POSTG RAD UATE COU R S E S
ARCHITECTURE
Postgraduate study at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is your opportunity to go further in your knowledge and your career. You can become a specialist, explore the frontier of your subject area with leading researchers, gain accreditation or change trajectory. DMU’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities brings together leading research, award-winning work, and innovation in many of the university’s creative disciplines. Our courses are designed with employability in mind, ensuring you gain the skills and experience relevant for today’s competitive job market. DMU is proud to be recognised as a university ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework. This achievement recognises the outstanding teaching from our passionate and enthusiastic academics who are acclaimed experts in their fields. Our art and design courses are taught in the award-winning Vijay Patel Building at the heart of our campus, which embodies our ambition to provide students with all of the tools they need to achieve their aspirations. Take a look at our stunning showcase of the building and facilities at dmu.ac.uk/aad Simon Bradbury Pro Vice-Chancellor International Dean Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities
Architecture MArch (Part 2) Architectural Practice PG DIP (Part 3) Architectural Design MA Architecture and Sustainability MSc International Urban Design MSc The School of Art, Design and Architecture unifies a diverse range of courses that explore creative practice and teach you the skills required to become a leading creative, practitioner and researcher in your field. Our postgraduate courses share common skills and sensibilities associated with drawing, making, experimentation and enquiry which make the most of our state-of-the-art facilities in the Vijay Patel Building. The Leicester School of Architecture at DMU is one of the oldest schools in the UK and our approach meaningfully draws upon years of experience to challenge conventions and redefine the future of architectural practice. Students can benefit from a supportive architecture community that welcomes leading guest speakers such as Matthew Barnett Howland, Oliver Wilton and Alison Brooks. Our staff are leading researchers in their field and have numerous industry connections which enhance your learning by ensuring we teach modern and industry-relevant course content. The impact of the school extends beyond the university, with innovations in sustainable urban development, fine art, photographic history and modern design being explored within DMU’s creative research institutes. We will prepare you with a range of transferable skills, ensuring that your studies equip you to reach for your future ambitions and goals. Our courses will give you the opportunity to graduate with the ability to research, explore ideas, realise your creative vision and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Postgraduate study is an ideal stepping stone to research at PhD level or a career in industry. Visit our website to find out more about studying a postgraduate course at DMU including our range of courses, scholarships, events and much more: dmu.ac.uk/gofurther
POSTG RAD UATE COU R S E S
Teaching Excellence Framework
Architecture MArch (Part 2)
Daniel Hambly Architecture MArch (Part 2) graduate
The Architecture MArch at the Leicester School of Architecture offers an industry-level architectural education that challenges emerging professionals to develop a personal stake and discover or develop their own voice in the globalised architectural world. Current issues in architectural thought, practices and processes are studied through foundations in historical and philosophical thought, contemporary states of urban inhabitation, challenges to a sustainable ecology, the ramifications of modern technology, legal and economic contexts, and the state of the profession. Central to the course is a series of advanced design studios that are integrated with studies in the humanities, technology and environment, digital computation and fabrication, and professional studies. A degree of flexibility is built into the programme to allow specialised interests to develop during your studies. This accredited programme offers a professional level architectural education with Architects Registration Board (ARB)/Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 exemption. Graduates can progress to professional registration/licensure examinations, allowing access to markets in the UK, EU or other legal jurisdictions.
MODULES
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYABILITY
Year One
Our community is a place where academics, practitioners and students are co-designing new ways of thinking. Teaching is delivered in a dedicated postgraduate studio space, equipped with computer workstations, model-making facilities, large format printers and Ultimaker 3D printers.
Our MArch programme offers exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 2 examinations, and enables graduates holding ARB/RIBA Part 1, to progress to licensure examinations and professional registration as an architect in the UK. Recent graduates have secured employment with architect practices such as Foster + Partners, Make Architects, Heatherwick Studio, SOM and Grimshaw Architects.
• Thematic Design Studio • Humanities / Technical Realisation • Contextual Design Studio • Dissertation Year Two • Management Practice and Law • Architectural Design Research Study (ADRS) • Integrated Technology • Design Thesis
In the first two terms of each year you will normally attend around 10 hours of timetabled sessions each week, including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions, and you will be expected to undertake at least 25 hours of independent study. Your third term each year will be predominantly selfdirected (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week. Part-time study is normally undertaken on a half-time basis.
A number of our Architecture MArch graduates have been awarded multiple national and international design awards, including four prizes at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s Medals, five regional RIBA Awards and the prestigious RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarship.
Modules and course details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date course information, a full list of modules, course duration and entry requirements visit: dmu.ac.uk/march
KEY INFORMATION Duration: Two years full-time, three years part-time. Start date: September English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band or equivalent. Entry requirements: You should have the equivalent of a 2:2 or above in architecture from an ARB/RIBA Part 1 accredited course or exemption from it. We will consider applications without Part 1 if you have undertaken non-UK or non-validated architecture degrees. Before qualifying as a UK architect, students must have obtained Part 1, as well as Part 2 and 3. Please contact the ARB regarding eligibility for their prescribed Part 1 exam. Applicants are expected to have completed postundergraduate professional work experience. Applicants with a lower second-class degree (2:2) will be expected to have completed a minimum of nine months of professional experience. Should applicants have difficulty in finding professional architectural experience, we will consider evidence of initiative in finding alternative experience through work in associated fields of the construction and design industries, self-generated work and competitions.
Architectural Practice Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) (Part 3) This course leads to exemption from the Architects Registration Board (ARB)/Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 3 examinations, and successful candidates are eligible to join the register at the ARB and chartered membership with the RIBA. The topics covered on this course allow you to reflect on the changing nature of professional practice, the currency of developments in law and commerce, innovations in real estate, alternative approaches to practice and management and the evolution of the professional architect. You will also further develop your professional acumen in business organisation, management and commerce, marketing, advocacy, ethics, contract and interpersonal skills.
MODULES
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
• Practice, Management and Law
You will be taught by practising architects, academic specialists, and leading consultants through lectures, seminars and individual sessions. Assessment is through work assignments relating to the topics of study, a written examination undertaken at your place of employment, documentary submission comprising a practical training record (log book/Professional Experience Development Record), case study, and evaluation of practical experience, accompanied by an employer’s report. This culminates in the professional interview.
• Case Study • Evaluation of Practical Experience (and PEDR) • Practice Paper Exam and Professional Interview
The written examination is carried out over two days and assesses your understanding and application, based on scenarios that replicate legal, management and contractual problems which may arise in professional practice. The case study and evaluation of practical experience are components assessed by professional examiners.
The PG Dip is a 12-month programme, during this time you will undertake four study units, each one being delivered in blocks of three days. In addition, you will be expected to undertake an average of four hours of independent study each week throughout the 12 months.
EMPLOYABILITY On successful completion of the PG Dip in Architectural Practice, you will gain exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 3 examinations, and you may then apply to join the Register of Architects with the ARB and for chartered member status with RIBA. You would then be able to use the title ‘Architect’ and have access to markets that ARB registration affords.
Modules and course details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date course information, a full list of modules, course duration and entry requirements visit: dmu.ac.uk/architecturalpractice
KEY INFORMATION Duration: One year part-time. English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band or equivalent. Entry requirements: You must have ARB/RIBA Part 1 and 2 exemption. You must also be in full-time work in a practice with an ARB-registered architect firm. You will automatically be enrolled on the PEDR course. You are required to have at least eight PEDR sheets completed by the time you take the professional interview in November - four of which must be post-part 2. The qualification leads to access in the UK register with title and access to market. Please note that the qualification may have no bearing on registration in a legal jurisdiction other than the UK.
Architectural Design MA This pre-professional programme helps you develop a specialist approach to architectural thinking and design execution. This popular course attracts students worldwide and provides access to the rigorous design teaching on offer at DMU’s Leicester School of Architecture. On this course you will imagine buildings of the future by developing a personal and critical approach to design execution. Synthesising your knowledge of theoretical debates, with this programme you can establish a comprehensive understanding of architecture, rooted in the theories of its making. You will be able to experience the disciplinary thinking linked to design strategies by developing your personal and critical approach to design execution. You will be challenged to understand contemporary issues in architectural design, and learn how to integrate meaningful approaches to design while gaining skills in visualisation and fabrication.
MODULES
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
• Research Methods
Our modules provide you with a foundation of knowledge and techniques that you can apply during the learning process as you make selective decisions to prepare the strategic, positional research statement in the Design Research modules. Research Methods introduces systematic techniques required for research, analysis and synthesis in design and architecture. This is complemented by the Principles and Methods module, which is seminar-based and conveys an understanding of the theoretical architectural debates in the various streams. Assessment is completed at the end of each design module in the form of a portfolio submission. Interim assessment and feedback is provided throughout the year in the form of tutorials, seminars, formal presentations or project reviews.
• Principles and Methods • Design Research Lab 1 • Architectural Discourse • Design Research Lab 2 • Major Project
In your first two terms you will normally attend around 10 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, including lectures, tutorials and
workshop and studio sessions, and you will be expected to undertake at least an additional 25 hours of independent study each week. Your third term will be predominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week. Part-time study is normally undertaken on a half-time basis.
EMPLOYABILITY This programme is designed to equip you with both professional and research skills that will enable you to address the future challenges of sustainable architecture and development. Our Architectural Design MA offers access to careers in allied industries, such as planning, architectural conservation, urban design, facilities and estate project management. Other students choose to focus on theoretical architectural debate and developing sophisticated research skills to progress onto a PhD.
Modules and course details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date course information, a full list of modules, course duration and entry requirements visit: dmu.ac.uk/architecturaldesign
KEY INFORMATION Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time. Start date: September English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band or equivalent. Entry requirements: You should have the equivalent or above of a 2:2 UK bachelor’s honours degree in architecture, or an overseas equivalent. If you have no formal academic qualifications but have extensive industry experience, we will consider your application on an individual basis.
Nikita Revva Architectural Design MA, student
Architecture and Sustainability MSc Reducing energy consumption which contributes to global climate change and pollution is an international imperative, and the future architect must be equipped with the skills and vision to tackle this challenge both innovatively and responsibly. You will gain the knowledge and research skills to pursue your specialist architecture and sustainability research sessions each week, while exploring the interface between the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and socio-cultural. The course will help equip, train and inspire you to become a responsible ‘global’ citizen in the face of the new worldwide environmental challenges ahead. You will benefit from a range of tools and simulation software that will allow you to develop and test your proposals at various design stages, ensuring sustainable outcomes.
MODULES
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYABILITY
KEY INFORMATION
• Research Methods
The programme is taught by a multi-disciplinary and integrated team of architects and built environment professionals. The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, field visits, case studies, and directed reading. Teaching and learning is mainly project-based, giving you the opportunity to work independently, in groups and with tutors on specific concepts and techniques, as you explore how best to inject knowledge into proposed projects and assignments.
This course will help equip you with the appropriate skills to address challenges of sustainable architecture and development. Innovative creative skills are in high demand by businesses, governments, multilateral and unilateral organisations contending with issues of environmental sustainability. You could also continue with your postgraduate studies, and progress onto a PhD.
Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time.
• Principles and Methods • Design Research Lab 1 • Building Performance Modelling • Design Research Lab 2 • Dissertation
In your first two terms you will normally attend around eight hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, including lectures, tutorials, workshops and studio sessions, and be expected to undertake at least an additional 27 hours of independent study each week. Your third term will be predominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week. Part-time study is normally undertaken on a half-time basis. Modules and course details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date course information, a full list of modules, course duration and entry requirements visit: dmu.ac.uk/architecturesustainability
Start date: September English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band or equivalent. Entry requirements: You should have the equivalent or above of a 2:2 UK bachelor’s honours degree in a relevant subject, such as architecture, architectural engineering, architectural technology, civil engineering, building engineering/ sciences, environmental sciences/studies or construction management. If you have no formal academic qualifications but have extensive industry experience, we will consider your application on an individual basis.
International Urban Design MSc
Rizka Kautsar, International Urban Design MA graduate
This course will help you develop your understanding of the underlying principles and current theories needed to assess and respond to the challenges that 21st century urbanisation presents across the globe. You will learn how to develop city scale proposals and strategies to address current and future issues, supported by expert staff from DMU’s Leicester School of Architecture. This course is the opportunity to explore the complex array of social, economic and environmental factors affecting cities, as well as cultural issues such as spatial traditions and histories of city form and design. The course is designed for careers in city planning offices and consultancy, urban and commercial development consultancy and architectural design offices. Graduates will also be able to join the Urban Design Group as a member and as a recognised practitioner.
MODULES
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYABILITY
KEY INFORMATION
• Introduction to Urban Design
The teaching and assessment methods vary across modules so that they are carefully matched to the learning outcomes. A primary learning environment is the architectural design studio, in which you will be supported by a design tutor while undertaking design and/or strategy-based assessments.
This course will equip you with the appropriate skills to address challenges of sustainable architecture and development. Innovative creative skills are in high demand by city planning and architectural design offices, and urban and commercial development consultancy.
Duration: One year full-time.
In your first two terms you will normally attend around eight hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, including lectures, tutorials, workshop and studio sessions, and you will be expected to undertake at least 27 hours of independent study. Your third term will be predominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week.
Our graduates have successfully joined international practices and government organisations. Graduates will also be able to join the Urban Design Group as a member and recognised practitioner. You could also continue with your postgraduate studies and progress onto a PhD.
• Research Methods and Urban Design Theory • International Design Research Studio • Urban Design Studio • Comprehensive Dissertation • Urban Design Thesis
Modules and course details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date course information, a full list of modules, course duration and entry requirements visit: dmu.ac.uk/internationalurbandesign
Start date: September English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band or equivalent. Entry requirements: You should have the equivalent or above of a 2:2 UK bachelor’s honours degree in a relevant subject such as design, architecture, landscape architecture, town planning, geography, urban studies, engineering design, three-dimensional design, graphic design, interior design and product design. If you have no formal academic qualifications but have extensive industry experience, we will consider your application on an individual basis.
Facilities Our award-winning Vijay Patel Building brings all our art and design courses together, providing inspiring, flexible spaces, studios and facilities which invite creativity and innovation. Learn from expert technicians and make use of the extensive workshops available from 3D printing and photography studios to metalworks and ceramics. Develop your creative and technical skills as you discover your passion and expertise. Studios and hub spaces encourage collaboration between students and provides opportunities to share creativity and ideas with others with others. Postgraduate students have their own dedicated study space and classrooms in the postgraduate centre, with its location on the second-floor location providing beautiful views over the campus and river. Take a look at our stunning showcase of the Vijay Patel Building and facilities at: dmu.ac.uk/aad
DMU Global
Postgraduate support
Fees and funding
DMU Global is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons, helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.
Studying a postgraduate course at DMU will help you to go further in your knowledge and career as you develop your specialisms and express your passion for your subject area. As part of the DMU family, you will be supported at every stage in ensuring you achieve your dreams and make the most of your postgraduate journey.
Funding your studies is an important part of the decision-making process when considering postgraduate study. Our tuition fees are available on our course pages and you can find out the most up up-to-date information on fees and funding options on dmu.ac.uk/pgfunding
Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities for you to study, work and volunteer overseas as part of your degree. These opportunities can be directly linked to your programme of study. We also offer a range of international experiences right here on campus and in the UK where students can participate in a variety of opportunities. DMU is also currently offering online opportunities offered in partnership with global organisations. Previous opportunities include, international online networking events, public speaking workshops, cultural discussions and e-language learning sessions. Check out some of our student experience stories here: dmuglobal.com/student-stories
library.dmu.ac.uk/class/pg
DMU Works We want to help you develop skills that are based on real-world experience. Our dedicated careers and employability team, DMU Works, are on hand to support you with finding placements, volunteering opportunities, CV writing skills, research opportunities and much more. dmu.ac.uk/dmuworks
Healthy DMU Our Healthy DMU initiative supports your university experience to ensure you have a healthy, happy and productive time here. Healthy DMU masterclasses will support you in mindfulness, managing pressure and building confidence. These skills are especially helpful to our mature student body of more than 2,600 people, who may be returning to education after some time away. dmu.ac.uk/healthy
POSTGRADUATE MASTER’S LOANS Postgraduate Master’s loans are available from the UK government for new postgraduate taught and research Master’s students to help fund your course and living costs. Loans are available to full-time, part-time and distance learning students. To find out if you are eligible for a loan, please visit gov.uk/masters-loan
DMU SCHOLARSHIPS Course-specific scholarships, Sports scholarships and alumni scholarships may be available, so check on our website to see what is currently on offer and the eligibility criteria. We also offer a number of tuition fee discounts and country specific scholarships for international students who wish to study a postgraduate course at DMU, please visit dmu.ac.uk/pgfees
How to Apply UK STUDENTS
EU/INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
To apply to study a postgraduate course (full-time or part-time) you should complete an online
If you’re an EU or overseas student, you can apply through one of two options:
postgraduate application form and email it to admissions@dmu.ac.uk or apply via the DMU
• Apply to study a postgraduate course (full-time or part-time) online via the DMU online portal
To apply for a research degree (PhD, MPhil, MSc/ MA by Research, DBA) you are required to apply via our online admissions portal. As part of your application you must submit the below documents:
online portal.
• Alternatively, you can download and fill out our free application form and return it to our admissions team by emailing
If possible, you should submit the following documents with your application form: • Two current references on official headed paper or from a professional email address (these can be work or academic references and must be signed and recently dated) • Copies of academic transcripts • Copies of degree/diploma certificates • Personal statement To download the application form or access the DMU online portal, visit dmu.ac.uk/pgapply
admissions@dmu.ac.uk You’ll need to prepare the following documents to submit along with your application form: • Two current references on official headed paper or from a professional email address (this can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated) • Copies of academic transcripts • Copies of degree/diploma certificates • A copy of your passport • A copy of your English language certificate To access the DMU online portal or download the application form visit dmu.ac.uk/international/apply
• Your written research proposal so that we can fully assess whether our expertise, facilities and supervisory capacity can support your research needs • Scanned copies of your most relevant academic certificates and transcripts • Two academic references that are dated within the last two years • Applicants who require evidence of their English language qualifications will need to provide an IELTS certificate (no more than two years old) or a copy of a degree from a majority English speaking country (dated within the last five years). If using an IELTS certificate, you must have a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each component • A scanned copy of your passport For further information about writing a research proposal or applying for a research degree, please contact the Doctoral College at pgradmissions@dmu.ac.uk For further information about writing a research proposal and access to our online admissions portal visit dmu.ac.uk/doctoral
To chat to academics and students and learn more about studying a postgraduate course at DMU, visit our website and see if we have any upcoming events: dmu.ac.uk/gofurther dmu.ac.uk/pgevents dmu.ac.uk/chatwithastudent dmu.ac.uk/discover-dmu
De Montfort University The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH, UK T: +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70 0797 0655 800 E: enquiry@dmu.ac.uk W: dmu.ac.uk
Front cover: Alexander Poma, MArch student
The content of this document is correct at the time of going to press. You are advised to check our website before making an application in case there are any changes to the course you are interested in, as the contents of the website will always take precedence. In light of Covid-19 we may need to make some changes to the way we deliver your teaching. Alternative formats Where possible, DMU publications or specific sections can be supplied in alternative media. For further information, please contact the Enquiry team on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70 or email enquiry@dmu.ac.uk