Architecture MArch

Define a new agenda for architecture. Develop and refine your skills while working on real projects with real purpose, tackling the key architectural concepts and challenges of our time.

Key details

Location	Falmouth Campus
Course Duration	2 years
Attendance	Full-time

Introduction

Throughout this course, you'll explore the relationship between architecture, place and communities through the principles of participatory design, radical regionalism and sustainable design methodologies. With practising lecturers, high-profile industry guests and the opportunity to work on live build projects, you'll not only cultivate your own specialist design practice, but respond to the climate emergency with our unique attitude to materials and design.

This course is in the process of pursuing RIBA validation and ARB Part II prescription for spring 2022 and we will update the course page to reflect the outcome.

You will:

Gain globally transferable RIBA accreditations (subject to validation*)
Access dedicated architecture studios, industry facilities and workshops
Learn from respected guest lecturers, who are experts in their field
Collaborate with other students across architecture, design and interiors
Be able to earn while you learn, with the course set out so that you can balance your professional practice with your academic studies
Study for a master's degree in architecture on the only course of its kind in Cornwall

Covid-19 update

As we follow the roadmap out of the pandemic, for the academic year 2021/22, the University expects to be able to deliver courses as they were designed. However, the institution must comply with any public health measures that are imposed by Government and may need to vary its delivery at short notice. Examples of amendments we have previously made to modules to comply with government guidance can be found here.

Course details

“By engaging with real issues of how we might design and make together, at a time when Architectural education needs to change, the new MA at Falmouth offers an exciting alternative to the ubiquitous model of normative and solitary studio-based learning."

– Piers Taylor, Architect and co-host of BBC The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes 

What you'll learn

Through exploring the vital connections between architects, communities and the built and natural environment, you’ll generate complex designs that test new architectural hypotheses. You’ll also learn to critically reflect at every step of the design process – a crucial skill within this challenging industry.

Study block one

The first year is designed to help you transition from your professional practice year into the academic rigor of a Masters in Architecture. As well as deep diving into architectural theory, you’ll undertake participatory design projects and integrated peer learning – allowing you to investigate and develop your unique design language. You’ll also produce a written thesis to articulate your critical thinking and alignment to design.

Modules

Transition

Design Thinking

Participate

Tectonics

Study block two

Study block 2 encourages and celebrates exemplary work that evidences Graduate Attributes at Part 2. Throughout the year you’ll complete a technically accomplished design project to showcase your knowledge, skills and dedication to solving real world problems through reflective design.

Modules

Social Practice

Comprehensive Design - Research

Comprehensive Design - Realisation

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details

How you'll learn

This course is primarily delivered through integrated studio design projects, as well as lectures, seminars and workshops delivered by specialists.

Students will be required to attend Falmouth University for three weeks out of a 12-week study block. That means a total of six weeks on campus over the two study blocks of an academic year. Study Block 1 runs from September to December and Study Block 2 runs from January to May.

In addition to the time here at Falmouth, students will need to dedicate time during their working week in practice to develop their design work and take part in online learning activities. These will take the form of tutorials, peer-to-peer reviews and conversations as your work develops.

Blended learning is taught through intensive on-campus activities supplemented by online, at-distance learning.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be through coursework.

Assessment

Formative assessment is ongoing throughout the course
Summative assessment takes place at the end of each study block.

Feedback

Formative feedback is continuous both from academic staff and from peers.
Summative feedback takes place at the end of each study block.

Staff

Our lecturers are nationally renowned experts in their fields, with up-to-date industry knowledge and experience. You’ll also learn from inspiring visiting lecturers from the relevant professions, with specialisms including; structures, environmental design and mechanical engineering.

Staff profile

Tom Ebdon

Course Leader

Tom Ebdon joined Falmouth University in 2014 to head up the new BA(Hons) Architecture course....

Staff profile

Toby Carr

Senior Lecturer

I am an Architect with over 10 years experience working at senior management level in a sustainable...

Staff profile

Janie Hinton

Lecturer in Architecture

I am a qualified architect, a member of the ARB and RIBA, and I have worked in practice for twenty...

Staff profile

Mark Innes

Lecturer

Part-time lecturer at Falmouth since 2016. On-going occasional teaching at Dessau International...

Facilities

Dedicated Architecture studios
Workshops – 3D, metal, wood, resistant materials, rapid prototyping, casting and milling
Subject specific library with multiple online resources
Outdoor making spaces
Student support and academic support services
IT – wifi and open access IT suites across both campuses
Online Learning Space with 24/7, year-round access
Reprographics – large format printing, Risograph printers, large scale scanning, laminating and binding services

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How to apply

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Entry requirements

Applicants should hold at least one of the following qualifications:

An honours degree of 2:1 or above from a RIBA Part I validated course
A first degree in Architecture from an overseas institution that can be demonstrated to be equivalent to a 2:1 or above from a RIBA Part I validated course
An honours degree of 2:2 from a RIBA Part I validated course with evidence in your portfolio of significant development since you completed your degree
Successful completion of the ARB Part I examination
Appropriate academic or professional qualifications equivalent to the above which you should describe in detail in your application.

In addition, we expect applicants to have completed work experience in an architectural practice or related discipline for at least 12 months prior to starting postgraduate study.

If you have completed the BA(Hons) Architecture course at Falmouth with 2:1 or above, you can automatically progress to this course.

Language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

International applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK must take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. Our Applicant Services Team can help with any questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Policy (383.68 KB)

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Procedure (364.26 KB)

What we're looking for

Creative, courageous and entrepreneurial thinkers
Highly dedicated and committed students
People who care passionately about the future of the built environment

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees

Tuition fees 2021-22

£9,250 per year – full-time UK (£250 acceptance fee payable. This is deducted from tuition fees)

£16,950 per year - full-time EU/international (acceptance fee up to £1,000 payable, dependent on nationality. This is deducted from tuition fees)

Tuition fees 2022-23

£9,250 per year – full-time UK (£250 acceptance fee payable. This is deducted from tuition fees.)

£19,300 per year – full-time EU/international (acceptance fee up to £1,000 payable, dependent on nationality. This is deducted from tuition fees.)

Typical course costs

£450-600 – Recurring annual costs (materials and printing)

£750 (approx) – Optional European/international study trip

Personal laptop (if not already owned) – one off costs

If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Funding

Funding from the Student Loans Company to study MArch is determined by a student’s previous study and circumstances. Please contact our Student Funding Team for more information and advice.

E: studentfunding@falmouth.ac.uk

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School of Architecture, Design & Interiors