Course Structure

Semester 1 - Design Studio 1, Technical Dissertation, and Humanities Dissertation
Semester 2 - Design Studio 2, Technical Dissertation, and Humanities Dissertation
Semester 3 - Thesis Project

Modules

The modules listed below are compulsory. Field trips -within pandemic regulations- will enrich the programme; last year, we have spent a week in Berlin, Germany. Students are also encouraged to incorporate other Queen’s modules (INTO academic skills for architecture, advanced English, languages, history, introduction to film studies, etc.) as long as timetables allow. MSc Design Studio 1 (30 CATS), Semester 1/12 weeks MSc Design Studio 2 (30 CATS), Semester 2/12 weeks Humanities Dissertation (30 CATS), Semester 1+2/24 weeks Technical Dissertation (30 CATS), Semester 1+2/24 weeks Thesis Project (60 CATS), Semester 3/12 weeks (Summer)

Teaching Times

Teaching varies but is typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course
By completing the programme, you will graduate with an MSc Advanced Architectural Design degree within a year from a Russell Group university in the UK. The MSc is ideal for postgraduate students who have not chosen their career paths yet. If you would like to push the boundaries of your education and think outside-the-box, MSc is for you.

WHERE MIGHT YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?
Anywhere in the world in one of many different disciplines. Queen's Architecture graduates have ended up designing skyscrapers in Asia and the Middle East, emergency housing for refugees in Africa, film sets or CGI for Hollywood productions, computer game environments as well as working as urban planners, photographers, editors, illustrators, visual artists worldwide and lecturing/researching in universities.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Learning and Teaching

-

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course, which will include individual and group work, are outlined below:

Facilities

15 Chlorine Gardens - architectural design studios and IT/printing facilities

David Keir Building - architectural design studios, lecture theatres, IT/printing facilities, computer labs, workshops for digital fabrication, architectural model making, timber, concrete, metal, etc. and student hub

McClay Library with immense individual and group study spaces with IT facilities

150-years-old Graduate School building shared with all Master and PhD students

Queen’s Sport (PEC) with a swimming pool, gym, tennis/squash courts, climbing walls, etc. - busy day and night

Prizes and Awards

• In our first year, for instance, the Department for the Economy generously funded 50 local and international Masters students at Queen’s, two of whom were AAD students.
• Last year we were part of the GREAT Scholarships, jointly funded by Queen’s University, the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign, and the British Council (£10,000 towards tuition fees to a student from India).
• You will be eligible to apply for prizes awarded by the university and external funders.
• You will be notified of upcoming opportunities.

Resources

McClay Library has fantastic online databases and print resources that students cannot go through in a lifetime.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Thesis Project (60 credits)

  ×

  Thesis Project

  Overview

  As the final and key piece of the MSc Advanced Architectural Design programme, Thesis Project is a research-based and student-led module that aims to prepare students to their next target following this yearlong master's course. Depending on their interests, student will choose to do one of the following high-quality outputs. The opportunity to complete the thesis project in collaboration is possible by agreement.
  
  - Architectural project (design proposal and its representation via drawings and models, backed up with evidenced research/analysis and 1,000-word report): This could take a number of different forms and involves developing a design proposal in an agreed format and medium to address and resolve a challenge or question that is appropriate in the complexity and scale to master’s level study. This could, for instance, be a design project with a hypothetical brief on an actual site, or a real (live) project as part of a placement in an architectural practice (arranged by the student and agreed by the school), or a competition project (agreed by the school).
  
  - Journal article (academic writing, backed up with research/analysis and personal illustrations/drawings/maps): The article will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal (agreed by the school). Acceptance is preferred but is not a requirement. The length depends on the journal; however, the main text should not be less than 5,000 and more than 10,000 words. The article could follow a conference presentation or vice versa.
  
  The Thesis Project is a showcase for interests and capabilities and an important contributor to employability. It is a forum for developing and demonstrating analytical and problem-solving abilities and competence as an independent researcher.

  Learning Outcomes

  On the successful completion of this module, students should have the:
  
  A7 Ability to communicate advanced architectural intention, process, and output in a range of media and occasions.
  
  K10 Knowledge and appreciation of the societal and ethical context within which architecture exists and is produced.
  
  K13 Knowledge and understanding of research methodologies.
  
  T2 Ability to apply informed judgment to knowledge acquisition.
  
  T3 Ability to distil complex issues, discern patterns, and identify salient points.
  
  T4 Ability to process and communicate advanced thought in text/prose.
  
  T5 Ability to speculate, propose, sustain, and validate a developed intellectual position.

  Skills

  Students will also develop the following professional and transferable skills
  
  Critical thinking (ability to describe, analyse and synthesise),
  Ability to conduct academic research including library research and literature review,
  Academic writing,
  Oral, verbal and visual communication,
  Independent learning,
  Project and time management,
  Demonstration of high degree of professionalism, and
  Reflection on and management of personal professional development.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  ARC7029

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Technical Dissertation (30 credits)

  ×

  Technical Dissertation

  Overview

  A structured sequence of exercises, workshops, and reviews, dealing with the integration and assimilation of technology within architectural design.

  Learning Outcomes

  K4 Knowledge and understanding of materials, space, light and their interaction with assembly and construction
  
  K8 Knowledge and understanding of the core values underlying sustainable design
  
  K9 Knowledge and appreciation of design intentions and its resolution through technology and construction
  
  K12 Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework within which buildings are designed
  
  K13 Knowledge and understanding of research methodologies
  
  A4 Ability to assimilate and if necessary challenge external inputs, information, contradictions, contexts within the design process
  
  A5 Ability to assimilate technology as both process and context within ambitious and sophisticated architectural design proposals
  
  T2 Ability to apply informed judgment to knowledge acquisition
  
  T3 Ability to distil complex issues, discern patterns, and identify salient points
  
  T4 Ability to process and communicate advanced thought in text/prose
  
  T7 Ability to construct an extended essay, to assemble data, to manipulate language, and to demonstrate clarity and effectiveness in sequential argument, layout and display of text and illustrations
  
  T8 Ability to work creatively and successfully within a team

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  30

  Module Code

  ARC7023

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  MArch Studio 1 (30 credits)

  ×

  MArch Studio 1

  Overview

  The module consists of two projects which serve as an introduction and consolidation to the thematic group.

  Learning Outcomes

  K1 Knowledge and understanding of the interplay of urban form, settlement, and landscape
  
  K5 Knowledge and appreciation of advanced representational techniques
  
  K6 Knowledge and understanding of brief investigation and formulation as responses to human needs stated and implied
  
  K10 Knowledge and appreciation of the societal and ethical context within which architecture exists and is produced K14 Knowledge and understanding of physical, cultural, and artistic contexts
  
  K14 Knowledge and understanding of physical, cultural, and artistic contexts
  
  K15 Knowledge, experience, and understanding of group dynamics, authorship, negotiation, and the production of architecture
  
  A1 Ability to undertake design briefs of increased and focused ambition dealing with wider issues of settlement set within particular urban and social context
  
  A2 Ability to be critically aware, and evolve personal design agenda and methodologies
  
  A4 Ability to assimilate and if necessary challenge external inputs, information, contradictions, contexts within the design process
  
  A6 Ability to produce architecture as artefact with an appreciation of the competing frameworks within which it is delivered
  
  A7 Ability to communicate advanced architectural intention, process, and output in a range of media and occasions
  
  A8 Ability to take intellectual and emotional ownership of a design process
  
  T1 Ability to apply and appreciate creativity
  
  T5 Ability to speculate, propose, sustain, and validate a developed intellectual position
  
  T6 Ability to manage one’s time and production
  
  T8 Ability to work creatively and successfully within a team
  
  T9 Ability to be both intellectually agile and strategic

  Skills

  Skills pertinent to the design process: drawing; modeling; and other forms of representing, visualizing and testing architectural ideas in form, space and materiality.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  30

  Module Code

  ARC7022

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  MArch Studio 2 (30 credits)

  ×

  MArch Studio 2

  Overview

  Major themed design project with supplementary associated project components involving elements of group and individual work, research and design, coursework, lectures, workshops, tutorials, design proposals, interim and final design reviews, and involving a variety of media, representation and communication techniques.

  Learning Outcomes

  K1 Knowledge and understanding of the interplay of urban form, settlement, and landscape.
  K3 Knowledge and understanding of the canon of architectural precedents.
  K4 Knowledge and understanding of materials, space, light and their interaction with assembly and construction.
  K7 Knowledge and understanding of structural and environmental systems.
  K8 Knowledge and understanding of the core values underlying sustainable design.
  K9 Knowledge and appreciation of design intentions and its resolution through technology and construction.
  K12 Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework within which buildings are designed.
  K15 Knowledge, experience, and understanding of group dynamics, authorship, negotiation, and the production of architecture.
  A3 Ability to develop coherent and well-researched and evidenced architectural proposals.
  A5 Ability to assimilate technology as both process and context within ambitious and sophisticated architectural design proposals.
  A6 Ability to produce architecture as artefact with an appreciation of the competing frameworks within which it is delivered.
  A7 Ability to communicate advanced architectural intention, process, and output in a range of media and occasions.
  T1 Ability to apply and appreciate creativity.
  T5 Ability to speculate, propose, sustain, and validate a developed intellectual position.
  T8 Ability to work creatively and successfully within a team.

  Skills

  Skills pertinent to the design process: drawing; modelling; and other forms of representing, visualizing and testing architectural ideas in form, space and materiality.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  30

  Module Code

  ARC7016

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Humanities Dissertation (30 credits)

  ×

  Humanities Dissertation

  Overview

  An original study of a primarily architectural topic chosen by the student in consultation with the module coordinator; development of knowledge of a particular aspect of architecture and communication of that knowledge through the medium of a written and illustrated dissertation.

  Learning Outcomes

  K2 Knowledge and understanding of architectural theory
  K3 Knowledge and understanding of the canon of architectural precedents
  K10 Knowledge and appreciation of the societal and ethical context within which architecture exists and is produced
  K13 Knowledge and understanding of research methodologies
  K14 Knowledge and understanding of physical, cultural, and artistic contexts
  A4 Ability to assimilate and if necessary challenge external inputs, information, contradictions, contexts within the design process
  T2 Ability to apply informed judgment to knowledge acquisition
  T3 Ability to distil complex issues, discern patterns, and identify salient points
  T4 Ability to process and communicate advanced thought in text/prose
  T7 Ability to construct an extended essay, to assemble data, to manipulate language, and to demonstrate clarity and effectiveness in sequential argument, layout and display of text and illustrations

  Skills

  Writing, research and other skills pertinent to the development of a dissertation.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  30

  Module Code

  ARC7017

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

Entrance requirements

Graduate
Applicants whose primary degree was/will be awarded in the UK:

1. Normally a 2.1 Honours degree in Architecture from an approved RIBA/ARB Part 1 course in a recognised institution. A 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may be considered alongside a strong design portfolio and relevant professional experience.

2. Applicants must submit an architectural design portfolio. A video may also be submitted to support the application. (The submission of the video is optional.) Applicants will be invited for an optional online interview.

3. A demonstration of a critical awareness of the applicant's position relative to the profession and discipline of architecture. Such demonstration is typically (but not exclusively) achieved through experience in architectural practice in accordance with RIBA/ARB regulations for practical training.

Applicants whose primary degree was/will be awarded outside the UK:

1. A recognised qualification acceptable to the University which is equivalent to a UK 2.1 Honours degree in Architecture. A 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may be considered alongside a strong design portfolio and relevant professional experience.

2. International applicants must submit an architectural design portfolio. A video may also be submitted to support the application. (The submission of the video is optional.) Applicants will be invited for an optional online interview..

3. A demonstration of a critical awareness of the applicant’s position relative to the profession and discipline of architecture. Such demonstration is typically in the form of a personal statement.

Portfolio and Video Requirement for Application:

As part of the application process you must upload a single digital portfolio of your best (personal, non-group) architectural design projects to date. The pdf should be no more than 5MB and 15 pages.

In addition, you may prepare a (maximum three-minute) optional video in relation to one of the following questions: What is architecture for you? As a designer, what are you curious or ambitious about? What would be your dream project? Please upload your video on Vimeo or YouTube, adjust your privacy settings, and provide the link on the cover page of your portfolio. The purpose of the portfolio/video submission is to:

i. Identify indicators of commitment, excellence and achievement within the applicant’s academic or professional portfolio of experience.
ii. Evaluate the applicant’s critical awareness of the discipline and profession of architecture.

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2023. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lativa Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking and Listening and a minimum of 5.5 in Reading and Writing, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last two years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course
By completing the programme, you will graduate with an MSc Advanced Architectural Design degree within a year from a Russell Group university in the UK. The MSc is ideal for postgraduate students who have not chosen their career paths yet. If you would like to push the boundaries of your education and think outside-the-box, MSc is for you.

WHERE MIGHT YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?
Anywhere in the world in one of many different disciplines. Queen's Architecture graduates have ended up designing skyscrapers in Asia and the Middle East, emergency housing for refugees in Africa, film sets or CGI for Hollywood productions, computer game environments as well as working as urban planners, photographers, editors, illustrators, visual artists worldwide and lecturing/researching in universities.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Additional Awards Gained

Students are responsible for additional costs for books, materials and software for drawing/model making and printing (including final portfolio). The amount for materials, equipment and printing will vary depending on how students decide to represent their work, but a budget of £500 for the course is appropriate. Having said that, we have started to print less and less with the pandemic as well as environmental concerns. Students should also budget approximately £500 for a possible international field trip.

Prizes and Awards

In our first year, for instance, the Department for the Economy generously funded 50 local and international Masters students at Queen’s, two of whom were AAD students.

Last year we were part of the GREAT Scholarships, jointly funded by Queen’s University, the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign, and the British Council (£10,000 towards tuition fees to a student from India).

You will be eligible to apply for prizes awarded by the university and external funders.

You will be notified of upcoming opportunities.

Graduate plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£6,980
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£6,980
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£8,360
EU Other 3	£23,150
International	£23,150

¹ EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Advanced Architectural Design costs

Students are responsible for additional costs for books, materials and software for drawing/model making and printing (including final portfolio). The amount for materials, equipment and printing will vary depending on how students decide to represent their work, but a budget of £500 for the course is appropriate. Having said that, we have started to print less and less with the pandemic as well as environmental concerns. Students should also budget approximately £500 for a possible international field trip.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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