Program Overview

Architecture: Spatial Design Practices MA

Overview

Explore how art, architecture, and our environment are connected in our Spatial Design Practices pathway. Embrace the entire design process, from concept to creation.

Key Information

• Study mode and duration: 1 year full-time (September start), 17 months full-time (January start), 2 years part-time (September start)
• Start date: September 2025, January 2026

Course Information

Overview

Spatial design embraces the specialisms of urban, landscape, interior, and architectural design. It engages with contemporary arts practices and public art, and draws on various disciplines—including geography, sociology, and ecology—to focus on working with people, place, and the environment in ethical ways. Expand your approach to the spatial design process on our Spatial Design Practices Master’s course, and discover new interdisciplinary ways to understand, design, and make spaces that have the power to transform the world.

This course emphasises that the components of spatial design, like materials and constructions, are connected to not only our senses and perceptions but also other ‘dimensions’ such as technologies, the biosphere, society, identities, and our thoughts and feelings. You’ll study the practical and theoretical frameworks to engage with spatial design’s interconnected practices, which will help you situate it in and amongst these dimensions (called ‘situated ecologies’).

You’ll also take part in current debates on spatial design and learn about the symbiosis between design and environmental analysis to create complex, engaging, and environmentally protective spaces. In the process, you’ll find that you can start your idea at any stage—be it a construction or made artifact—and develop theoretical frameworks to produce finished spaces and objects. There will also be many opportunities for you to work through the entire design process: from concept to realisation and testing your design ideas.

Exit Award

This degree is an exit award—or 'pathway'—of our MA Architecture degree course. You must apply for that course and select certain modules to graduate with this exit award.

Course Highlights

• Delve into the current socio-environmental challenges facing spatial design practices - including activist design, sustainable and resilient architecture, and temporary urbanism
• Work alone and collaborate with peers in our industry-simulated architecture design studios
• Bring your creative ideas to life using industry software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, and Blender
• Produce futureproofed, innovative works in our 3D and extended reality facilities boasting the latest, most advanced technologies in analogue and digital design and production
• Discover spatial design practices in different geographies and cultures through virtual exchanges and visits abroad
• Attend free online lectures delivered by active spatial design scholars and practitioners
• Build professional relationships and contacts at local and international networking events with potential future employers

Entry Requirements

• UK qualifications: A good honours degree in a relevant subject, such as Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Civil Engineering, Building Surveying, Geography, Spatial Practices, Fine Art, or other design-related subject
• Non-UK qualifications: If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above
• English language requirements: English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0

Course Costs and Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £9,400 (full-time), £3,130 (Year 1) and £6,270 (Year 2) (part-time)
  • EU students: £9,400 (full-time), £3,130 (Year 1) and £6,270 (Year 2) (part-time)
  • International students: £17,200 (full-time), £5,730 (Year 1) and £11,470 (Year 2) (part-time)
• Funding your studies: Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries

Modules

What You'll Study (Full-time)

• Core modules:
  • Research Methods - 30 credits
  • Thesis - 60 credits
• Optional modules:
  • Conservation and Practice - 30 credits
  • Conservation: Theories - 30 credits
  • Integration of Transdisciplinary Experiences - 30 credits
  • Landscape and Urbanism: Sites and Systems - 30 credits
  • Landscape and Urbanism: Territories and Systems - 30 credits
  • Spatial Practices: Situated Ecologies - 30 credits
  • Spatial Practices: Thinking and Making - 30 credits
  • Work-Based Learning: Opportunity - 30 credits

What You'll Study (Part-time)

• Year 1:
  • Optional modules:
    • Conservation and Practice - 30 credits
    • Conservation: Theories - 30 credits
    • Landscape and Urbanism: Sites and Systems - 30 credits
    • Landscape and Urbanism: Territories and Systems - 30 credits
    • Spatial Practices: Situated Ecologies - 30 credits
    • Spatial Practices: Thinking and Making - 30 credits
• Year 2:
  • Core modules:
    • Research Methods - 30 credits
    • Thesis - 60 credits
  • Optional modules:
    • Integration of Transdisciplinary Experiences - 30 credits
    • Work-Based Learning: Opportunity - 30 credits

Facilities

• Architecture Studios: Our open-plan learning spaces encourage a studio culture of collaboration, creativity and dialogue, preparing you for the ways of working you'll experience in your career
• 3D Workshops: Our Workshops are ideal for model making, with high-grade kit for crafting wood, metal, plastics, polyurethane, concrete and plaster works
• Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR): Create stunning works for film, TV, music, gaming and immersive reality in the UK's first integrated facility of its kind

How You'll Spend Your Time

• Course structure: This MA Architecture course runs for 1 year (full-time, September start), 17 months (full-time, January start), or 2 years (part-time, September start)
• Campus time: You'll spend 1 studio day and 1 half-day on campus per week (full-time), or 1 studio day per week (part-time)
• Scheduled teaching: You can expect to have 1 no-studio day and half a day for research methods, thesis, or other modules per week
• Independent study: You should spend roughly 300 hours in total in self-directed study, taking part in various activities like developing your design project, visiting archives, buildings, and sites, and engaging with local communities

Teaching

• Teaching methods: Lectures, workshops, site visits, independent study, group work, and exhibitions
• Assessment: You'll be assessed through portfolio work, including the production of text-based, visual, and 3D pieces using various methods

Career Development

• Careers this MA Architecture: Spatial Design Practices Master's prepares you for: Architecture, interior design/architecture, urban design, environmental, resilient, sustainable design, performance/fine arts, consultancy work, NGOs and environmental organisations, regeneration projects
• Continuing your studies: You can also choose to continue your studies to PhD level
• Career support: You'll benefit from networking events, 1-to-1 appointments, CV and cover letter advice, interview preparation and practice, workshops to enhance your employability skills, recruitment events, and support starting your own business

Supporting You

• Personal tutor: Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university
• Student support advisor: In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor
• Creative skills tutors: If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills, our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials
• IT and computing support: Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours
• Disability advice and additional support: If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, our specialist team can help you
• Wellbeing and mental health support: Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience
• Library support: Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources

Apply

• How to apply: Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us
• Application deadline: There's no deadline for applications to this course, but we accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available
• Extra information for international students: If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students
• Fast track application: If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application