Architecture MArch

The module is the first of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues. The different studios each have their own teaching patterns and assessment methods.

The module is the second of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio system' with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.

This is a core module for 5th Year MArch students and MArch Collaborative Practice students. Students work in Live Project groups with a range of clients including local community groups, charities, health organisations and regional authorities. Live Projects include design/build, master planning, building feasibility studies, sustainability strategies, online resources and participation toolkits. In every case, the project is real, happening in real time with real people. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, team building, briefing, client liaison, community engagement and project management. The projects in these modules are entirely group based, with students working mostly in teams of 13-15 people. The Y5 Live Project module is closely integrated with the Management, Practice and Law Y5 module ALA309.

The module is an introduction to a broad range of research methods in architecture. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of students in a department of architecture that encourages an interdisciplinary, integrated and ethical approach to research. It also introduces students to the idea of design as a research method and encourages them to start to develop their own praxis through their ongoing coursework, particularly through the dissertation and design manifesto modules. Lecture content is delivered via the Theory Forum - an international conference hosted annually by Sheffield School of Architecture, focusing each year on a theme of contemporary relevance for architectural theory and practice. It provides an intense introduction to the theory, history and contemporary discourse around the theme, through engaging with national and international researchers. Students  are asked to write an academic essay in which they describe, compare and critique the methods used by two of the presentations or papers at the Theory Forum.

A course in environmental design technologies and techniques developed around a sustainable framework. The course is grouped around broad environmental and natural themes to encourage an integrated and holistic approach to technology within the design process.

This module introduces students to aspects of briefing and team-working within an architectural project, together with an overview of factors related to the running of an architectural practice. Built around lectures and seminars, the 3-day module is designed to provide candidates with entrepreneurial skills and develop their understanding of multi professional collaborative working to help them in in dealing with both clients and users and the implications of a multidisciplinary teamworking. The focus of the module is on understanding, managing and improving the briefing process.

The MArch postgraduate dissertation is a critical written study on an architectural subject chosen by the student. It is seen as an opportunity to investigate an aspect of architecture in which the student is interested and would like to explore in more depth. The dissertation may involve original research and contribute to the subject area through reasoning and critical analysis. The dissertation is undertaken with expert advice from the staff. Students work under the guidance of individual tutors starting in the first semester of the 5th year.

The module is the third of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop student skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.

This module is the fourth of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.

This is a core module for 6th Year MArch students, MArch Collaborative Practice and MALA students. Students work in Live Project groups with a range of clients including local community groups, charities, health organisations and regional authorities. Live Projects include design/build, masterplanning, building feasibility studies, sustainability strategies, online resources and participation toolkits. In every case, the project is real, happening in real time with real people. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop student’s skills in design, team building, briefing, client liaison, community engagement and project management. The projects in these modules are entirely group based, with students working mostly in teams of 13-15 people.

The Design Manifesto is a part of the Y6 thesis project and is integral to the development of the final year studio design work. 

The Design Manifesto presents the processes, decision-making and ambitions that have informed the development of the thesis project to date and will continue to inform and define the development of the project.

Although the spatial design may be at a preliminary stage, the manifesto should engage with both spatial design and research in order to envisage a provocation or clear ambition for the development of the thesis project.

An advanced course in architectural environmental design technologies and techniques developed around a sustainable framework. The course is grouped around broad environmental and natural themes to encourage an integrated and holistic approach to architectural technology within the design process.

This module forms part of the core curriculum requirement for sixth year MArch students. The module expects students to reflect on Management and Practice issues in relation to and within the framework of their major design project. 

The module develops students' understanding of the complexities associated with project delivery. It explores their responsibilities as architects during the design stages which will impact on the performance of the design project and on their responsibility to appropriately advise their client(s). The module will help students understand the influences that capital cost, lifecycle costs, health and safety, inclusivity, procurement and the climate emergency will have on their design proposals and their relationship with the client, end user and contractor. 

Three core themes of communication, responsibility and enterprise in an evolving built environment will be explored. Students are encouraged to be self-critical, reflective and innovative in their approach to real life issues affecting the built environment and their design ideas.

Weekly topic areas will be explored in lecture and interactive discussion formats, with contributions from external professionals. The intention is to ensure students are aware of the critical topics to be addressed through their management report and also to signpost further information sources to support independent learning. The lecture series will illustrate the complexities involved in delivering a design proposal and provide contextual information, to support students in understanding their own role and responsibility in making choices.

The MArch postgraduate dissertation is a critical written study on an architectural subject chosen by the student. It is seen as an opportunity to investigate an aspect of architecture in which the student is interested and would like to explore in more depth. The dissertation may involve original research and contribute to the subject area through reasoning and critical analysis. The dissertation is undertaken with expert advice from the staff. Students work under the guidance of individual tutors starting in the first semester of the 5th year.

This module engages through lectures and seminars with a range of materials for low impact buildings. The aim is to give students in depth theoretical knowledge about the environmental performance, practical applications and historical use of materials for low impact buildings.  Students will be introduced to criteria and frameworks for critically evaluating material choices and supported to develop a coherent and evidenced argument about the appropriateness of materials for low impact buildings in relation to climatic contexts, the environment, societal expectations, and human wellbeing.

The unit focuses on socio-political, economical, ideological and cultural factors shaping and influencing buildings and cities. In a tradition of critical theory, this module analyses hidden aspects of built environment causing social exclusion / inclusion and oppression / emancipation. Through lectures and group seminars, the module will provide an introduction to critical analyses of built environment in a global context. Each session is organised around a particular issue analysed in diverse contexts.

This module introduces a range of theoretical and practical approaches to architectural design interventions in the historic built environment. It will explore conceptual and philosophical debates within architectural conservation and heritage studies, addressing the conflicting and complementary approaches that have historically been employed. You will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of conservation and built heritage issues and to evaluate the role of architectural conservation in historical rural and urban regeneration.

This unit provides an introduction to the diverse concepts, theories and practices of urban design, illustrated by examples and case studies from different historical, political, geographical and environmental periods and areas. Using theoretical lenses, rather than a chronological approach, the course explores how similar urban forms have been used and reused, reinterpreted, adapted and challenged by different social, economic and political groups in different localities across different geographies and scales to meet differing needs, behaviours and rituals. The emphasis is on developing a situated and grounded understanding of urban design.