Programme Specification
CV MArch Architecture
Academic Year: 2021/22
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
- Module Specifications
- The teaching, learning and assessment strategies used at Loughborough (available soon)
- What makes Loughborough University programmes and its graduates distinctive (available soon)
- Summary
- Programme aims
- Learning outcomes
- Programme structure
- Progression and weighting
Programme summary
| Awarding body/institution | Loughborough University |
| Teaching institution (if different) | |
| Owning school/department | School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering |
| Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | |
| Final award | MArch |
| Programme title | Architecture |
| Programme code | CVUM04 |
| Length of programme | Two years Full-time |
| UCAS code | |
| Admissions criteria | |
| Date at which the programme specification was published |
1. Programme Aims
The aims of this programme are to:
A1 Provide a well-rounded, broad-based, student-focused experience that builds upon the Loughborough BArch or equivalent and includes opportunities to train with varied forms of architectural practices in preparation for a successful career as an architect
A2 Provide complex design briefs that enhance imagination, creativity, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and reflection in the context of the experience gained by students in practice whilst developing an appreciation of architecture and design as a multi-disciplinary endeavour
A3 Facilitate a high-quality educational experience that produces design and industry leaders who can communicate their ideas visually, orally and in writing
A4 Provide opportunities for advanced and in-depth research and practice in the broad cultural, social, ethical, environmental, political, historical, theoretical and economic aspects of architecture and cities through design projects and the production of a dissertation
A5 Advance a technical understanding of architectural design through the exploration of a wide range of architectural technologies, materials, innovations and environmental design strategies to enhance user comfort and reduce embedded and operational carbon
A6 Develop an awareness for and impact on user and broader community-based needs to inform the design process and occupation of buildings and urban spaces
A7 Develop detailed knowledge of the professional aspects of architecture including ethics, business management, relevant statutory technical and business legislation, town planning, client relationship management and an understanding of how innovation and entrepreneurship can be realised within these contexts
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
Q1 QAA Architecture Benchmark statement (2010): http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Architecture.pdf
Q2 Intended learning outcomes (ILO) align with the education criteria jointly set by the ARB and RIBA: https://www.architecture.com/files/ribaprofessionalservices/education/validation/ribavalidationcriteriafromseptember2011parts1,23.pdf
Q3 ILO’s also align with the EU Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC), Section 8, Article 46: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32005L0036
Q4 The course has been designed in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, including the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK (FHEQ)
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
K1 A wide range of architectural strategies and theoretical approaches
K2 The importance of briefs and analysis techniques to ensure that a design response is appropriate to the various social, physical, environmental and ethical contexts
K3 The importance of research and its relationship to design
K4 Architectural periods and styles throughout history
K5 The regulatory framework for practicing as an Architect both as an individual and within the context of a multi-disciplinary team
K6 Advanced technological principles of building materials, engineering design, building physics and environmental and sustainable design principles
K7 The design and development of global urban environments as the context for the architecture of individual buildings
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
C1 Evaluate and appraise sites in terms of scale, context, environment and constraints including programme, costs and technological limitations.
C2 Assess information on social, economic, ethical and environmental matters relating to a site
C3 Justify design proposals employing a wide range of techniques and software applications
C4 Critically appraise the relationships between an individual project and the management of a business for both architects and all those other parties involved
C5 Appraise materials, construction methods and technologies in relation to the conceptual development of a design
C6 Critically evaluate alternative design options and solutions
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
P1 Generate a detailed site survey of a site and/or existing buildings using physical measurement and photography and analyse the information gathered.
P2 Compose coherent and well resolved architectural designs in response to a complex brief to include considerations of engineering solutions and opportunities
P3 Apply appropriate research methods to investigate complex issues and produce a detailed written report.
P4 Employ a wide range of communication methods including drawings, visualisations, written proposals and oral presentations to communicate design proposals effectively, understanding and evaluating the merits of different techniques in varying circumstances
P5 Demonstrate ethics in architectural practice in line with the RIBA’s code of conduct
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
T1 Identify and critically appraise opportunities and problem solve, applying lateral and logical thinking
T2 Manage time and projects successfully
T3 Critically assess information and formulate a clear line of enquiry
T4 Present ideas in a wide variety of visual and written forms
T5 Operate independently and as part of a team and to be self-critical
T6 Apply the basic aspects of professional business management in a UK context including the use of relevant software applications
4. Programme structure
All modules are compulsory
Year 1
Semester 1 and 2 (120 Credits)
|
Code |
Title |
Modular Weight |
|
CVM101 |
Design Studio M1 (Sem 1: 30 credits; Sem 2: 30 credits) |
60 |
|
CVM102 |
Reflective Practice (Sem 1: 10 credits; Sem 2: 10 credits) |
20 |
|
CVM103 |
Contemporary Cities – Theory and Design (Sem 1: 10 credits; Sem 2: 10 credits) |
20 |
|
CVM104 |
Transdisciplinary Design (Sem 1: 10 credits; Sem 2: 10 credits) |
20 |
Year 2
Semester 1 and 2 (120 Credits)
|
Code |
Title |
Modular Weight |
|
CVM201 |
Design Studio M2 (Sem 1: 35 credits; Sem 2: 35 credits) |
70 |
|
CVM202 |
Research Dissertation (Sem 1: 15 credits; Sem 2: 15 credits) |
30 |
|
CVM203 |
Global Futures: Climate and Architecture (Sem 1: 10 credits; Sem 2: 10 credits) |
20 |
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
In order to progress from Year 1 to Year 2, and to be eligible for the award of the MArch, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also obtain 120 credits in Year 1. An exception to the University’s regulations is that no compensation is permitted and all assessment pieces must be passed based on professional and statutory body requirements. In addition, candidates must normally complete a minimum of six months’ practical experience as part of the MArch programme before progressing to Year 2. In line with the University’s requirements for integrated Masters programmes, the pass grade in Year 1 is 55%. Students who successfully complete the first year but not the second, will be awarded a Professional Graduate Diploma in Architectural Studies.
6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification
Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Years 1 and 2. The final degree classification will be weighted Year 1 40% and Year 2 60%.
