Architectural Design and Technology MSci

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of advanced construction technology, which should in turn enable you to understand, apply and critically evaluate the key principles of construction procedures. The emphasis will relate to the role of the construction industry in achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on multi-storey and commercial framed structures and include a study of pre-construction activities, substructure and superstructure and the impact of the design process and legislative influences on the layout and planning of buildings. 

Moreover, renewable technologies, Modern Methods of Construction, BREEAM and passive design will also be considered together with the impact of energy conservation and climate change. The module will consider the building services which are installed to provide a suitable internal environment including acoustic, thermal, ventilation, air conditioning systems, natural and artificial lighting. 

Compulsory

This module will introduce general principles and concepts of law related to the built environment. In preparation for professional practice, our aim is to develop your ability to understand and apply legal principles to particular legal problems that may arise in the course of built environment activities. The module covers the English legal system, UK legislation and areas of English law relevant to built environment professionals. It includes an introduction to contract law, tort, and the relevant aspects of employment law, dispute resolution, Building Regulations, law of land and property, landlord and tenant law, planning law and construction health and safety legislation. The module is specifically useful to those intending to be involved in the design and/or construction process. 

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the problems and challenges associated with adapting and converting buildings from one use to another in a particular context. It will engage students in the critical debate about conversion of existing structures versus building new. You will aim to develop creative and practical skills as a key challenge in improving the sustainability of the built environment and driving change for users, clients and industry. Focus will be on the information required for the planning, designing and administration of a building adaptation project in line with current industry practice. Crucially, you will be encouraged to think beyond that and discuss new approaches in the pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A particular emphasis will be placed on research enriched learning to foster your critical inquiry skills. 

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the relationship between the built environment and the dynamics of communities. It will engage you to think critically about place, space and community from a historical, ethical, economical and design perspective. The module will explore the processes of physical developments in settlements of various sizes, with a particular focus on urbanisation and urban development nationally and internationally. 

Compulsory

In this module, you will be encouraged to critically reflect on current architectural and built environment practices by considering the impact of today’s practice for the next century. You will explore past and current visions; analyse how they have fared and what this means for future visions in the light of already predicted challenges. The focus will be on anticipating future scenarios and conceptualising solutions applied to a design brief in a broad cultural, environmental, and technological context of anticipated change and innovation. Areas which may be considered are low carbon construction, corporate social responsibility, new and proposed legislative changes, changes to contractual arrangements, productivity issues and internationalisation. 

Compulsory

In this module, you will undertake a critical analysis of a specified location and associated project that has been influenced by the United Nation's (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Your analysis of the project will explore the impact, success or failure alongside possible solutions that will be fundamental to the positive future development of the location.   

You will research, appraise, critique, develop and then communicate to a wider audience the impact and implementation of the identified SDGs for the location/ project. The focus of the review will be linked to your academic discipline within the Built and Natural Environment and draw upon prior learning from your previous cognate knowledge. 
 
 

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcome. 

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

Optional

The aim of this module is to demonstrate your skills base through the continued development of critical, transferable study skills that are of practical benefit in the workplace and that promote and enable continued professional development. You will bring skills developed in other areas of the course into a practical project delivered as part of a group. The purpose of the project is to develop key learning skills and personal attributes that are required within the Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Built Environment professions. These should prepare you for professional work, demonstrating teamwork, project planning, critical and research evaluation as well as technical and personal reflection.  

Compulsory

The aim of the module is to develop your understanding and knowledge on the role of professional practitioners in the construction industry and the process of contract administration used in the construction industry. The module will explore detailed understanding of contractual provisions and administration mechanisms related to common forms of contract used in UK. Furthermore, it discusses professionals’ role and responsibilities, risk and application of financial management, legal and insurance issues, and law related to running a business in the construction industry.  

Compulsory

This module aims to advance architectural knowledge and design of buildings in historic contexts, examining advancements in construction and technology within construction and appropriate conservation and adaptation techniques. The module examines the history of architecture and movements to preserve historic buildings, together with an emphasis on re-use, re-generation and appreciation of context, this module provides you with an understanding on how the built environment can be sustainable, delivering a positive effect on society.   

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to your discipline. You would use different methods and research skills, gained over previous years of study, to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities. It will enable you to understand the importance of correct and critical analysis of all the factors involved in a problem and develop your initiative as you pursue and execute the investigation, demonstrating originality and creativity.  

Compulsory

This module will seek to develop your understanding and ability to research and develop a conceptual design with associated design detailing, specification, and associated drawings. The module will focus on a specific technical area which is relevant to a design brief and demonstrate the early-stage application of the researched dissertation technology. As a final design project, you will seek to apply and advance your design skills, culminating in a comprehensive conceptual drawing package.  

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to develop your ability to produce and professionally present a comprehensive design with technical excellence. The project will be the culmination of applied design work that applies both architectural and construction technologies to the resolution of a design problem. It is intended that this will be a comprehensive demonstration of your ability to synthesise complex problems and work independently to produce a final design package.   

Compulsory

You will be working in the design studio and undertake a series of design exercises as the vehicle to examine the relationship of place, space, scale and experience. Through your concept designs, you will explore architectural and art theories, design principles and pattern languages. Widely defined brief parameters enable you to demonstrate your ability to engage with abstract concepts and ideas. Whilst this module predominantly involves working with abstract and conceptual ideas, you will be expected to consider in your proposals sustainable development goals such as good health and wellbeing and sustainable cities and communities. 

Compulsory

The module provides theoretical underpinning to the course through a historical overview and further exploration of art, as well as combined influences of art and architecture on the design of buildings. The aim is to initiate the historical and theoretical exploration of architecture through research, analysis and discussion. It will also introduce you to the tools with which to carry out critical enquiry and will prepare you to undertake advanced research. 

Compulsory

Through individual research, this module will explore the selection of key architectural theory texts that have defined architectural thinking. Themes and issues will be explored with reference to the work and writings of significant theorists and practitioners from a broad philosophical spectrum. 

The focus of the module will be on critical analysis and strengthening knowledge and writing skills, as well as providing theoretical underpinning to design thinking. You will explore your particular historical and theoretical interest through an extended essay. 

Compulsory

This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the architectural practitioner’s role in the construction industry, and aspects of professional operation, as an independent architect or as an individual in a large architectural practice. The module covers ethics and codes of behaviour as well as skills relating to setting up and management of private practice in the built environment sector. Legal and regulatory aspects of professional practice and relevant knowledge of appropriate law will also be developed and applied in the context of architectural practice.  

Compulsory

This module draws upon your previous experience to produce an architectural design proposal that resolves spatial organisation to satisfy defined user requirements, as well as being responsive and appropriate to the cultural and environmental context of the location. You will create a comprehensive architectural proposal that satisfies multiple aesthetic, technical and legal requirements. You will also continuously evaluate the potential impact of the proposal on existing and future communities. Through a series of iterative design explorations and investigations, you will seek to gain a deeper understanding of the wider impact of environmental, cultural, social, economic, political and religious factors influencing architectural design and wider society and of your own identity and emerging philosophy as creative and professional architectural designers. 

Compulsory