Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
16 Sep 2024
Prepare to engage in the landscapes of architectural production, culture and politics. You’ll address the wide range of tasks and modes of operation performed by architectural practitioners besides traditional work in an architectural office.
During your course, you’ll focus on one of four interdisciplinary strands:
- ARCHITECTURAL AGENCY & LIVE PROJECT PEDAGOGY
Explore the crucial issues of architectural agency and its forms of social engagement - DIGITAL & MATERIAL MORPHOLOGY
Use computational techniques in architecture to produce solutions within material and social systems - SCENE, SEQUENCE AND MEDIATED COMMONS
Experiment with alternative visual and immersive methodologies to conceive, make and experience space - DISPLACEMENT, OTHER-NESS & MULTIPLICITY
Consider issues of displacement of people, objects, identities and aesthetics
As part of your course, you'll also:
- Gain an understanding of the traditional craft and spatial logic of architectural design
- Use a range of media throughout your writing and design projects to explore a defined area of research
- Develop a unique set of competencies that will enable you to think creatively
This is a distinct programme that is related to our MArch Architecture and MA Urban Design courses. It builds on the increasingly inter or trans-disciplinary nature of architectural practice not constrained by the current RIBA/ARB accreditation framework.
Understanding design research
You’ll begin to identify and understand the status and methods of design research. Your objective will be to explore the kinds of projects and research that arises from architecture and its possible futures within an interdisciplinary context. You’ll study this as an intellectual problem. Your work will explore the relationship between theory and design for knowledge production and discipline development. You’ll also examine a practical problem and how design research can feed into practice.
Student work
For examples of the work produced in our architecture studios, check out our Leeds School of Arts website, our Leeds School of Arts Festival 2020, our End of Year Show Guide 2019, or our 2019 Research Yearbook; Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4 & Volume 5. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Like minds
You'll join a community of fellow postgraduate students from architecture, landscape design and urban design. We’ll encourage you to collaborate with your peers to create a forum for exploration, experimentation, discussion and group-based learning.
Guest lectures
You’ll have access to the Leeds School of Arts INSIDE/OUT lecture series. The lectures bring together some of the most exciting names from the fields of art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts and beyond. You can catch up on previous lectures by visiting the Leeds Arts Research Centre site. You'll also have the opportunity to attend events being held as part of the Leeds School of Architecture Open Lecture Series and Symposia.
Specialist facilities
You'll have access to a learning environment that includes multimedia studios equipped with computers, pin-up areas and dedicated desk areas. In addition, you’ll have access to the school 3D Model shop, a 24/7 library and specialist workshops.
Why study Architecture Futures at Leeds Beckett University...
- Explore architectural design alongside skills and ideas from design, arts, media and humanities
- Benefit from the school's close links to architecture practices in the Yorkshire region, throughout the UK, and beyond
- Gain from the course team's extensive industry knowledge and professional networks
- Study within Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north, with 3000 students spread across over 40 courses and 170 years of inspiring, challenging and innovative practices
- Take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the the school - gain access to a vast range of ideas, skills and facilities which will allow you to shape your practice to suit you
Architecture Study how to employ imagination alongside practical and technical skills.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning or Interior Design, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work to demonstrate creative ability, and may be required to attend an interview.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning or Interior Design, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work to demonstrate creative ability, and may be required to attend an interview.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work to demonstrate creative ability, and may be required to attend an interview. Your portfolio should include examples from your previous education, professional experience, or personal work. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone. Guidance for the portfolio can be found at this link.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
This module aims to build integrated interdisciplinary design through research, using various studio led methodologies, tools, contextual enquiries and critiques to develop an architectural project or projects.
You will be introduced to a range of practice-based and theoretical research methods. These methods will inform your specialist practice within interdisciplinary architecture and will provide some of the requisite skills to enable you to write your Critical Context Submission.
This module develops design studio specialisms which were initiated in the Interdisciplinary Design Module. Interdisciplinary architecture practises are developed through a contextual project and you will test your methodologies and skills at various scales from strategic to detailed resolution.
Learn to critically assess and articulate the complex political, cultural, historical, social and financial issues interwoven within the interdisciplinary production of architecture. This module takes into account the diverse and dynamic landscapes of architectural production, culture and politics, and the wide range of tasks and modes of operation that architectural practitioners engage in.
Gain an understanding of the historical context into which theoretical concepts emerge and develop (history). This module supports you in assembling your own conceptual toolkit for architectural thinking and making and encourages you to integrate theoretical concepts into design studio work. You will also develop your thesis using techniques and skills developed from the Research Methods (Research Proposal and Plan) and Critical Context (Thesis outline) modules.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,900
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,900
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including parallel motion boards and flip-top drawing boards, plus the latest software and printers
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Stationery / model-making materials (£250)
- Student membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (student membership is free)
- Design studio site visits and study trips: various options including overseas trip (£60-500)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including parallel motion boards and flip-top drawing boards, plus the latest software and printers
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
Essential Costs
- Stationery / model-making materials (£250)
- Student membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (student membership is free)
- Design studio site visits and study trips: various options including overseas trip (£60-500)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Architecture Project Office Project Office is a RIBA chartered practice co-directed by Craig Stott and Simon Warren, both architects and senior lecturers in Architecture at Leeds Beckett University. Project Office is a design and research collaboration of staff and students making ethical, social and resilient architecture.
Describe your lecturers ‘Approachable’, ‘Crazy’ & ‘Enthusiastic’. Just some of the words that students from Leeds School of Arts use to describe their lecturers.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Hyun Jun Park
Course Director / Leeds School Of Arts
Hyun Jun Park is a practitioner, writer, curator, and Course Director of Postgraduate Architecture at the Leeds School of Architecture.
architecture research group
Our research themes include building performance and energy, civil engineering water research, spatial and neighbourhood planning and architectural history and theory. All our research is linked closely to industry through partnerships and professionally supported activities.
MA Architecture Futures
MA Architecture Futures considers the ever more diverse and dynamic landscapes of architectural production, culture and politics, and addresses the wide range of tasks and modes of operation that architectural practitioners engage in, besides traditional office-based work. You could go on to work in areas as broad as materials development, consultancy, facilitation, policy making, charity work, artistic practices, community projects and education.
Career Prospects
Suitable for graduates and practitioners from a range of architectural and spatial or environmental design disciplines, this course will help to advance your knowledge and skills in architecture and urban design:
- Contemporary theories
- Design
- Representation
Upon graduation, you may seek to further your education to PhD level with the intention of entering an academic career. Alternatively, you could look for new forms of inter-disciplinary practice beyond traditional work in the architectural office.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
