within the wide parameters of the field.
A student must pass the two taught modules with a minimum overall average mark of 50% in order to begin the dissertation.
Relevance to work/profession
As more and more architects start using computers a need has arisen for a new kind of person. This person will need to be both designer and software engineer, and interested in the creative use of computers in design. This programme, which is based in the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts, adopts a studio based approach to learning, with the emphasis on exploration and group discussion.
It provides an education in advanced design research for people with a design background who would like to work as a CAAD specialist in the design office. Graduates of this programme are currently teaching in Architectural schools in the UK, EU and Internationally whilst others are working in specialist practices.
Thesis/Dissertation/project work
The thesis (10,000 - 12,000 words) is the culmination of the students' work on the programme. The topic is the choice of the student, in consultation with his or her tutor, and following group discussions on topics in the dissertation seminars.
Students will be able to
- focus their attention on an area of particular interest to them, in order to develop a specialised knowledge that can support them in their career
- become familiar with the procedures and conventions of academic scholarship
- to add to the body of knowledge within the field of architecture
- gain experience in the compilation, ordering and interpretation of research, and the development of clear arguments
- develop writing and presentational skills
- contribute to the development of research and advanced study within architecture and urban design
Added value
The MSc Computing & Design is part of a new Masters structure that allows single and integrated programmes in Architecture, together with, MSc Material Matters, MA Sustainability & Design MA Alternative Urbanisms and MA Interpretation & Theories.
Students are able to select up to two components from the other masters programmes, subject to approval of the relevant programme team. Details of the available components are found in the relevant Programme Specification and the Masters Programme Handbook.
Architecture students are also able to take part of the programme as a component of their Professional Diploma studies.
Your future career
The integration of computer aided design with architectural and urban design practice is of ever-increasing importance. Architects equipped with these skills are more and more in demand professionally.
How we support you
The programme offers students a personal tutor, one-to –one tutorial support as well as the support of small group working.
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a University requirement to engage formally in reflective practice, through a learning log or a professional development portfolio. This includes creating and maintaining a continuously updated CV, a review of progress in modules, review of assessment outcomes and feedback, a semester based action plan and an annual submission of the PDP
The University provides a comprehensive range of support services to students which include: residential/ student finance advice/ careers advise/ study skills development/ IT learning resources.
Bonus factors
Full-time students will have the opportunity to participate in any suitable research activity the staff are pursuing in the field, acquiring practical skills and contributing to 'real world' work. In particular the new SIMLAB will provide students to collaborate on real world CAD projects with UEL clients.
The programme’s location is in London, which has one of the most vibrant architectural cultures in the world: the programme staff are well connected in relation to London’s architectural institutions and personalities.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Use advanced CAD as a design tool by customising and extending the base functions.
- Design user interfaces and the use of IT to present design information. Understanding of theoretical ideas in the design research field and the ability to research and document design research.
What will you learn?
Knowledge and understanding
- An understanding of the idea of 'laws of form' and how generative processes can be used to explore architectural design.
- Dynamic systems and how to model them
- The use of computers to explore configurations of form and space
- The history of design methods and Artificial Intelligence/ Artificial Life
- The status of architectural design in the recent history of scientific understanding of perception and new models of understanding
Intellectual skills
- The programme aims to show students a view of the built world that is process based, and to give them the tools to explore design methods especially fitted to the computer.
- The use of Evolutionary Algorithms, Cellular Automata and other topics introduces the student to a set of formal models of the emergence of form and spatial arrangements that provide a new set of approaches to design, and an addition to the critical armoury of the architect.
Practical skills
- The ability to use advanced CAD as a design tool by customising and extending the base functions.
- How to design user interfaces and the use of IT to present design information.
- Understanding of theoretical ideas in the design research field and the ability to research and document design research.
Skills for life and work
Students will be able
- to structure and communicate ideas with clarity in spoken and written form
- to manage time and work to deadlines
- to find information and use information technology
- to assess large amounts of interdisciplinary research cogently
- to know when and how to get help
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels: 478
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 180 for the degree of Master, 120 for a Postgraduate Diploma and 60 for Postgraduate Certificate
Typical duration
The typical duration of this programme is one year full-time or two years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may have an impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in October and ends in September: there are two year-long 60 credit modules in parallel over A & B, with a third module over the Summer period for the Thesis. A full-time student will study the equivalent of 180 credits over the year. A typical part-time student will study one 30 credit component per Semester.
What you will study when
The Masters in Architecture Programmes are structured in two generic taught modules followed by the Thesis Module.
Three modules over twelve months are completed for the full time programme: one module is completed for the first year of the part time programme and tone module for the second year of the part time programme, followed by the Thesis module.
| Year | Module code/Component | Module title | credit | status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
ARM 151 |
Architecture & Urbanisms: Tools, Principles, Theories & Practice: |
60 |
Core |
|
- |
Component 1 |
Tools, Principles & Theories
|
- |
Core |
|
- |
Component 2: |
Advanced Practice 1
User Interface Design
Details of further component 2 options can be found in the programme specifications for MSc Material Matters / MA Sustainability & Design / MA Alternative Urbanisms / MA Interpretation & Theories. |
- |
Option |
|
1/2 |
ARM152 |
Architecture & Urbanisms: Theories, Context & Practice |
60 |
Core |
|
- |
Component 1: |
Theories and Contexts
|
- |
Core |
|
- |
Component 2: |
Advanced Practice 2
Details of further component 2 options can be found in the programme specifications for MSc Material Matters / MA Sustainability & Design / MA Alternative Urbanisms / MA Interpretation & Theories. |
- |
Option |
|
1/2 |
ARM 153 |
Thesis |
60 |
Core |
|
- |
TOTAL |
180 |
- |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain a Postgraduate Certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits at Level M.
In order to gain a Postgraduate Diploma, you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level M.
In order to obtain a Masters, you will need to obtain 180 credits at Level M.
These credits will include a 60 credit level M core module of advanced independent research.
Masters Award Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Masters award then the award classification is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
Distinction |
|
60% - 69% |
Merit |
|
50% - 59% |
Pass |
|
0% - 49% |
Not Passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge and understanding are developed through
taught modules of lectures devoted to aspects of computer modelling simulation and design with each lecture accompanied by a seminar and seminar reading. There are essay tutorials at the end of each component.
Lectures are reinforced by guest lectures from practitioners, scripting Students are asked to lead seminar discussions on assigned reading, and to give talks on their own work and experiences to reinforce the links between what they learn and what they can do with it.
The Thesis is supported by regular Thesis seminars in which methodology and content are discussed in forum format at regular intervals.
Intellectual skills are developed through
a constant process of critical examination by the students of the programme material and of their own thinking. An increasing understanding of the complexities of the subject matter is acquired in parallel with an increasing understanding of themselves as learners and makers. However large the scale of the particular subject of enquiry, students are always encouraged to relate it to their own experience and work, as well as assessing it in its own right. These skills are developed through the forms of active learning in the programme: seminar discussions, one-to-one tutorials and written work.
Practical skills are developed through
The scripting classes where students learn by doing, especially developing practical examples of ideas introduced in the lecture/seminar sessions The research and writing seminars deal with finding information, organising a piece of written work, and quantitative vs. qualitative analysis Bibliographies both for the programme as a whole, and for each lecture series, are provided. A list of available libraries and reliable web sites is also issued. Thesis seminars are run throughout the second semester of the year. There are also presentations of students' design work and its analysis in contextual terms.
Transferable skills are developed through
the conscientious pursuit of the programme.
Assessment
Knowledge and understanding are assessed by
an essay per component that asks the student to use the content of the component to develop an informed and cogently defended view of a chosen problem. The modules are also assessed by the student's contributions to seminar discussions and workshop sessions, which provide an opportunity to demonstrate a grasp of complex ideas, and an ability to formulate a response to them. The work culminates in the Masters thesis, on a subject of the student's choosing, within the wide parameters of the field.
Intellectual skills are assessed by
student performance in seminars, essays and the dissertation. Each of these is a learning as well as an assessment tool.
Practical skills are assessed by
workshop and scripting exercises.
Transferable skills are assessed through
student performance in essays and scripting tasks, and the dissertation, as well as in individual tutorials and dissertation seminars.
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual participants.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of participant work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- End of module evaluations
- Student representation on programme committee
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- announcements in class
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Conversations with former students
- Conversations with relevant professionals and professional bodies
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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- |
- |
- |
- |
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Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site
- The participant handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of Regulations
- UEL Quality Manual
- Regulations for the Academic Framework
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
