Master of Architecture

To provide learners with skills in research methods and procedures appropriate to Architecture.

" To produce qualifying learners with specialised or advanced skills in the area of design or other architecturally related fields.

" To provide an ability to select and apply research methods effectively and to undertake a research project.

" To produce ingenious learners capable of admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree.

" To produce qualifying learners for the economy with the capacity to work in teams to carry out research in the discipline concerned.

" The qualifying learner will contribute to the development of a sustainable built environment, which responds to the needs, and values of the community.

Rationale

The Qualification has been developed to enable learners to enter the research field with a view to enhancing career opportunities in the academic environment and to open career opportunities through increased status as consultants within the built environment.

Society is benefited through the production of professionals with considerable specialised expertise, research and leadership skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the educational institution that they have a qualification or experiential or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a Qualification at Level 8 may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning.

Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor of Architecture, Level 8.
• An Honours Degree in Architecture, Level 8.

The qualification consists of a research project to the value of 180 Credits.

The qualifying learner

1. Is competent to identify, evaluate and solve problems within the ambit of the research area and to demonstrate a high level or responsibility and ethics both within the immediate context of the problem and with regard to society as a whole.
2. Will operate effectively in an academic environment with peers and supervisors. Where appropriate to the research area, the learner is required to interact effectively with communities and other groups and individuals outside the academic arena.
3. Will demonstrate extensive communication skills and the ability to produce material of an internationally acceptable standard.

4.Will demonstrate extensive skills and knowledge in the area of information retrieval, data collection, analysis, organisation and evaluation.

1. Will apply his/her knowledge to wider local and global environmental concerns.

6.Will locate his/her decision making and proposals within wider social, legal, economic, intellectual and environmental contexts.

1. Will demonstrate a high level of self-management with a critical awareness of personal values.
2. Will make informed decisions and act responsibly and ethically, with full regard to the needs and aspirations of the society within which he/she operates.

1. The evidence shows that

existing research is critically analysed, synthesized and evaluated and individual academic/professional research is performed, research results/findings are appropriately communicated at an international level catering for the range of audience, related problems in a wide range of economic and social contexts are solved, actions that contribute significantly to the development of society through mastery of the research area are displayed.

1. The learner demonstrates the importance of the exchange of ideas and knowledge with peers and supervisors.

The learner is able to distinguish between different styles of communication in the quest for information, and can apply these appropriately and effectively, and apply academic ethics and responsibility to all aspects of study and research.

1. The qualifying learner demonstrates a critical understanding of a wide range of strategies for communicating in the pursuit of data collection, and in the transmission of the results and research.

The learner also demonstrates exceptional command of communication in writing, orally, visually and using Information Technology (IT), and can apply these media appropriately in the presentation of research material and is sensitive to cultural diversity in using different modes of communication, both in the collection of data and in presentation of the results/findings of research.

1. The learner shows a comprehensive understanding of different research methods, and understanding of the impact of research on subjects involved in it and society. The learner is able to evaluate different methods of data manipulation within a range of scenarios, and understands the social and academic consequences of the choice of method.
2. The qualifying learner is able to evaluate, apply and develop existing and new approaches where appropriate to the research area; and issues within the research area of economic and social systems are critically located and; responded sensitively to the choice of methodology in varied cultural settings.
3. The learner demonstrates critical awareness of his/her role as researcher in society; showing knowledge of the legal frameworks pertaining to the research area taking into account how to relate to them and to the wider legal and ethical contexts; with an understanding of the implications of society's expectations of research is displayed.
4. In addressing the requirements of the programme, the learner shows at an advanced level time management, self-motivation, prioritisation and initiative.
5. The learner is able to operate to operate in a professional and academic environment.

The learner demonstrates cultural and aesthetic awareness and sensitivity and a wide range of strategies in the pursuit of his/her studies.

The learner is aware of career opportunities open to him/her in both an academic and entrepreneurial context.

Integrated Assessment

The learner is under regular supervision by a supervisor/mentor. He/she is required to submit a dissertation of international academic standard.

The thesis is assessed on the basis of a single summative submission.