Arts University Bournemouth

Masters of Architecture

The Masters of Architecture explores new approaches to architectural practice, through making, innovation and collaboration.

Master of Architecture

This two-year, studio-based course, is the second part of the three-part qualification in becoming an architect. This design-based professional qualification, accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

You’ll work alongside fellow makers, collaborators, and enablers who have come from different schools around the world; you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate across the arts. The course philosophy has many connections and develops on from the four key issues identified in the BA (Hons) Architecture (ARB/RIBA part 1).

Course Duration

• 2 year (full-time, 90 weeks)

Course Leader – MArch

Ed Frith – Course Leader

BAHons DipArch(Cantab)

Educated at Bristol, Cambridge, Princeton and Columbia Universities and has taught at Bath Birmingham and Greenwich Universities. As a director and architect at Moving Architecture, he has developed performance pieces and buildings in the UK, China, US and across Europe. His Greyfriars Surgery Project, in Hereford, has been exhibited at the Royal Academy and won an AJ small projects award.

Course Philosophy

This course takes its approach from the context of the ‘shared studio-based arts university’ where all courses are making. This philosophy is applied throughout the taught units by emphasising the role of drawing, models and texts in the making of architecture; the things we make – to think about the things we make.

As a student, you’ll be asked to develop projects with strong narratives commenting on current social, cultural and environmental issues. In each unit, you’re encouraged to give architectural expression to your own personal views and visions, whilst aiming to produce tangible propositions, mindful of how they might be realised.

Studio Culture

The studio is both professional and exploratory. This educational experience is grounded in a strong studio culture of making and thinking, supported by regular lectures by practitioners, seminars and reviews.

The studio generates an atmosphere in which open, critical and reflective practice supports exploration and risk-taking where we test, discuss and present ideas. We’re particularly focused on delivering studio-based and student-centred learning environment.

We offer shared facilities such as the workshop, fab-labs, the print room and the Drawing Studio.

Personal, Professional and Ecological Development

The course will support your personal development towards a creative contribution to architecture and the wider world after graduation. The final Thesis Design year gives you the opportunity to develop your own research design project that integrates making and collaboration through an ecological narrative.

Studios and Resources

Studying on the Master of Architecture course you’ll work in our dedicated studios and have access to 3D workshops with manual and digital manufacturing equipment.

Our unique location means we’re near dramatic, rolling and beautiful landscapes (New Forest and Jurassic Coast) and within a vibrant and energetic seaside town. There’s also a proposed urban project by Zaha Hadid Architects which provides a great context and research for projects and interventions.

The campus itself is enhanced by our ‘very blue’ drawing studio with ‘exceptional light’ by Professor Sir Peter Cook RA, Honorary Fellow and visiting professor, and opened by the late Zaha Hadid.

You’ll be able to make use of our makers lab – a shared creative space also used by Modelmaking students – designed to give you the space to create. In addition, you’ll have access to the printmaking room with is located with the Fine Art studios.

Over the years, we’ve gained a number of traditional presses, including letterpress, etching, relief, lithography and silk screen printing. There are dedicated areas for exposure, screen washing and acid etching – and new presses are added all the time. The modelmaking, printing and workshop facilities encourage a culture of making and production.

Wireless computer access will help you integrate digital understanding and outcomes into the way that you work and our specialised library also provides you with a range of relevant material in architecture and the arts.