Program Overview
MA Architecture and Urbanism
Overview
The MA Architecture and Urbanism program at Manchester School of Architecture is a taught postgraduate course that conducts research into how global cultural and economic forces influence contemporary cities. The design, functioning, and future of urban situations are explored in written, drawn, and modeled work that builds on the legacy of twentieth-century urban theory and is directed towards the development of sustainable cities.
Features
- Delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University
- Benefits from the facilities and resources of both institutions, including libraries, computer suites, making and media workshops, and more
- Manchester School of Architecture is currently placed 5th in the world in the QS 2025 Architecture rankings
- The MA Architecture and Urbanism is a joint award certified by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University
- This is an internationally engaged course that actively disseminates students' thesis work through conferences, exhibitions, competitions, and publications
Career Prospects
Graduates have gone on to work with leading architectural, urbanism, and town planning practices both nationally and internationally. An increasing number of graduates enroll on further research degrees at doctoral level.
Duration
1 year full-time (48 weeks)
Teaching and Learning
Through this course, you will begin to engage directly with a chosen research subject area, gather data, and formulate an original approach in your practice. You will synthesize your project culminating in the production of a leading-edge proposition until you present and contextualize your thesis.
Assessment
Self, peer, and tutor-based assessment methods.
Units
- Studio A 30 credits
- Studio B 30 credits
- Studio C 30 credits
- Research Methodologies and Events 30 credits
- Cities and Urbanism: Ideologies and Futures 30 credits
- Dissertation 30 credits
Cities and Urbanism: Ideologies and Futures
A seminar series delivered by the students exploring the history and theory of architecture and urban design, using key texts identified by the Module Leader.
Research Methodologies and Events
Research Methods is an opportunity for you to explore techniques and processes that inform design as a spatial practice in architecture and urbanism.
Dissertation
This module provides the opportunity to explore, substantiate, communicate, and disseminate the research trajectory of a written thesis in architecture and urbanism through the media of an extended piece of disciplined academic writing.
Studio A
This module is the first in a series of Studio Units, it forms the basis for a design thesis project during the program of academic study. It typically explores issues in the design of cities, urban space, or urban-scaled architecture.
Studio B
This module is the second in a series that form an academic design thesis project. It typically builds upon the findings and themes established in Studio A.
Studio C
This is the final module in a sequence that forms an academic design thesis project. It typically establishes formal and operational aspects of the proposition and includes an investigation of significant interpretative strategies that are critical to the thesis.
MA Architecture and Urbanism Teaching Staff
- Dr. Loris Rossi MA Architecture and Urbanism Programme Leader
- Dr. Dhruv Sookhoo MA Architecture and Urbanism Deputy Programme Leader
- Eamonn Canniffe Principal Lecturer
- Dr. Marianna Cavada Senior Lecturer, Department International Lead
- Eddy Fox Senior Lecturer
- Dr. Glen Wash Ivanovic Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Urbanism
- Dr. Mazin Al-Saffar Lecturer in Architecture and Urbanism
- Dr. Azreen Azlan Lecturer in Architecture and Urbanism
- Dr. Lindsay Bush
- Dr. Demetra Kourri Lecturer in Architectural Humanities
- John Copestake Tutor (MAAU Theory)
- Joren Heise Tutor (MAAU Studio)
- David Johnson Tutor (MAAU Studio)
- Dr. Kaija-Luisa Kurik Tutor (MAAU Theory)
- Dr. Joanne Hudson Tutor (MAAU Studio)
- Dr. Catalina Ionita Tutor (MAAU Studio)
- George Jepson Tutor (Humanities)
- Curtis Martyn Tutor (MAAU Studio, "AND" Atelier)
- Matt Quayle Tutor (MAAU Studio)
- Gonzalo Sanchez Garcia Tutor (MAAU Studio)
- Dr. Matthew Steele
- Eddy Taylor Tutor (MAAU Theory)
- Dr. Junyan Ye Tutor (MAAU Theory)
- Chris Wong Tutor (MAAU Studio)
