Aims of the course

The MA Cities Design and Urban Cultures is to provide foundations in understanding space-making as a political act baring social and cultural implications. In particular it seeks to identify and study situations of urban conflict created in the wake of radical political and cultural transformation and to develop a contemporary critique of planning practices. The course aims to propose alternative planning strategies, and thus addresses architects, artists and other urban practitioners who are interested in exploring and testing design methods and creative strategies for spatial interventions against theoretical reflections on the history of the city.
The course builds on the established strengths of the department and offers the opportunity for a high-level education within a studio-based and cooperative academic research environment and offers opportunities for inter-disciplinary studies.

Entry requirements

Places on the MA Cities Design and Urban Cultures are open to graduates from a range of disciplines related to architecture, urban design and criticism. Applicants should have a minimum of an Honours degree in architecture or related discipline. You should have a good portfolio of practical and/or scholarly work. Experiences in design and/or design research and a demonstrable interest in critical spatial practices are essential. Students may also be admitted solely on the basis of extensive professional experience in a relevant field.

Course structure

Teaching and learning is undertaken through lectures, seminars, discussions, workshops, projects, tutorials, site visits and self-managed study.

Modules include:

Critical Transformations
specialist taught module, Semester A

Research Methods for Design
taught research methods module, Semester A + B

Design Research and Techniques
double research and design studio based module Semester A + B

Design Project
double research and design studio based module Semester A + B

MA Architecture Thesis
Thesis Document: Semester A + B + Summer

Assessment

Course work is assessed via essays, seminars, presentations and design portfolios. The work will culminate in a dissertation project that is both based on creative practices and is highly research-oriented.

Career opportunities

The MA Cities Design and Urban Cultures aims to further the education of design professionals who will find employment principally in the architectural profession, but also in areas of design, and in applied arts relating to urban design and criticism. The course will enhance knowledge and understanding of situations of urban conflict created in periods of radical political and cultural transformation, theories of urban planning and the ability to critically assess strategies in developing urban design proposals. It will lead to the integration of this knowledge and enable the student to operate in both the private, the public and NGO sector of urban design as well as in centres of contemporary cultural and art production. The course also offers students transferable skills, which will enhance their employability within key sectors of urban planning such as project management, policy development and planning roles in urban and community renewal, working for organisations such as local authorities, government and architects.
Furthermore, the aim of the course is to support students to continue their research through design in further studies for MPhil/PhD research degrees.

Fees

See our website, www.londonmet.ac.uk/tuition-fees, or call the Admissions Office (see further Information below).

How to apply

Please apply directly to the University. A Postgraduate Prospectus and application form are available from the Admissions Office (see further information) or the University website: www.londonmet.ac.uk

Admissions Office
London Metropolitan University
166-220 Holloway Road
London N7 8DB
Tel: 020 7133 4200
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk
Web: www.londonmet.ac.uk

Course website

www.urban-cultures.org

Further information

Course Leader Dr Ines Weizman
i.weizman@londonmet.ac.uk

Postgraduate Academic Leader
Signy Svalastoga
Tel: 020 7133 4443
s.svalastoga@londonmet.ac.uk