PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MArch Architectural Design
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MArch
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
N/A
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
2015/2016
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
The Bartlett
Parent Department:
School of Architecture
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture
(if applicable)
Method of study:
12 month full time / Five Years Part-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
First degree in architecture or an associated design discipline
Length of the programme:
12 months full time or 5 years part time
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
Level 7
N/A
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
The programme is centred around two design modules that
occur in the first and the second halves of the 12 month time
frame. These modules are assessed by portfolio examination .
There is an associated history and theory stream with an initial
module in Term 1 which is assessed on the basis of a submitted
written paper. A further report/thesis is submitted at the end of
Term 3. This report must also be presented verbally to
demonstrate authorship. There is also a technical skills module
that spans Terms 1 and 2
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
MArch Architectural Design
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme aims to give students knowledge, understanding and skill in the practice of cutting edge
architectural design and design research. Detailed outcomes are described below:
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1) Knowledge of the theoretical and
historical issues that underpin a study of
architectural design
2) An understanding of how theoretical,
technical and precedent sources can
inform design work.
3) An understanding of the way that
references to these sources allows a
designer to critically reflect on an aspect,
or aspects of their work
4) An understanding of the way that
appropriate references are chosen
5) A knowledge of how written academic
documents are prepared in English
6) Knowledge of innovative architectural
concepts.
7) Understanding of innovative
architectural concepts.
8) Understanding of the manipulation
these concepts in a design context.
9) Understanding of physical fabrication
of designed elements where appropriate.
1), 2), 3), 4),
Lectures and seminars, face to face and by email
tutorial.
6) seminars, presentations by design tutors
7), 8), 9), Project work, Design Tutorials, informal
and formal design presentation to critics
Assessment:
1), 2), 3), 4), 5) 1st and 2nd marking of written papers
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
14) Skill to place innovative architectural
concepts in a design context.
Project work, Design Tutorials, informal and formal
design presentation to critics
Assessment:
Design portfolio examination
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1) Skill in digital representation, physical
computing, fabrication and assembly
techniques as appropriate
2) Skill in presentation techniques
demonstrated in portfolio preparation.
3)Skill in physical fabrication of designed
elements where appropriate.
1) seminars and subject specific workshops
2), 3) design tutorials and fabrication tutorials
Assessment:
1) Skills portfolio examination
2), 3) Design portfolio examination
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1) Understanding of the skills required to
undertake a theoretical and historical
study at post graduate level, specifically:
How to undertake a literature search
How to construct an appropriate
bibliography.
How to write a literature survey with a
reasonable level of competence in
academic written English
2) Skill in preparing a document which is
well structured with appropriate
illustrations
3) An ability to verbally present an
abbreviated version of the document
1), 2)
Lectures and seminars, face to face and by email
tutorial.
3) Verbal presentation of associated design work in
formal and informal settings
Assessment:
1), 2) 1st and 2nd marking of written papers
3) 1st and 2nd marking of presentation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Alisa Andrasek
Name(s):
Date of Production:
13/01/15
Date of Review:
October 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2015
October 2015