Profile of the Programme

The Master of Arts in Architecture is a multidisciplinary postgraduate course that deals with and debates contemporary design issues. The course places particular emphasis on experimentation within the framework of the design, engineering and humanities professions. Two concentrations are offered through this MA programme which will give prospective students the opportunity to develop mature analytical and creative methods of working while redefining and extending their individual study areas. Students may select between two concentrations: (a) Sustainable Architecture and (b) Interior Architecture.

Sustainable Design and Interior Architecture is already a key element of the Architecture programme. Sustainability as a principle is been taught throughout the Bachelor programme (both of Architecture and Interior Architecture) and the Professional Diploma (Architecture). Both programmes consider the principles and practice of designing architecture suited to climatic and physical specifics anywhere in the world and it explores the profound impact of local and regional site analysis and understanding to the practice of sustainable design. Students become aware of design factors affecting large-scale components such as ecosystems and smaller scale ones such as indoor comfort and they subsequently explore concepts, structures and techniques that lay behind the realisation of energy-conscious design. One purpose of this MA programme is to operate as a cross-disciplinary experience and to bring its participants in familiarity with other design specialisations. The post graduate courses are open to architects, engineers, including urban planning and design, landscape architecture, engineering, construction and property development, interior design and interior architecture, and suitably qualified candidates from other disciplines.

Architecture is of critical importance to designers and engineers, whose work determines much of the environmental impact of the objects, buildings and systems around us. It also shapes the social behaviours responsible for our on-going environmental crisis. Knowledge of the principles and practices of a more sustainable approach to design therefore has become an essential component of design education in all fields.

The principal objectives of the programme are for students:

1. To build upon their existing disciplinary knowledge, examining, reviewing and developing progressive approaches to design within ever-changing social, environmental and economic contexts.
2. To instill in future practitioners the knowledge and ability needed to design healthy, comfortable and secure environments that place a minimal strain on global resources.
3. To provide a practical and scientific understanding of the impact of climate on design and to use of energy efficient design principles.
4. To acquire a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
5. To investigate social and political processes and ramifications that are triggered by inhabitated and uninhabited environments, and their affect on our perception, attitude and actions.
6. To be visually sensitive, socially aware, environmentally responsible, technically competent and with an appreciation for the arts and humanities.
7. To be respectful and responsible to cultural roots and sensitive to human needs.
8. Plan and bring to closure large-scale research and, therefore, to generate new knowledge and thus contribute to the further development of the sciences in sustainable design.

Career Prospects

Students who complete successfully the master programme will be able to:

1. Work in their chosen fields with higher knowledge and competency by applying values and principles of different aspects within their specialised field.
2. Have a competitive edge in a more demanding job market and at the same time enhance their professional and/or academic skills for their future development.
3. Be appointed in various departments/services of the Government or decision making bodies.
4. Exercise an administrative and/or supervisory role in consulting units, private institutions of higher education or in research centres.
5. Engage in research projects or research projects undertaken by either nonprofit (such as NGO) or profit institutes in the fields of either sustainable design or in their specialised field or work as Research Faculty Members in higher education institutions.
6. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
7. Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level and will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

Graduates of the programme will also be able to pursue doctoral studies within their relevant area, should they wish.

Access to Further Studies

Graduates of the programme will also be able to pursue doctoral studies in their own field or any other relevant area, should they wish. The design of this programme makes provision for these students, through the offering of a Thesis option. By selecting to complete a Thesis, students will have the opportunity to work on a substantive piece of research work and they will be positioned in an advantageous position to be accepted into a doctoral programme over graduates with no experience in Thesis writing. Upon completion of the master programme students may have direct admission to the Ph.D. programme in Architecture offered by the department, or be prepared for a PhD or other practice based doctorate degree work in their specialised area. This will offer a valuable gateway into a career in academia.