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 student’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 Ph.Ds 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 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.

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.

The programme can be followed over twelve months full time or twenty four months part time.

The programme is clearly structured so that each of the components introduces and develops a series of distinctions which the student in turn develops in the formulation of their own work. Seminars, lectures and tutorials provide three ways in which the student's understanding is built up.

Lectures are given by programme staff and visiting lecturers: seminars on previously read texts are led by staff which provide the core of the student’s learning experience: one to one tutorials are given on student’s essay projects. There are also occasional site visits, and generally each year a foreign trip.

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.

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.

All significant written work is counted towards the final assessment. Programme work is four essays of 3,500 words, each at least two relating to the core fields of the programme: a Thesis of 12,000-15,000 words provides one third of the programme's final mark.

A student must pass the two taught modules with a minimum overall average mark of 50% in order to begin the dissertation.

The majority of the programme’s students have been architects, either fully or partly qualified, who have found the programme useful in their being enabled to gain a new understanding of contemporary issues relating to architecture and its practice. It also has been useful in enabling them to develop new professional skills in terms of the writing and presentation of ideas. A number of graduates are now teaching at several architectural Schools in the UK as well as India and China.

Crucial to the approach is the emphasis on students’ development of their own ideas in relation to the subjects presented for their study. The essays written for each programme component is the main vehicle for the student’s expression of their research and thinking: the Thesis provides a larger arena for their development of architectural ideas.

The MA Interpretation & Theories is part of a new Masters structure that allows single and integrated programmes in Architecture, together with MSc Computing & Design, MSc Material Matters, MA Sustainability & Design and MA Alternative Urbanisms.

While this programme is theoretical, 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 it provides an opportunity for students to work alongside design students who are also able to take part of the programme as a component of their Professional Diploma studies.

The programme has provided its graduates with opportunities to develop careers as architectural teachers, and also gives their architectural portfolio an added dimension which is useful in furthering their career in practice.

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.

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.