MA in Research Architecture

What you'll study Overview MA Research Architecture begins with a specific core module called ‘Introduction to Research Architecture’ as well as the MA Core Module B, which is shared by students from the whole Visual Cultures MA cohort. The four assessed components of the MA comprise: the Special Subject ‘Conflict and Negotiations'. a single major spatial research project (Studio). the Symposium. a Dissertation. The research project (Studio), actively engages with spatial practice and theory, and concentrates on in-depth analysis of a distinct issue, process or site. This project forms the core of the MA Dissertation, which you submit at the end of the programme. A series of seminars, workshops and lectures will provide you with the necessary and stimulating information and create a forum for discussion on contemporary approaches and theories in architectural and spatial research. Centre for Research Architecture. Core modules Module title Credits. Conflicts and Negotiations Conflicts and Negotiations 30 credits 30 credits. MA in Research Architecture Dissertation MA in Research Architecture Dissertation 60 credits The MA Dissertation is centred on a year-long project. This project, responding to a general yearly brief, involves investigative research that culminates in a combination of a long written text and a substantial visual project. In the end of Term 3 there will be an assessed symposium where students present to their peers and a specially selected jury of experts. 60 credits. MA Symposium MA Symposium 30 credits The MA Symposium provides you with the opportunity, fairly early on in the research/writing process, to present a worked up and focused investigation of your dissertation topic or some aspect of it. Your presentation will be formally assessed. Presenting on your dissertation research at this stage is invaluable for enabling you to define your project and, through verbal feedback and discussion, to progress your thinking. 30 credits. Optional modules You will then choose one of the following optional modules: Module title Credits. Research Architecture Studio Research Architecture Studio 45 45. Forensic Architecture Studio Forensic Architecture Studio 45 credits Challenging the boundaries of architectural and visual research, human rights reporting and activist mapping, the Studio will introduce students to a critical toolbox of documentary practices as well as mapping and visualisation techniques. Hands-on workshops dedicated to the learning of specific forensic techniques will be organised on an ad-hoc basis depending on the necessities of students. The Studio will also offer a space of theoretical reflection and student-led discussion on questions of social, political, and environmental justice, asking which modes of practice are needed to investigate, document and redefine contemporary forms of violence. A period of individual placement will further allow students to work closely with the Forensic Architecture team and its wide range of partners (scientists, legal practitioners, NGOs) to produce and visualise evidence on behalf of human rights groups, threatened communities, and international organisations. An annual brief exploring contemporary transformations of territory, violence and rights, will set the overall coordinates within which each student is encouraged to develop her own specific lines of inquiry. All combined, these elements will provide the overall framework for the development of the students’ year-long individual dissertation, which for students choosing to follow the FA Studio will present and critically analyze different forms of evidence documenting a specific situation of conflict and violence. This new initiative is open to students and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences including architecture, law, human rights, conflict studies, investigative journalism, visual arts, and many others. 45 credits. Site visit Every year the MA classes will travel to a place of contemporary interest, generally environments undergoing rapid, intense change where political transformation can be viewed in the development of the built environment. Assessment Visual Cultures assessment are 100% coursework. Normally this consists of essays, sometimes accompanied by creative projects, group projects, multi-media projects, presentations, symposia, reviews, and studio work Download the programme specification for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.