BA/MA(Hons) Architecture (Part 1)
The Undergraduate programmes in Architecture build upon the strengths of two leading centres of architectural education in Scotland - the University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh College of Art (eca).
Based in one of the most beautiful and architecturally important cities in the world, the programmes offer a choice of degree structures.
If you have any questions about the programme please in the first instance contact the Programme Director, Soledad Garcia Ferrari (s.garcia@eca.ac.uk). If you have any admissions enquiries please contact our Admissions Team directly (see below).
Programme Director,
Dr Soledad Garcia Ferrari
> Degree Programmes & Facilities
> The BA/MA (Hons) Architecture (UCAS Code K100)
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Introduction
Architecture is the discipline responsible for the design of the built environment. It is both a celebration of our cultural inheritance and a statement of our cultural ambitions. Architects use reason and imagination to address the practical need to protect people and things from the elements, to frame social activities and to express individual and collective values.
Architecture is always conceived and realised in the context of material, environmental, social and historical parameters. By studying architecture, you will come to know the way buildings are made, and acquire skills of observation, analysis, creative thinking and design. You will learn about the significance of the architectural past, engage critically with contemporary architecture, and apply your skills and knowledge to the formation of built environments of the present and future
Degree Programmes and Facilities
The programmes in Architecture are based at the University’s School of Arts, Culture and Environment (ACE) in Chambers Street and at eca in Lauriston Place. They draw on the facilities of the two parent institutions under ESALA, the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. These facilities include design studios, extensive and well-equipped workshops, excellent libraries, continually upgraded computer facilities and dedicated rooms for research students. The degree programmes are:
BA Architecture
MA(Hons) Architecture
MA (Hons) Architecture in Creative and Cultural Environments
These are undergraduate programmes and application for entry is made through UCAS - the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. This process is co-ordinated by the Admissions Office at the University of Edinburgh's College of Humanities and Social Science on behalf of the two institutions.
Email: HSSUG@ed.ac.uk (mark FAO Architecture Team)
Web: www.hss.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate
The BA/MA (Hons) Architecture (UCAS Code K100)
All students who successfully apply to the joint programmes in Edinburgh are initially admitted to the MA (Hons) Architecture programme. At the end of the second stage, students have a choice of alternate pathways enabling either accelerated progress via the BA in Architecture, or the development of broader academic interests through the MA (Hons) Architecture.
BA Architecture - Master of Architecture
BA1 |
BA2 |
BA3 •Part 1 |
MArch1 |
MArch2 • Part 2 |
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|
360 credits |
Optional year-out* |
|
240 credits |
* Students can apply directly to the MArch or other UK Part 2 programmes, or undertake a period of un-credited professional experience.
MA (Hons) Architecture - Master of Architecture
MA1 |
MA2 |
MA3 |
MA4 •Part 1 |
MArch1 |
MArch2 • Part 2 |
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|
PL* |
PL |
480 |
|
240 credits |
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* This has a sandwich structure and students on the MA programme undertake credited workplace learning within the period from January – December. Students can apply directly to the MArch or other UK Part 2 programmes.
Modules are taught through a combination of studio-based projects, field trips, lecture modules, seminars and practical experience and are assessed by a combination of coursework and examinations.
Stages 1 and 2, establish a knowledge base and an awareness of many of the key skills required for the study of architecture. The main areas of study include: architectural design, technology and environment, architectural history and theory,. During Stage 1 all students take a module introducing art & design. In Stage 2, students choose an elective module from a wide range of options. At the end of Stage 2 students choose either the three-year BA or the four-year MA (Hons) route.
Stage 3 integrates cultural, technological and environmental factors into a coherent architectural design. Professional Studies is introduced formally for the first time to raise awareness of the context in which architecture is practiced. Students also study Architectural Design Theory.
This Stage also offers a choice of thematic design studios in the architectural design module. These address a variety of themes, for example sustainability, technology, adaptation and intervention. The MA (Hons) route includes two semesters of practical experience, in a sandwich structure between Stage 3 and 4, and includes credited workplace learning and RIBA log book monitoring.
The BA route focuses on the completion of the curriculum requirements for the ARB/RIBA Part 1 at the end of the third year (Stage 3). Thus by completing the 3-year BA students will be awarded a BA degree in Architecture which is prescribed by the ARB and validated by the RIBA. (see note on Professional Accreditation).
In Stage 4, following the second period of placement, students choose a further architectural design module, and develop, curate and present an academic portfolio. The MA (Hons) route includes a self-directed dissertation on a topic that students develop with an assigned academic supervisor.
Students develop skills in various methods of representation, including architectural drawing, computer modelling and 3-D modelling. Modules are taught through a combination of studio-based projects, field trips, lecture modules, seminars and practical experience.
The BA/MA (Hons) Architecture programme has ARB prescription. Prescription is subject to periodic review by ARB, for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects. For further information about ARB and the prescription of architectural qualifications see the Education section of the ARB website - www.arb.org.uk
The BA/MA (Hons) ARchitecture programme has RIBA ‘Candidate Status’. The RIBA do not validate programmes in advance and so will visit Edinburgh towards the end of the first three years of the programme with a view to awarding full Validation. (Existing University and eca architecture programmes have RIBA validation).
Work experience for intending architects on the MA (Hons) Architecture programme is distributed in two semesters through the Junior and Senior Honours years. These may be occasions for students to work and study at home or abroad.
The three-year BA in Architecture offers an accelerated route. Typically, students successfully completing this programme would apply to proceed to the MArch degree, either at the School, or at other institutions in the UK offering similar qualifications completing the Part 2 in five years/600 credits.
Students on the MA (Hons) Architecture degree also typically apply to proceed to the MArch degree, either at the School, or at other institutions in the UK offering similar qualifications completing the Part 2 in six years/720 credits.
This route also offers opportunities to broaden undergraduate study by taking a wider range of University/eca modules. Students completing the MA (Hons) and those completing the MArch both have the opportunity to access post-professional MSc and PhD programmes in architecture, cultural and creative disciplines. To register as an architect, a further period of practical training is necessary.
Our graduates – the majority of whom become registered architects – have been readily employed in the UK and overseas. They work in a wide range of small and large private practices, local and national government and large commercial organisations.
