The Architecture programmes in the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts at the University of East London are recognised as among the leaders in the UK and have a particular reputation for innovation in teaching. Their character is recognisable in its ‘hands-on’ approach to architecture at all scales, working with the physical exploration of site and context, as well as developing new critical approaches to the field.

Former UEL Architecture graduates have proceeded to win urban design competitions in Manchester, Germany, Estonia, Iceland and Japan. A former Architecture staff member is the Director of GLA’s Architecture & Urbanism Unit. Two current tutors have studied landscape architecture in the UK and abroad and can bring a wide range of experience to the school in this field.

The School of Architecture and the Visual Arts [AVA] recognises the opportunity to expand the offering of programmes to attract design professionals who wish to specialise in landscape architectural design locally, nationally and internationally through research by design.

The aim of the programme is also to be the first step towards design based PhDs and professional Doctorates within Architecture.

This new programme is growing logically out of the School’s longstanding preoccupation with material, context, creative interventions, and regeneration both locally and internationally. It expands material and contextual interests into the natural and urban environment and actively seeks to explore the possibilities inherent in the temporal design opportunities that landscape architecture encompasses. The programme is designed to develop intellectual and practical professional tools for landscape architects, and through project based studies search for new solutions to the increasing complexity of our urban landscapes, where the social, political and economic, as well as spatial pressures are most intense. The programme aims to work in collaboration with local and international agencies on live projects where possible, and to tackle cutting-edge issues through the prism of site reality.

The programme is predicated upon understanding the best of current local and international landscape practice, while also emphasizing the development of intuition and processes to test and develop new forms of landscape practice. It welcomes students as fellow collaborators in a programme that seeks to develop new strands to contemporary landscape architecture that are innovative in approach to materials and the temporal possibilities at the core of landscape, and deal proactively with the complex environmental, social, and artistic questions of the time.

The programme is part of 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 development sites as well as lectures. Site visits will strengthen links with the local landscape culture of the city, while wider ones will include the rich historic precedents of southern England. Its teachers are abreast of current developments in the field and currently working on publications, conferences and other projects inside the school, and on innovative approaches to landscape architecture in private practice.

This programme forms part of a new and enriched Masters in Architecture portfolio of programmes within the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts, including MSc Computing & Design, MSc Material Matters, MA Sustainability & Design, MA Alternative Urbanisms, and MA Interpretation and Theories. The programme is organised in two generic taught modules followed by the Thesis module, which can be written only or a 50/50 split written and design. This flexibility it is hoped will encourage applications for the Doctorate by Design programme. The taught Modules comprise a series of distinctive component options designed for each specific award. Students are able to choose options across the practice based components [component 2], based on the individual student’s interest and ability.

The programme is designed for a diverse audience:

It will appeal to already qualified design professionals in related disciplines who wish to add further specialisation in landscape architectural practice.

It also welcomes applications from candidates with a design based first degree with a particular interest and ability to contribute to the development of landscape at an advanced level.

It welcomes applications from suitable candidates with an honours degree or post-graduate diploma in landscape architecture or landscape with an interest in additional study at an advanced level.

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 via the accreditation of experiential learning [AEL] 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.

All applicants will be interviewed.

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

At this level students are expected to be highly motivated and committed to design intensive self-directed learning. The programme is divided between lectures, seminars, workshops, fieldwork and studio-based practice. There are also visits and field trips. All students will be supported by tutorials at 1:1

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

The School of Architecture and the Visual Arts has its own new building on the Docklands Campus, designed by one of our staff. As well as its excellent studios there are extensive wood and metal workshops, photographic darkrooms and computer suites. At the end of the academic year the students exhibit their work at the end of year show.

Postgraduate programmes strictly adhere to our 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 and design portfolio 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 Thesis.

The MA in Landscape Architecture covers critical issues and fields that allow students to work in a wide range of programmes and organisations, both public and private. Students may wish to apply for professional membership of the Landscape Institute or to develop their careers in a wide range of other professional opportunities where knowledge of the environment, and the opportunities and constraints inherent in it is relevant.

The Thesis Project 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 normally developed through the project work in the first two modules, 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 design approach that can support them in their career
• contribute to the development of new design based research and advanced study within landscape architecture
• become familiar with the procedures and conventions of academic scholarship
• add to the body of knowledge within the field of landscape
• gain experience in the compilation, ordering and interpretation of research and design, and the development of clear arguments
• develop writing and presentational skills
• develop conceptual skills and lateral thinking
• demonstrate hands on practical skills

The integration of environmental design with architectural and urban design practice is of ever-increasing importance. Architects, landscape architects, and designers equipped with these skills are more and more in demand professionally in both the private and public sector, nationally and internationally.

The programme offers students a personal tutor, 1:1 tutorial support as well as 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. This process is designed to help students reflect on their own progress.

The University provides a comprehensive range of support services to students, which includes: residential/ student finance advice/ careers advise / study skills development/ IT learning resources.

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.

The programme’s location is in London, which has one of the most vibrant design cultures in the world: the programme staff are well connected in relation to London’s design institutions and personalities. The current staff includes landscape architects who have studied and worked both in the UK, America, and the Far East, and are pursuing professionally innovative approaches to the field.