Architecture - Applied Architecture & Design

Overview

An innovative and personalised Master’s programme for enthusiastic students with an undergraduate degree in architecture who wish to explore future opportunities in architecture, urbanism, design and creative industries.



Course Content

This is a personalised Master’s programme for engaged students who would like to make the most of their time at Queen’s. The work produced throughout the year will be a collaborative effort between you, your year group, our award-winning academics and practicing architects. Because this yearlong course does not require you to meet prescription for qualification, it encourages you to work both within and beyond the realm of conventional architectural practice. We would like you to push the boundaries of your imagination and the limits of architectural media, while working with other architects, designers, artists and filmmakers.



You will work on modules including design, humanities and technology, questioning norms in architecture throughout. You will complete a major thesis project, the topic and methodology of which will be self-directed. You will be able to use the thesis as a means to experiment with new ideas, technologies and media, and as a gateway to your future career goals.



The course encourages lateral thinking, problem solving, creativity and engagement with design in a self-critical process. It will address issues as diverse as our survival on the planet and alternative ways of thinking about what architecture can be and do.

Semester 1 - AAD Design Studio 1, Technical Dissertation, and Humanities Dissertation

Semester 2 - AAD Design Studio 2, Technical Dissertation, and Humanities Dissertation

Semester 3 - Thesis Project



Modules

The modules listed below are compulsory. Field trips will enrich the programme; last year, we have spent a week in Naples, Italy. Students are also encouraged to incorporate other Queen’s modules (INTO academic skills, advanced English, languages, history, introduction to film studies, etc.) as long as timetables allow.



AAD Design Studio 1 (30 CATS), Semester 1/12 weeks

AAD Design Studio 2 (30 CATS), Semester 2/12 weeks

Humanities Dissertation (30 CATS), Semester 1+2/24 weeks

Technical Dissertation (30 CATS), Semester 1+2/24 weeks

Thesis Project (60 CATS), Semester 3/12 weeks (Summer)



Year 1

Core Modules

Cinematic Architecture Studio 2 (30 credits)

Cinematic Architecture Studio 1 (30 credits)

Thesis Project (60 credits)

Technical Dissertation (30 credits)

Humanities Dissertation (30 credits)

Graduate

Applicants whose primary degree was/will be awarded outside the UK:

1. A recognised qualification acceptable to the University which is equivalent to a 2.2 Honours degree in a creative background such as Architecture, Interior Architecture, Art, Design, Film, Animation.



2. International applicants must submit a digital art/design/architecture/film portfolio (which will include any type of design/film projects in the form of images and/or film links/stills). A video explaining the applicant’s interest in the course (maximum three minutes) may also be submitted to support the application. (The submission of the video is optional.) Applicants will be invited for an optional online interview.



3. A demonstration of a critical awareness of the applicant’s position related to their discipline. Such demonstration is typically in the form of experience in practice or personal statement.



Portfolio and Video Requirement for Application:

As part of the application process you must upload a single digital portfolio of your best art/design/architecture/film projects to date. The pdf should be no more than 5MB and 15 pages.



In addition, you may prepare a (maximum three-minute) optional video in relation to one of the following questions: What is architecture for you? As a designer/artist, what are you curious or ambitious about? What would be your dream project? Please upload your video on Vimeo or YouTube, adjust your privacy settings, and provide the link on the cover page of your portfolio. The purpose of the portfolio/video submission is to:

i. Identify indicators of commitment, excellence and achievement within the applicant’s academic or professional portfolio of experience.

ii. Evaluate the applicant’s critical awareness of art and design.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

1 year full-time.

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

By completing the programme, you will graduate with an MSc Architecture degree within a year from a Russell Group university in the UK. Strong graduates will be eligible to apply to the MArch for direct entry into the second year, if they wish to complete Part II of the RIBA/ARB criteria leading to eligibility to sit Part III, the Professional Examination and registration as an architect in the UK. Therefore, the MSc is ideal for postgraduate students who have not chosen their career paths yet. If you would like to push the boundaries of your education and think outside-the-box, MSc is for you.