Entry year
2024/25
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2
2.2
Duration
1 year (Full-time)
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
40 (Full Time)
40 (Full Time)
An innovative Master’s programme on architecture and design for enthusiastic students with an undergraduate degree in a creative discipline who wish to explore future opportunities in architecture, interior architecture, design, film and creative industries.
COURSE CONTENT
This is a personalised Master’s programme for engaged students who would like to make the most of their time at Queen’s. The work produced throughout the year will be a collaborative effort between you, your year group, our award-winning academics and practicing architects, designers and artists. Because this yearlong course does not require you to meet prescription for qualification, it encourages you to work both within and beyond the realm of conventional design practices. We would like you to push the boundaries of your imagination and the limits of architectural/design media, while working with other architects, designers, artists and filmmakers.
You will work on modules including design, humanities and technology, questioning norms in art, design and architecture throughout. You will complete a major thesis project, the topic and methodology of which will be self-directed. You will be able to use the thesis to experiment with new ideas, technologies and media, and as a gateway to your future career goals.
The course encourages lateral thinking, problem solving, creativity and engagement with design in a self-critical process. It will address issues as diverse as our survival on the planet and alternative ways of thinking about what architecture and design can be and do.
WHAT WILL EXCITE YOU?
Through design methods such as cinematic analysis, modelmaking, filmmaking, sketching, and photography, you will design projects from bottom up and focus on both tangible and intangible qualities of urban and architectural spaces. You will spend the year designing, collaborating and producing with people from around the world on our university campus that has celebrated its 175th year. Queen’s clubs, societies, and facilities including the new Student Union, Queen’s Sport and Queen’s Film Theatre will also provide excellent opportunities to make friends outside of your discipline.
THE ENVIRONMENT
You will be based in Belfast, a growing city known for its industrial design heritage on one hand and its vibrant arts culture and creative industries on the other. As stated in the Complete University Guide 2022: Belfast is one of Europe's most hip, vibrant and affordable cities, lauded for its energy, and rich in culture and history. Queen's stunning campus is within Belfast's Queen's Quarter, with cafés, bars, restaurants, superb shopping and entertainment venues. You will enjoy a healthy staff to student ratio, good studios where you will have your own space, a world-class library and excellent workshops for physical and digital manufacturing.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION:
Now, more than ever, our societies demand innovative designers and creative problem solvers to propose solutions to the challenges we face in a complex contemporary world - health and well-being, climate change, forced migration, public safety and increasing urbanisation, among others. Our school is renowned for award-winning, innovative research and teaching that is academically rigorous, critically informed, design-led and interdisciplinary. In all of this endeavour we seek to develop designers voice in addressing these challenges.
The MSc Applied Architecture and Design programme provides a scaffold for our students to develop their own personal position within the broad culture of design, and in doing so, contribute to the ongoing debate that shapes the discipline and our world. Our concerns range from the role of art, design and architecture in communities, environmental, social and economic sustainability, humanitarian architecture for all, tangible and intangible qualities of space to the mapping and analysis of urban, territorial and global conditions. In all of this new media play a crucial role as does developing a self-critical understanding of how each individual works as a designer.
The MSc AAD is a studio-based programme, underscoring design and design processes as the core concerns, challenging our students to be experimental both in their design methodologies/analyses and their design proposals, be it a building, space, film or urban intervention. The one-year programme comprises of three semesters. The staff cohort is composed of a diverse spectrum of esteemed practitioners and innovative academics supported by external consultants beyond Queen’s, providing a further dimension to a rich learning environment. In this context, the students are encouraged to push the limits of their disciplines as well as their personal capabilities.
Architecture at Queen’s is ranked 8th in the UK in Guardian League Table 2023, 2nd for graduate prospects, 8th for teaching quality, 9th for student experience.
Applied Architecture and Design highlights
World Class Facilities
Prestigious Master’s degree awarded in one year in a UK Russell Group University
Industry Links
Close collaborations with the industry and practicing architects in studio tutoring, project reviews and research, including RIBA, RSUA, QFT and BFI/Film Hub NI.
www.rsua.org.uk
www.queensfilmtheatre.com
www.filmhubni.org
www.architecture.com
Career Development
Depending on their nationality, some international students have the right to work in the UK for two years following their studies at Queen’s. If you are interested in this opportunity, you can contact the Student Guidance Centre.
Opportunity to apply to PhD in Architecture at Queen’s. If you are interested in this route, please consult the programme director for details.
World Class Facilities
Studying in an international environment among native English speakers in continuously maintained facilities that are adapted to technical and health and safety requirements
Student Experience
In this programme you will be working with several local and international students and academics who are established researchers and practicing architects. Queen’s and Belfast are at the intersection of the UK and Ireland as well as America and Europe, both physically and culturally; therefore the university and the city offer a unique and memorable student experience. Belfast is in the top 15 friendliest cities in Europe (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2021), and Northern Ireland is the happiest place to live in the UK (Lloyds Bank Happiness Index, 2020). Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the country (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2021) as well as the lowest student rent (NatWest Student Living Index 2020).
https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Living-in-Northern-Ireland/Life-in-Belfast/student-experience/
Interdisciplinary Collaborations
Students with architectural background will get the chance to work with artists, designers and filmmakers, and vice versa, in the design studio, which you will share with PgCert Cinematic Architecture students. Most years, there are also opportunities to work with students/tutors from Software/Computer Engineering, Media and Broadcast Production, and Film Studies at Queen’s.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/2023/cinematic-architecture-pgcert/
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Course content
Course Structure
Semester 1 - AAD Design Studio 1, Technical Dissertation, and Humanities Dissertation
Semester 2 - AAD Design Studio 2, Technical Dissertation, and Humanities Dissertation
Semester 3 - Thesis Project
Modules
The modules listed below are compulsory. Field trips will enrich the programme; last year, we have spent a week in Naples, Italy. Students are also encouraged to incorporate other Queen’s modules (INTO academic skills, advanced English, languages, history, introduction to film studies, etc.) as long as timetables allow.
AAD Design Studio 1 (30 CATS), Semester 1/12 weeks
AAD 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)
People teaching you
Senior Lecturer in Architecture MSc AAD and PgCert CineArch Programme DirecArchitecture in SNBE
Email: g.kacmaz@qub.ac.uk
Teaching Times
Teaching varies but is typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, some Thursdays and some Fridays.Learning and Teaching
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Academic Writing
If you have not written scholarly texts before, do not worry, you will be supervised by experts and will become an expert yourself.
Design Studio
You may be familiar with studio culture in architecture/design. In AAD we will particularly emphasise cinematic architecture through creative solutions for the future, critical thinking and experimentation. The learning environment will be personalised as to your strengths and aspirations. The shared studio environment with other programmes (BSc Architecture and MArch) at Queen’s will aid your learning.
Technology and Media
Depending on your interests, in this programme, you will be encouraged to use and experiment with a variety of media including sketching, modelmaking, casting, filmmaking, animation, and contemporary CAD/scripting/editing software. Technology, use of equipment and materials, and detailing will be an integral part of design projects.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course, which will include individual and group work, are outlined below:
- Project-based design work (individual and collaborative)
- Critical design reviews
- Representation and multimedia
- Academic research
- Dissertation/scholarly essay
- (Optional) Competition entry, public exhibition, conference presentation and/or journal article
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
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
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Course content
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Entry requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Applicants whose primary degree was/will be awarded in the UK:
1. Normally a 2.2 Honours degree in a creative background such as Architecture, Interior Architecture, Art, Design, Film, Animation (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University).
2. Applicants must submit a design portfolio (which will include any type of design projects in the form of images and/or film links). 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 their discipline. Such demonstration is typically in the form of experience in practice or personal statement.
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 2.2 Honours degree in a creative background such as Architecture, Interior Architecture, Art, Design, Film, Animation.
2. International applicants must submit a design portfolio (which will include any type of design projects in the form of images and/or film links). 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 experience in practice or 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 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 design 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 architecture and design.
The deadline for applications is normally 30th July 2024. 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 the 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.
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.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Career Prospects
Employment after the Course
By completing the programme, you will graduate with an MSc Applied Architecture and 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/
Prizes and Awards
The next 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).
These vary from your to year. In our first year, for instance, the Department for the Economy funded 50 Masters students at Queen’s, two of whom were AAD students.
You will be eligible to apply for prizes awarded by the university and external funders.
You will be notified of upcoming opportunities.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready 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/Future Ready Award. 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 | £7,300 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £7,300 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £9,250 |
| EU Other 3 | £25,800 |
| International | £25,800 |
1EU 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 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
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 now encourage students to print less where possible. Students should also budget approximately £500 for a possible international field trip.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Read the full terms and conditions
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/EPS/terms-and-conditions/
Students are responsible for additional costs for books, materials and software for drawing/model making and printing. 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. Proposed budget usually goes to software and hardware needs. Students should also budget approximately £500 for an (international) field trip.
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.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume 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 Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
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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Fees and Funding